[NOTE: There is a short list of bookmarks, or pointers, at the end of the file for those who may wish to sample the author's ideas before making an entire meal of them. D.W.]
MADAME CHRYSANTHEME
By PIERRE LOTI
BOOK 4.
CHAPTER XLVII
A MIDNIGHT ALARM
It is the middle of the night, perhaps about two o'clock in the morning. Our lamps are burning somewhat dimly before our placid idols.