Untitled

AT A FAN-MAKER'S. 109
" He is the son of Tonosuke, the proprietor,"
"
Hear him talk to that young woman."
boy.
said Oto.
" My father's fans are the finest made in Tokio," said the
T We use the very best bamboo, and extra qualities
of paste and paper, and employ the most accomplished artists.
This fan will not only be exceedingly useful to you, but will
complete your costume, as its colors exactly
harmonize with
those of your obi " (girdle).
The customer simpered, paid him for the article and re-
tired, examining her purchase. When she was out of sight,
the boy said to Oto,
" Honorable doctor, my father is expecting you. Please
go into the shop and I will summon him."
They put off their shoes and did as he requested; seating
themselves in a neatly matted apartment which commanded a
view of two streets.
While the lad was gone to call his father, the visitors
watched a uyekiya (flower-seller) who had set up
his stand on
the side-walk.
" I would like to buy that young maple-tree," said Sallie.
" I w T onder whether he would carry it to the Kaga yashiki"
When Johnnie asked him, the man paused in the occupation
of sprinkling his stock with a curious bottle-shaped watering-
pot, and replied in a shrill falsetto,
:?
Yes, honorable Sir, I will carry it up at once. Is there
anything else "
you would like?
w How much will you take for your entire collection?"
demanded Fitz.
The florist looked puzzled, and answered,
:r
I have not a soroban (counting-board) with me. I think
I can let you have all these plants for five yen."
" I will give you four," said Fitz, handing him a card,