Page:Tayama Katai and His Novel Entitled Futon (Reece).pdf/281

 "Since I'm to be blamed for everything, I should be the first to leave. Just now you, sir, said that Mr. Yokoyama was willing to grant our marriage at a later date, but according to what he himself said just now, it appears that he is still dissatisfied."

"What do you mean?" retorted Tokio.

"He means that he's not satisfied because I didn't make a firm promise," the old man cut in. "But I thought that I had fully explained that point to Tanaka just now. Under the present conditions, I'm unable to consider whether or not I can grant this marriage. I'm not inclined to trust you when you say you will make a living for two when you are still a student who can't at this time make enough money to even support yourself. Therefore, I believe it's best for both parties involved to study for the next three or four years. You should be able to understand that much if you seriously consider the points I made. If I were to deceive you at this time and marry Yoshi to another man then you would be dissatisfied. But I swear to God, I say in the presence of Mr. Takenaka, I do not have the remotest intention of giving Yoshi away for at least three years. A man's world is always at the mercy of Jehovah; we sinful humans are destined to wait for his powerful judgment. I can't promise you that I'll give Yoshi to you. My conscience at this time doesn't permit me to do so. I don't believe that this recent affair meets with God's wishes. I can't predict in three years whether or not your desires are suitable to God's wishes. But I believe that if you are truly sincere and serious this marriage will surely please God's will."