Page:Tayama Katai and His Novel Entitled Futon (Reece).pdf/187

 to meet him. Having talked with him, I found that after reading my letter in which I gave him full particulars of what had happened he became exceptionally worried that if I was forced to return home because of our affair, he would not be able to forgive himself, and forsaking his studies came to Tokyo. He said that his purpose was to confess to you frankly our relationship, apologize, throw ourselves on your mercy, and ask your help to bring everything to a satisfactory conclusion. In return, I told him in detail what I had explained to you, about your kindness, that you would be ready to stand as a witness to our later marriage, as well as acting as our guardian in the coming years. He was deeply grateful for your kindness and shed tears of gratitude.

Tanaka seemed to be so alarmed by my flustered letter that he came expecting the worst. If the worst should happen, he planned to ask a friend who went with us to Saga to certify as to our unstained relationship; in addition, I confided to you our mutual love which we both felt after parting, and appealed that you inform my parents back home in detail that we wanted to marry. But, how could I dare ask further favors, as I had recently hurt their feelings by my reckless conduct.

We agreed to keep silent for a time, concentrating on our studies, taking hope in each other and waiting for a chance--it might be five or as many as ten years--then open our hearts to my parents. I told Tanaka of your advice. And...since we had settled on our future plans, I knew it was