Page:Tayama Katai and His Novel Entitled Futon (Reece).pdf/255

 with Yoshiko after giving her oblique warning that these two lovers were seeing each other too frequently; and various other things. He was very annoyed. Tokio slept at home that night, returning the next day to the banks of the Tone River.

It was the night of January fifth. The dimly-ringed moon in the vast sky was reflected on the central surface of the river which broke its glistening light into pieces. Tokio was cogitating over the contents of a letter from Yoshiko that was spread out on the desk, which had been delivered to him a short time ago by a maid at the inn.

Dear Sensei:

I am truly sorry. All my life I will never forget my obligation for your sympathetic understanding of my troubles, and even now when I think of your many kindnesses, I am moved to tears.

My parents are reacting as expected. In spite of what you told them, they are old-fashioned bigots, unwilling to understand our desires. I appealed to them with tears but still they would not grant our marriage. Reading my mother's letter I could not help but cry, but I do wish she was able, even a little, to understand my feelings. Now I fully realize how tormenting love can be. Sensei, I have made up my mind. Just as the Bible says a woman should forsake her parents and follow her husband, I intend to follow Tanaka.

Tanaka has yet to find a means to make a living. His savings have already been used up, and he had a wretched