Kwen-lin—(Lying down.) Do your eyes grow pearls that I am with my ancestors?
Chang-sut-yen—The love butterflies are winging in the happy recesses of my heart. My breath will smother me with joy.
Kwen-lin—(Sitting up.) Joy, when my father is going to marry me to the Ta-yin of Canton?
Chang-sut-yen—Exalted joy, because before that can happen my father will have the Ta-yin beheaded.
Kwen-lin—An orphan has no father.
Chang-sut-yen—I have a celestial now and then father, who does these necessary but disagreeable things. I think he will dispose of the wealthy Ta-yin if I ask him.
Kwen-lin—It must be a wonderful convenience. We will make a list of all those superbly annoying persons we do not like, and have your celestial now and then father, behead them.
Chang-sut-yen—We will ponder it, Bright Water-lily, when we are not serenely happy.
Kwen-lin—I do not like being whipped alive! My teeth chatter when I think of it, and I can't be happy.
Chang-sut-yen—A base whip to touch you! Nay, my lips shall make you live. (Kisses her.) I am gloriously versed in lip magic. (Kisses her again.)