Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan.pdf/60

46 sure that I can offer you a far better price than most others can do. (Examining the clothes) They are all women’s clothes!
 * Koyama.—Yes, all of them are. I have lost my wife.
 * Ragman.—I’m sorry, Sir. I sympathize with you in your grief. You must miss her very much. (Still looking closely at the clothes) Oh, I see some boy’s clothes here too!
 * Koyama.—Oh, yes; I forgot to mention them. My son has also died, so they are no further use to me now.
 * Ragman.—Eldest son, perhaps?—What a tragedy, Sir. You must indeed be greatly grieved. As you have told me of your sad loss, I will give you my best possible price for all these things, Sir.
 * Koyama.—How much will you give me?
 * Ragman.—Let me see—(thinking for a moment) I will give you seven and a half yen for the lot. That is the very highest price that you would get from anyone.
 * Tsugi.—(Picking up one of the garments, and looking at it sadly) Papa, is it not a pity to sell them in thithis [sic] way?
 * Ragman.—(Taking the garment from her gently) But this, Miss, is too plain for you to wear.
 * Tsugi.—Oh, it is not that at all. It is not that I wish to wear it—
 * Ragman.—Of course, Miss, if this garment did not have such a narrow neck-band, I would give you far more for it, but unfortunately the cut of it is