50
Eminent Authors of Japan
- big company since you have been away from Tokyo.
- Wife.—Oh, I wish I could feel that such a thing was true when we got back there.
- Husband.—Perhaps so. Anyway don’t behave, when you get back, as if you were the wife of a poor clerk!
- Wife.—But I can’t help feeling that I am, all the same.
- Husband.—What do you mean by ‘all the same’? Are you trying to make me mad? If you talk like that I will start to lecture you again!
- Wife.—No more lectures, please, dear! No, thank you. I’ve had quite enough of your lectures!
- Husband.—Well then, listen to me; … tell me plainly … have you begun to understand my disposition yet? I want to feel that you understand me thoroughly, my dear … After all … you are an unusually good-natured woman … Why do you make faces?
- Wife.—(remains silent.)
- Husband.—Oh, well. I’ll not flatter you … but really you are just the kind of woman for me.
- Wife.—I’m glad!
- Husband.—You have beauty! … I consider myself a very fortunate man.
- (Just then the maid with the heavy foot-steps enters the room followed by the round-shouldered bath-attendant.)
- Husband.—Ah, you have both been very kind to us. Here is something for each of you.