Such was a very natural view for the Chinaman to take when first brought really face to face with the West; and such is the view that in spite of modern educational progress is still very widely held.

The people of a country do not unlearn in a day the long lessons of the past.

He was quite a friendly mandarin, taking a practical view of national dress, who said in conversation: "I can't think why you foreigners wear your clothes so tight; it must be very difficult to catch the fleas." As an offset against the virtue of gratitude must be placed the deep-seated spirit of revenge which animates all classes.

Though not enumerated among their own list of the Seven passions--joy, anger, sorrow, fear, love, hatred and desire--it is perhaps the most over-mastering passion to which the Chinese mind is subject.

It is revenge which prompts the unhappy daughter-in-law to throw herself down a well, consoled by the thought of the trouble, if not ruin, she is bringing on her persecutors.