60
Eminent Authors of Japan
have something particular to ask you.
- Koyama.—I will listen to what you have to say, but, as I told you before, I cannot on any account accept anything from you.
- Asa.—Perhaps your refusal is right,—
- Koyama.—You don’t seem to understand that an official cannot receive presents from any stranger. I am sorry, but please try to understand. Also please remember that I am not the man to be influenced by gifts. My duty is my duty and there it ends; so kindly state your business now.
- Asa.—(Very timidly) Well, then—
- Koyama.—Oh, please put that box down—what is it you want?
- Asa.—(After hanging her head for a while) Must we register with you when we have a child?
- Koyama.—Of course you must.
- Asa.—But supposing that child died soon after its birth,—is it still necessary to register in such a case, Sir?
- Koyama.—Even though the child is dead, you must of course report it.
- Asa.—But is it not the same as if the child were not born, if it died immediately after birth?
- Koyama.—Your supposition is entirely wrong.
- Asa.—Then you mean to tell me that we must register the child as born?
- Koyama.—Have you got your child?
- Asa.—(After a pause.) Yes, Sir.
- Koyama.—Why did you not report it until now?
