Page:Tayama Katai and His Novel Entitled Futon (Reece).pdf/211

 "What's this, a present? You shouldn't have done that."

"Don't mention it, as I'm going to eat some with you," Yoshiko said cheerfully. Then, as she started to go into the next room Tokio told her to sit down in a corner of the living room under a dazzling bright light. With her beautiful figure, fashionable hairdo, pretty flannel kimono with an olive-colored summer obi which was tied in an appealing shape, and seated slightly sideways--she was indeed charming. Seated facing her, Tokio felt indescribable satisfaction and almost forgot the worries and pains which had, up to now, occupied his mind. It is always the state of mind of one who loves that provided he could only capture his loved one, he would be satisfied even if he had a powerful enemy.

"I'm sorry about coming home so late," she apologized to him awkwardly.

"I hear that you strolled over to Nakano, is that so?" Tokio asked her abruptly.

"Yes. . . ." Yoshiko again quickly tried to read Tokio's expression.

His sister-in-law served them tea. Opening the present, she found some of the cream cakes which she liked so much. "Oh! my! How delicious they are," she joyfully said. For a time everyone's attention was diverted to the objects of her remark.

After a while Yoshiko said, "Sensei, were you waiting for me to come home?"

"Yes, yes, he has been waiting for you for about an hour and a half," replied her landlady, who was seated alongside of Yoshiko.