“Yes,” he said, wearily. “Let’s shut up on this money question. I’m sick of it.”

“I lige make confession ad you.”

“Well?”

“I god seventeen brudders and sisters!” she said, with slow and solemn emphasis.

“What!” He almost rolled out of the hammock in his amazement.

“Seventeen!” She nodded with ominous tragedy in her face and voice.

“Where do they live?”

“Alas! in so poor part of Tokyo.”

“And your father and mother?”

“Alas! Also thad fadder an’ mudder so ole lige this.” She illustrated, bowing herself double and walking feebly across the floor, coughing weakly.