Whenever a Chinaman met an
acquaintance, putting his hands in the wide, flowing sleeves of his
gown, he greeted him with many bows, wished him a happy New Year, and
invited him to have a cup of tea or saki. Even the poorest people had
saved up enough to take part in the celebration. All over the great
city joy reigned.
The missioners, glad to give their pupils English as well as Chinese,
all the pleasure they could, always celebrated the New Year by having a
more elaborate supper than usual, and taking the boys to see the
brilliantly lighted city and the puppet shows. For weeks beforehand
all looked forward to the great holiday, and could hardly wait for the
time to come when the city would be in holiday attire, and the
fireworks and puppet shows in progress. On this night supper was over,
the bell had rung, and the boys were in a double line ready to start on
their little excursion. At the head of the ranks stood young Peppo,
the leader, in a state of subdued excitement. He was anxious to see
the beautiful lights, and also hoped to find his little companion,
Willy, at the puppet show, where he knew he would be, if possible.
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