Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan, volume 2.pdf/54

38 *Husband.—Have you ever longed for the sun as much as you do now? … You are a woman, and you do not realise that the fire that was almost extinguished has suddenly begun to burn again in my heart … it has burst into flames … can’t you realise it?
 * Wife.—(glances quickly at her husband.)
 * Husband.—Why do you look at me like that? … It is not the continuous rain of the past few days which has made me speak like this? (The bell of the telephone on the desk rings.)
 * Husband.—(becoming calmer) I have no use for that wretched telephone, I’m only thinking of your fresh and beautiful figure … (The bell rings again violently.)
 * Husband.—Disgusting! (He takes up the receiver.) Hello! Hello! Who is it? What? … Yes, it is … From Tokyo? … Who? … Oh, exchange, please don’t cut me off … please … Hello! Hello! … Yes, it is … Oh is it you?
 * Wife.—Who is it?
 * Husband.—(aside) Kobayashi.
 * Wife.—Mr. Kobayashi?
 * Husband.—(continuing his conversation into the telephone) No, no, nothing of the sort! What nonsense! … Yes, … What? … Yes, very good! … Oh, yes, the sea is lovely here … What? … … Yes, she is … But I’m not quite at my ease with her.
 * Wife.—What are you talking about?