"But then the Japanese daughter-in-law's turn comes later," said Mary
laughing, "when she gets to be a mother-in-law. So it's all nicely
balanced."

But the streets were too interesting to pursue the subject of
mother-in-law any further. They were passing a row of open-fronted shops
on the edges of which customers were squatted looking at materials while
the proprietor bobbed and smiled and dickered over his bargains. Red and
yellow banners hung in a row from the roof of the shop, the gay colored
hieroglyphics on them indicating what manner of goods were displayed
within.

"Here's a nice little silk shop, Komatsu. Let us stop here," called Miss
Campbell.

But Komatsu only grinned over his shoulder and called:

"Too littleness for gracious big lady."

"But I like the looks of this place, Komatsu," said the gracious big lady
helplessly.

However Komatsu had his own ideas of obedience and he trotted on, never
pausing until he reached a large silk store thronged with clerks and
customers.

Here all the 'rikshas drew up and the girls alighted with Miss Campbell,
who was a little red in the face but determined to overlook the
annoyance of orders disregarded.