Page:Tayama Katai and His Novel Entitled Futon (Reece).pdf/239

 summer kimono, Tokio recalled dreams that he had had in his younger days, and felt compassion for Tanaka who was also troubled over his love affair.

They talked for over an hour, sitting without crossing their legs in this sultry room. To the very end their talk got nowhere. At last Tokio left for home, saying in parting, "Anyway, think it over."

He felt somewhat ridiculous. Thinking he had done a foolish act, he scoffed at himself. He remembered paying empty compliments to Tanaka and in order to conceal his own secret, promising to become a cordial guardian of their love. He also remembered saying that he would take the trouble to introduce him to a certain person who, in turn, would find him easy translation work.

He rebuked himself for being too weak-spirited and too much of a good fellow.

He often wondered. Would it be better to let her parents know? But it was of great importance to him to decide what attitude he should take before informing them of it. Tokio felt a very heavy responsibility as he believed that he held the key to their love affair. He could not bear to sacrifice Yoshiko's love for his improper jealousy and unjustified love, nor could he bear to assume a virtuous air as in his own words "a cordial guardian." On the other hand, he was afraid that Yoshiko's parents might get to know of her love affair and she would be taken home for her parents' sake.

The next night Yoshiko came to Tokio's study, looking down-cast, and explained her hopes in a timid voice. She said to him that no matter how hard she urged Tanaka, he would not return home.