Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan.pdf/74

60 have something particular to ask you.
 * Koyama.—I will listen to what you have to say, but, as I told you before, I cannot on any account accept anything from you.
 * Asa.—Perhaps your refusal is right,—
 * Koyama.—You don’t seem to understand that an official cannot receive presents from any stranger. I am sorry, but please try to understand. Also please remember that I am not the man to be influenced by gifts. My duty is my duty and there it ends; so kindly state your business now.
 * Asa.—(Very timidly) Well, then—
 * Koyama.—Oh, please put that box down—what is it you want?
 * Asa.—(After hanging her head for a while) Must we register with you when we have a child?
 * Koyama.—Of course you must.
 * Asa.—But supposing that child died soon after its birth,—is it still necessary to register in such a case, Sir?
 * Koyama.—Even though the child is dead, you must of course report it.
 * Asa.—But is it not the same as if the child were not born, if it died immediately after birth?
 * Koyama.—Your supposition is entirely wrong.
 * Asa.—Then you mean to tell me that we must register the child as born?
 * Koyama.—Have you got your child?
 * Asa.—(After a pause.) Yes, Sir.
 * Koyama.—Why did you not report it until now?