So many thoughts swirled around my head that I said the first thing that came to mind, even though I had vowed to be gracious and accommodating. "Well, she seems fine," I said, because I knew I was supposed to accept his choice of concubine, "but bound feet and Western dress do not go together."

Hsu Chih-mo stopped walking around the room. He whirled on his heel, as if my remark had released all his impatience and frustration. "I know that," he suddenly screamed. "That's why I want a divorce."

Bound Feet & Western Dress, p.122

The end of summer