She had never seen such an astonishing fan , and at once became absorbed in examining it . Of course , there was no perspective whatever , which only gave it a peculiar charm to Rose , for in one place a lovely lady , with blue knitting-needles in her hair , sat directly upon the spire of a stately pagoda . In another charming view a brook appeared to flow in at the front door of a stout gentleman 's house , and out at his chimney . In a third a zig-zag wall went up into the sky like a flash of lightning , and a bird with two tails was apparently brooding over a fisherman whose boat was just going aground upon the moon . It was altogether a fascinating thing , and she would have sat wafting it to and fro all the afternoon , to Fun 's great satisfaction , if Dr. Alec 's attention had not suddenly been called to her by a breeze from the big fan that blew his hair into his eyes , and reminded him that they must go . So the pretty china was repacked , Rose furled her fan , and with several parcels of choice teas for the old ladies stowed away in Dr. Alec 's pockets , they took their leave , after Fun had saluted them with `` the three bendings and the nine knockings , '' as they salute the Emperor , or `` Son of Heaven , '' at home . `` I feel as if I had really been to China , and I 'm sure I look so , '' said Rose , as they glided out of the shadow of the `` Rajah . '' She certainly did , for Mr. Whang Lo had given her a Chinese umbrella ; Uncle Alec had got some lanterns to light up her balcony ; the great fan lay in her lap , and the tea-set reposed at her feet . `` This is not a bad way to study geography , is it ? '' asked her uncle , who had observed her attention to the talk . `` It is a very pleasant way , and I really think I have learned more about China to-day than in all the lessons I had at school , though I used to rattle off the answers as fast as I could go . No one explained anything to us , so all I remember is that tea and silk come from there , and the women have little bits of feet . I saw Fun looking at mine , and he must have thought them perfectly immense , '' answered Rose , surveying her stout boots with sudden contempt . `` We will have out the maps and the globe , and I 'll show you some of my journeys , telling stories as we go . That will be next best to doing it actually . '' `` You are so fond of travelling , I should think it would be very dull for you here , uncle . Do you know , Aunt Plenty says she is sure you will be off in a year or two . '' `` Very likely . '' `` Oh , me ! what shall I do then ? ''
sighed XXXXX , in a tone of despair that made Uncle Alec 's face brighten with a look of genuine pleasure as he said significantly , `` Next time I go I shall take my little anchor with me .
Alec China Emperor Fun Lo Rose afternoon fro lightning year