But June was too busy exploring the contents of the two trays that formed his box to stop to take a lesson in the use of chop-sticks. The lower tray was full of smooth white rice. In the top one, was a bit of omelet and some fish, and a queer-looking something that puzzled June.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Guess it!" said Seki mysteriously, "guess it with your nose."
"It's pickle!" cried June.
"Pickled sea-weed," said Seki, "and I have also brought you some Japanese candy that you pour out of a bottle."
There was no bread, no butter, no knife nor fork nor spoon, but June thought it was the very nicest tea-party he had ever been to. Sitting with his stocking feet curled up under him as Seki had hers, he clattered his chop-sticks and spilt the rice all over the seat, while they both grew weak with laughter over his efforts to feed himself.
"Don't you wish you were a little boy, Seki San?" he asked when most of the lunch had disappeared.
"Why?" said Seki.
"'Cause," said June, "you'd have such a good time playing with me all the time!"
"But no," said Seki seriously, "I must be big womans to take care of you."