Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan, volume 2.pdf/161

Rh continuously on the travel, going from one place to another, living the life of a strolling performer. The only one she had belonging to her was her only brother, a dissipated youth, who existed in his native village without a home. If she was to part from her husband and return to her native place, where would she find a house to live in, or who would believe in or marry a woman who had left there years before to join a party of strolling players?

“She could not help remaining with Fan, your honour, even though there was terrible discord in their married life.”

“And what is your opinion of the tragedy?” asked the judge.

“Did he do it intentionally or by mistake, do you mean?”

“Yes.”

“To speak plainly, I have thought and thought about it ever since it happened, but the more I think, the more puzzling it becomes to me, your honour.”

“But why?”

“I don’t know. At any rate, the whole affair seems very mysterious, there’s no denying that, your honour. Everybody feels the same about it, you know. Our announcer also says he cannot understand it either.”

“What did you think the instant the tragedy happened?”

“I thought … yes, I thought he had killed her intentionally.”