Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan.pdf/88

74 answer.) I only get one yen thirty sen a day, and it is little enough, but, as long as I can work, we can get along. (Turning to Koyama) Sir, again I thank you from the depths of my heart. You are a good and merciful man to have made me free.
 * Tsugi.—Papa, she is so happy now, and surely you can do something?
 * Koyama.—(Hangs his heard, looks serious, but does not answer.)
 * Asa.—Oh, Sir, speak! Speak to me, and tell me what is to happen! … Then, I am to… Oh! (She falls to the floor weeping.) (There is a heavy silence for a few moments.)
 * Asa.—(Still crying) Sir, please bind my arms again….
 * Tsugi.—But, if my father arrests you now, you will be in great trouble?
 * Asa.—I must resign myself to my sad fate … I am lost!
 * Tsugi.—But …
 * Asa.—All through my life I shall be bound. Unhappiness, poverty, and misfortune will bind me closer than these ropes; so it is all the same to me,—bind me again, I say …
 * Tsugi.—But what will become of your sick child and the old man whom you look after and care for?
 * Asa.—Oh, the thought of them drives me to despair, and … (She begins to weep again.)
 * Koyama.—Will you not go to your house now and see your child? I can at least manage that for you.