Page:Eminent Authors of Contemporary Japan.pdf/63

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A Case of Child Murder
49
  • Koyama.—But it was my fault that I was not able to afford to help them more beneficially.
  • Tsugi.—There are many people in this world who lose their dear ones, even though they try ever so hard to bestow care upon them, so, Papa, you must not blame yourself so unjustly, for you did your best.
  • Koyama.—In spite of what you say, I still hold myself responsible. I will always feel that I let them die, when I could have done far more.
  • Tsugi.—Please say no more; but all the same, I wish that we were a little richer.
  • Koyama.—But, we are not; so it is useless to complain further! Let us have our supper at once, for I am very hungry.
  • Tsugi.—Very well; but, I am sorry that to-night I have nothing very tempting for you. Shall I go out and buy some tofu?
  • Koyama.—No, no, I want nothing more. I think you have some boiled beans, haven’t you?
  • Tsugi.—Yes,—
  • Koyama.—That will do then.
  • Tsugi.—(Brags a small table into the room, and prepares for supper, while Koyama turns on the electric light, and sets some incense sticks before the household shrine. It becomes darker outside. Many people pass by the door. At last Tsugi and Koyama seat themselves at the table.)
  • Koyama.—I feel so lonely when we sit down to a meal.
  • Tsugi.—Yes, I wish it were possible to have Kenchan with us now—