Page:Tayama Katai and His Novel Entitled Futon (Reece).pdf/273

 "Even so, it has nothing to do with whether I give my permission or not, as a promise of marriage is of the greatest moment. Before we consent to their marriage, we must first investigate his social standing, and compare if our statusstatuses [sic] are compatible, and we have to check his lineage. Above all, his character is of the most importance. With what you've seen of him, you seem to regard him as an able student, but...."

"No, I might have made a mistake about the boy."

"Then, tell me what you really think about him?"

"I understand that your wife is better informed...."

"No, my wife doesn't know him well; she met him only once or twice at the Sunday school at Suma. They say he was quite a talented Person in Kobe; Yoshi has known him since she was in a girls' school there. I understand he showed promise in preaching and praying which could not be matched by his elders."

Tokio now understood why Tanaka spoke in oratorical and perfunctory tones, and why his unpleasant upturned eyes always expressed supplication. Tokio felt distaste at the idea that Tanaka had captivated a young woman with such a displeasing expression.

"Then, what do you propose to do about it? Are you going to take Yoshiko-san home?"

"Well...I hope that I'll not have to do so. If I suddenly took her home, it would be too conspicuous and therefore undesirable. As both my wife and I are engaged in many charitable organizations in our village and we hold some honorable positions, we would be very embarrassed if the news of my daughter's return spreads around.