Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan.pdf/18

6 The water of the bath is only indicated by a line of white.

The cottage has a little window on its left side, but, as the entrance faces the river, some large rocks in front prevent us from seeing much of the interior which seems to be in complete darkness.

It is night-time in the early autumn. On the edges of the cliffs many Shiro-hagi shrubs are in full bloom. Sitting alone on a rock near the entrance of the cottage is Osayo. She is gazing up the river. Presently, an old woman—her mother—comes wandering down the steep descent of the cliff’s edge toward the bridge. She carries a bundle of firewood on her shoulders. When she reaches the middle of the bridge she looks down and notices Osayo. She stops.)


 * Mother.—Who is that down there? Is it you, Osayo?
 * Osayo.—(Remains silent).
 * Mother.—Good gracious! Whatever are you doing here at this time?
 * Osayo.—(Does not answer, but her face shows embarrassment, which her mother notices.)
 * Mother.—Why are you sitting there at midnight? In spite of what I have often told you, never to come down here! How long have you been here? At what time did you come?
 * Osayo.—(Seems about to answer her, but stops.)
 * Mother.—What? what is that you say?
 * Osayo.—I didn’t say anything.
 * Mother.—Oh, didn’t you? Even though you won’t