THE JAPANESE GIRL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1937, Page 18

THE JAPANESE GIRL.

The little girls in Old Japan Wear kimonos and wave a fan. Their hair is shiny, black and sleek; They gum and stiffen it each week. And blue-black lights reflect therein 'Gainst lacquered, gold, or coral pin. They're very proud of how they look— It seems that we might, from their book. I'ake one small leaf, and learn to be As tidy as Miss Japanee.

"I wish Mrs. Lester wouldn't liave her back again," put in Ethel. "Perhaps you could come to school with me, then, Lena." _■ £ Lena was quiet. She had been thinking about Miss Jackson and school. "And leave me all alone?" cried Marjory. "You can eome too." suggested Ethel. Marjory shook her head. "No," she said slowly. "I wouldn't le;ive my mother for anything. I couldn't." "Well. Marjory." Lena said at last, "you are always saying that I won't play or do anything nice so you wouldn't miss me much." "Yes, I should," protested Marjory eagerly. "I should miss you dreadfully. It was only when Miss Jackson wa< here that I said such tilings. Why. you are heaps different again since we knew Kthel. "Well, you'd ljave mother all to yourself." said Lena. "And my mother too," put in Ethel, "for I'm sure she means to live here." But Marjory was not much comforted. At last the clock struck four, and everything was forgotten in the joyful thought of seeing father and mother again. Although it was dark, Marjory stood at the window, her head under the blind. At last the carriage lamps came twinkling into sight, growing larger and larger. "Here they are!" shouted Marjory, and flew to the door. Lena was as quick, and in a moment they were hugging their mother and father. Ethel was introduced, everyone spoke at once, and before anything intelligible could be said, they were all sitting down to tea. The telegram was shown, and Mr. Lester laughing across at his wife, said, "Well we are only just home in time, you see. He may come anv minute." Mrs. Lester, radiant and happy, smiled from liehind the tea-pot. Many questions were asked alwiut the burglar, though Mr. Lester said that he had heard all about him from Mr. Drayton. They praised Kthel. and patted the dogs, who showed off their medals proudly. 'T think Ethel ought to have a medal too." said Marjory. "So do J. my dear," c;aid Mr. Lester, pulling his moustache. "We must think what we can do." "Oh. Mr. Lester," protested Ethel, but she was very pleased. They chatted away until they were at last interrupted by the ringing of the front door bell. "L'ncle Tom!" cried Lena and Marjory excitedly. "Well, it'* only Mr. Drayton," said Marjory, a little regretfully. "Only me, eh?" said Mr. Drayton. "'We seem to have caused some disappointment. ray dpar." he said to his wife, as he brought Mrs. Drayton forward and introduced her to Mr. and Mrs. Lester. "Oh, 110, Mr. Drayton." replied Lena. •'We are not disappointed, but we really did think that it was l'ncle Tom this time." "And so it is. dear," Mrs. Drayton. "Mr. Drayton is your uncle." The three girls stared in astonishment. "Tom." continued Mrs. Drayton, "how long are you going to keep this up? I".xplain to them." "It needs no explanation," said Mr. Lester, laughing. "But, father." cried Marjory, "is Mr. Drayton our uncle?" "I am. my dear." replied Mr. Drayton, "and have been for some considerable time. Mrs. Drayton is your aunt, and Ethel there is Mrs. Drayton's daughter, closely enough related to be your cousin." Ethel stared in amazement; Lena was quiet, remembering the days when she considered herself above speaking to the Dravtons.

She learns to serve the saki cup Or in the Iris gardens sup, Where patriarchal plum trees white Shelter 11.e tiny tea-house bright, And when the night falls on the park They hunt the fireflies thro' the dark And put them in small green gauze cages. A pretty scene! One which engages The miiul, ami makes one wish to span The ivory bridge to'Ohl Japan.

"And we never guessed," *aid Marjory, solemnly. *'Xo wonder, father," exclaimed Ethel, "you knew that man was a burglar." "Yes," replied Mr. Drayton. "No wonder." "Well, it does seem queer," T>ena remarked, 'imt I suppose it is true?" "Quite true," said Mr. Lester, who had enjoyed watching the girls" astonishment. "Nobody knew except your uncle and aunt. And your uncle came all the way to the station to warn us not to let the cat out of the bag. He must enjoy his game to the end." "Then." said Marjory, thoughtfully, "if Kthel is our cousin that makes it more certain than over." "Makes what more certain, dear?" asked Mrs. Lester. "Lena's going to school," Marjory replied. "What are you talking ahout, child?" Mr. Lester asked, lifting Marjory on tj his knee. "Oh. I've lieon trying to persuade Leni to go to Italy with me," explained Kthel. "How ahout Miss Jackson?" Mrs. Lester asked, smiling. She remembered Lena's affection for Miss Jackson. "Xeed she come back, mother?" Lena put the question diffidently. "Xo, of course she needn't," Mr. Drayton remarked, brusquely. "The girls would be company for each other." "But we cannot spare our Lena," said Mr. Lester. "Oh, yes. you can, father!" Lena urged. "It won't be for ever. Do let me go." Mr. Lester shook his head. Lena went over and talked quiet'y witli Kthel for a moment, thru together the two of them approached Mr. Lester. "Father," Lena began. hesitatin:>'y. "you said you must consider what you could do for Kthel —localise of the burglar, you know." She stopped, and Kthel put in hurriedly. "\\\ll. will you please let Lena go to Italy with me?" Mr. Lester could not help laughing, but he replied, "Kcally. I couldn't agree to such a step without consideration. What do you say, mother? They are positively taking us by storm. I reallv eannot agree vet," Imt Lena detected agreement in his voice. "Oh, yes. you can. father!" she urged. "It won't Ik; for very long and when I return I shall be almost grown up." "Oh. Lena. Lena," sighed Mrs. Lester, "you always wished to lie grown up." "Yes, I know, mother." replied Lena, "but this will be a different kind >f grown u|)." Mrs. ]>ester looked at Lena. There was a difference in her. she thought. Surely the voice was gentler, the manner less haughty; but she kept her thoughts to herself and. turning to Mrs. Drayton. she said, "And I must thank vou for looking after my little girls." Mrs. Drayton smiled affectionately. "I have been the richer." she replied, "ft has l>een like having three daughters instead of only one." "And now it seems as if we shall have only one daughter instead of two," Mr. Lester. "Then I may go!" cried Lena, who had got Mr. Drayton to help to argue the question with her father. "I said you would go if you wantej to," remarked Marjory sagely. "Never mind. I shall have father and mother— and auntie." "And me," put in Mr. Drayton. Marjory nodded. "And uncle." she added. "And you are sure. Kthel. that you'll come back for the holidays?" "Rather!" replied Ethel. "That is half the fun!" (THE END.)