The Motor Maids in Fair Japan by Katherine Stokes
page 14 of 225 (06%)
page 14 of 225 (06%)
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accent:
"American floors are not intended to be used as chairs." "Meaning, Mr. Ito, that the American floors are not as entirely free from dust as the Japanese floors?" inquired Miss Campbell. "Oh, no, Madam," protested the Japanese, horrified at this implication of rudeness but unable to dispel the impression nevertheless. "I grant you that our houses are not as clean as yours," went on Miss Campbell, "but you see we haven't time to remove our shoes whenever we enter the house, and then we have so much furniture and so many hangings to catch the dust. I don't see how you Japanese can resist the collecting habit in a country where there are so many beautiful things to collect." "My dear Cousin, they are as great collectors as anybody, only they keep their valuables stored in a fire-proof house--what is it you call it, Yoritomo?" asked Mr. Campbell. "It is called in English language a 'go-down.'" "So it is, a 'go-down.' It always reminds me of a steep grade down the side of a mountain. Here they keep all their best clothes and vases and ornaments and only bring out one vase and one scroll at a time. When they grow tired of those things, they are stored and something else is brought out, so that there is perpetual variety in the Japanese home." "I should hate to have my best clothes locked in a fire-proof house," announced Nancy. "Suppose one wanted to make a quick change and the |
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