Page:Tayama Katai and His Novel Entitled Futon (Reece).pdf/313

 lectured to Yoshiko on Turgenev's. At long last, the meaning of life described by the great Russian writer came home to him.

Behind Tokio there was a group of well-wishers. Near a pillar stood a man wearing an old felt hat who had come unnoticed onto the platform. Yoshiko recognized him, and her heart began to beat with excitement. Her father looked offended. However, Tokio who was absorbed in daydreaming was unaware that this man was standing behind him.

The conductor blew his whistle for the train's departure.

The train started to pull out of the station.

Lonely life, dreary life again returned to Tokio's home. The loud scolding voice of his wife, unable to control their children, pierced Tokio's ears and irritated him.

His life was back in the same old pattern of three years ago.

On the fifth day, he received a letter from Yoshiko. Her letter, in the ceremonious epistolary style, not in her usual friendly colloquial style, read as follows:

Please set your mind at ease as yesterday evening we returned safely home.

I really do not know how to apologize for causing you so much trouble at a time when you were very busy.

I apologize again and offer you my sincerest regrets.

I had intended to extend my gratitude before I left and ask your pardon, but I was so depressed I even refused