Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/179

Rh happiness, she said that I could have a free hand in matters relating to matrimony. 'What do you think of that, sir?"

"Here is another thank-offering," said Sashirō filled with an ecstasy of joy, and giving him double the previous amount. "Read the remainder quickly."

"'But frankly I must tell you that I have no regard for you.'"

"Oh! 'No regard for me'!"

"One minute, sir! I think that statement is the outcome of modesty. What follows proves my opinion. 'I suppose you are jesting with me,' and the next sentence is this: 'If you are in earnest, I hope that you will—' What follows is of the greatest importance, and merits a very large thank-offering, sir."

No sooner had he spoken, than Sashirō again doubled the reward, and urged him to proceed further.

Kosuké read on composedly: "'If you are in earnest, I hope that you will completely give me up. It would be impossible for me to bring myself to regard such a man as you with love and respect'"