Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: September 2, 2025
Sometimes a low whistle sounded from outside the house. Sadako would lay aside the book, would slip on her cloak and go out into the garden, where Sekiné was waiting for her. When she was left to herself Asako began to think for the first time in her life.
"It is not right that a Japanese should sleep upon a tall bed. She must learn to give up luxurious ways." Sadako protested that her cousin's health was not yet assured; and so discipline was relaxed for a time.
He was sure that he would have much in common with many of these men, who talked so good-naturedly among themselves, until the chill of his approach fell upon them. Besides Ito and Sadako Fujinami, the only person present who could talk English at all fluently was that blotchy-faced individual, Mr. Fujinami Takeshi.
Fujinami Gentaro naturally supported the claims of his own progeny. If Takeshi's children must be disinherited because of the leprous strain, then, at least, Sadako remained. She was a well-educated and serious girl. She knew foreign languages. She could make a brilliant marriage. Her husband would be adopted as heir. Perhaps the Governor of Osaka?
Her cousin's surprise shook Asako out of her dream; and the kiss left a bitter powdery taste upon her lips which disillusioned her. "Shall we go into the garden?" said Sadako, who felt that fresh air was advisable. They joined hands; so much familiarity was permitted by Japanese etiquette.
Her wishes were usually ignored; and she was not encouraged to leave the house and grounds. Sadako no longer took her cousin with her to the theatre or to choose kimono patterns at the Mitsukoshi store. She was irritated at Asako's failure to learn Japanese. It bored her to have to explain everything. She found this girl from Europe silly and undutiful.
The young Viscount, however, on ascertaining the origin of the family wealth, eliminated poor Sadako from the competition for his hand. It was a great disappointment to the Fujinami, and most of all to the ambitious Sadako.
Sadako stepped back and clapped her hands together three times, repeating the formula of the Nichiren Sect of Buddhists. She instructed Asako to do the same. "For," she said, "we believe that the spirits of the dead people are here; and we must be very good to them." Asako did as she was told, wondering whether her confessor would give her penance for idolatry.
Another time Sadako asked her with much diffidence and slanting of the eyes, "I wish to learn about kissing." "What is the Japanese for 'kiss'?" laughed Asako. "Oh! There is no such word," expostulated Sadako, shocked at her cousin's levity, "we Japanese do not speak of such things." "Then Japanese people don't kiss?" "Oh, no," said the girl. "Not ever?" asked Asako, incredulous.
It was to give her time to assimilate her surroundings that Asako was left alone for half an hour or so, while Sadako and her mother were combing their hair and putting their kimonos straight. Tea and biscuits were brought for her, but her fancy was astray in the garden.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking