"The reader's sympathy is usually with the deserving but unsuccessful one at marriage. Most readers sympathize with Taiyu in Red Chamber Dream for the same reason." At the word "marriage" Coral pricked up her ears and said, “What are you two talking about with so much interest? Talk louder and let us hear it." "I know," said Mochow. "Second Sister is talking about Red Chamber Dream, and her sympathies are with Taiyu." "Oh," said Tijen. "I know. Second Sister likes Taiyu and Third Sister likes Paotsa." "Whom do you like?" asked Sutan. "I like Paoyu," replied Tijen. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself—that effeminate young man!" said Mochow. To Sutan, she said, "Whom do you like best?" "I like the cousin Hsiangyun," said Sutan; "she is so boyish and romantic." "Bravo!" exclaimed Tijen. "Whom do you like best?" Mulan asked Lifu in her low, gentle voice. Lifu paused a moment, and said, "I don't know. Taiyu weeps too much, and Paotsa is too capable. Perhaps I like Tanchun best because she is a combination of both, with the talent of Taiyu and the character of Paotsa. But I don't like the way she treats her mother." Mulan listened silently and then said slowly, "Alas! No one is perfect in this world."