“Buddhist priest?” repeated the aunt in surprise.
The boy sucked his breath and bowed.
The young man laughed quietly.
“I think this is rather extraordinary,” said the aunt.
“It is rather the rule,” said the young man. “The Japanese appreciate our missionary efforts, only they use them in their own way. It is useful to have a temple boy who speaks a little English.”
“Well,” said the aunt, “it ought to be reported or something. I don’t see why the people of America should pay for educating Buddhist priests.”
“Neither do the Japanese,” replied the young man, “only they accept what they regard as our eccentricities without raising questions.”
“The young man seems to be intelligent,” thought Caswell.
The aunt made no reply, but stood meditating for a few moments. Then she opened the guide-book, in which she had her finger at the place.