In the darkness, and in such emotion, how could that mistake
be known? The usurper drew her towards him.
Even so is the precious scented flower of the nutmeg embraced by the
bind-weed. Even so is the plum blossom torn by the hail. Even so is
the sparrow's nest most outraged by the cuckoo.
When the first clouds of their desire were dissipated by the rain of
caresses, Wu-han took from his sleeve the pledges of love. She gave
them back to him:
"Now that I am happy, I no more wish to go out."
About the fourth watch, before daylight, Wu-han arose and climbed
stealthily down to the street.
Since that time there had to be a storm of rain, or the moon had to
be very clear, to prevent Wu-han from hurrying to the small woman. The
days, and then the months, passed in this way.
One night the deceiver accidentally made some noise as he went away.
P'an immediately came up to them, but saw nothing; for Eternal Life
succeeded in not betraying herself. Next night she warned her lover,
saying to him in her sense:
"Do not come for a few days. That will be safer. Let us give them time
to forget about it."
But her father had his ears on the alert; he heard the window creak,
and he ran up, though again too late. In the morning he said to his
wife:
"This baby is certainly about some villainy. She keeps her mouth as
tight as a trap.
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