"She is fifteen years old, therefore she has been ready for some time; the door of her emotions is ajar. If I take precaution and kindle her heart little by little, there is no need to fear that she will refuse to nibble at my hook."
Now the wife of Liu had already retired, and Prudence had shot the bolt of the door. She was laughing all over the bright chrysanthemum of her face:
"Sister-in-law, you have taken no refreshment. Are you not hungry? If you wish for anything, tell me, and I will go and fetch it for you."
"I am deeply grateful to my sister-in-law for her gentle thought."
Prudence noticed that the wick of the lamp had not been trimmed, and was burning long, straight and red. So she exclaimed:
"That is for your happiness, sister-in-law!"
The other could not restrain a burst of laughter.
Prudence blushed and laughed also:
"You know how to be merry."
So they talked together. At length the maiden, taking the flowers out of her hair, got upon the bed and knelt down to undress herself. He asked her: