unsuspected depths.

It was all so sudden that I was speechless and stared blankly at the
mother, who looked helpless and bewildered. The two grandmothers had
taken no part nor interest in the scene. Their faces expressed nothing.
To them the girl was as incomprehensible as any jungle savage. To me she
was like some wild, free bird, caught in a net, old, but very strong,
for its meshes were made from a relentless law.

I made my adieu with what grace I could and left.

* * * * *

On my way home I met Kishimoto San. Omitting details, I told him Zura
declined to come to my house for lessons.

"So! My granddaughter announced she will not? I shall give her a command
to obey."

I suggested that the girl needed time for adjustment and that he needed
much patience.

"Patience! With a girl?" he replied. "Ah. madam, you utter great demands
of my dignity! It is like requesting me to smile sweetly when grasping
the fruit of a chestnut tree which wears a prickly overcoat. But I thank
your great kindness for honoring my house and my family. _Sayonara_."

Deep thought held me fast as I passed through the cheerful, busy streets
and up the long flight of steps that led from the highway to my home. I
was too occupied mentally to pay much attention to Jane's unnumbered