Summary

On the morning of her fortieth birthday, serene and beautiful Madame Wu dresses herself with care, helped by her loving and talkative servant Ying. Later, Madame Wu’s light breakfast is interrupted by the arrival of two visitors: her gossipy longtime friend Madame Kang (who is also the mother of Madame Wu’s daughter-in-law Meng), and European missionary Little Sister Hsia. Shortly after Little Sister arrives, the more traditional Madame Kang leaves, promising to return later in the day for Madame Wu’s birthday feast. After she goes, Little Sister reads Madame Wu a story from her holy book about a house built on sand. Madame Wu listens politely, and then tactfully ushers Little Sister out. A short while later, Madame Wu is visited by her eldest son, Lingmao, who is surprised and dismayed to learn that his mother plans to arrange for his...