"Well, at all events, I will be content to leave the matter in your
hands," said Wei.

At last the time of the autumn examination drew near, and Tu and Wei
made preparations for their departure to the provincial capital. They
were both bitterly disappointed when Jasmine announced that she was not
going up that time. This determination was the result of a conference
with her father. She had pointed out to the colonel that if she passed
and took her M.A. degree she might be called upon to take office at any
time, and that then she would be compelled to confess her sex; and as
she was by no means disposed to give up the freedom which her doublet
and hose conferred upon her, it was agreed between them that she should
plead illness and not go up. Her two friends, therefore, went alone, and
brilliant success attended their venture. They both passed with honours,
and returned to Mienchu to receive the congratulations of their friends.
Jasmine's delight was very genuine, more especially as regarded Tu, and
the first evening was spent by the three students in joyous converse and
in confident anticipation of the future. As Jasmine took leave of the
two new M.A.'s, Wei followed her to the outer door and whispered at
parting:

"I am coming to-morrow to make my formal proposal to your sister."

Jasmine had no time to answer, but went home full of anxious and
disturbed thoughts, which were destined to take a more tragic turn than
she had ever anticipated even in her most gloomy moments. The same cruel
fate had also decreed that Wei's proposal was to be suspended, like
Buddha, between heaven and earth. The blow fell upon him when he was
attiring himself in the garments of his new degree, in preparation for
his visit. He was in the act of tying his sash and appending it to