"Yes," he said, "a new son has come to our unworthy house on this morning of the New Year."
Umé bowed her forehead to the floor, "Omedeto, O Chichi San," she said. "I am most respectfully happy. May I go to see him and bid him honorable welcome?"
"After the breakfast is faithfully eaten, it may perhaps be permitted," answered her father. Then he asked, "Was there not some gift you have asked from the gods in the year that has passed?"
"I have asked many times for a gift, but neither the gods nor the goddesses have yet given it to me."
"Have you ever asked the generous mother for it?"
"No, O Chichi San."
"Why have you not asked your insignificant father?"
"O Chichi San, I feared you would not permit me to have what I most wished."
Her father looked at her gravely and took a package from his kimono sleeve. He gave it to Umé, saying as he did so, "Your thoughtful mother asked me to buy this in the foreign shop and give it to you this morning."
The package was tied with red and white paper string. Umé took it in both hands, raised it to her forehead, bowed her thanks, and opened it. Inside the package was a pair of red shoes with black heels!