Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan.pdf/73

Rh door, if you have something to see me about.
 * Koyama.—(To his daughter) I will shut the back door. You go to the bath at once.
 * Tsugi.—Very well, Papa.
 * Koyama.—Please be careful, and look after yourself; I feel rather anxious about your going alone. You had better take your umbrella, for it seems that it is going to rain.
 * Tsugi.—Yes, Papa. (She opens the front door. There stands Asa Sugihara, a woman coolie. She looks timidly into the room.)
 * Asa.—Excuse me, Miss, I have frightened you, I think?
 * Tsugi.—Oh, never mind. I was a little startled at first when I saw your figure in the dark. Please come in.
 * Asa.—(Enters the office very timidly. By her dress, it can be seen that she has just come from her work.)
 * Tsugi.—Goodbye, Papa; I will soon be back. (Exit.)
 * Koyama.—Was it you that was wanting to see me?
 * Asa.—Yes.
 * Koyama.—What is it you want, then?
 * Asa.—(Presenting a box of cakes to Koyama) Will you kindly accept my poor present?
 * Koyama.—I’m sorry, but I can’t accept it.
 * Asa.—Oh,—then please give the cakes to your boy.
 * Koyama.—I have no boy.
 * Asa.—(Confused)—Well—then,—then—
 * Koyama.—I really wish you would tell me your business quickly. What is it that you wish to ask me?
 * Asa.—But I wish you would accept my present, for I