alastair macleod 
Jade 

“This…., ” said Meg with a flourish “is the Chinese Orchestra.”Jade stared in fascination as Meg took out each little parcel and laid it on the downie. She carefully unwrapped each piece.Little porcelain figures emerged of girls, their black hair up in elaborate coiffures. They were clad in long flowing embroidered robes with loose sleeves. One was sitting cross legged with a flat string instrument across her knees, another knelt holding a tambourine. Three others sat on round seats, one playing cymbals, one playing a lute and the other holding a black lacquered clapper.Jade stared dumbstruck. They had her eyes. Each had eyes exactly like her own.“Aren’t they beautiful, ” said Meg.