“That’s right,” said the missionary. “In England one attains one’s majority at twenty-one. So you would have a year in which to return, if you wish it, to Japan, previous to settling in England.”
“I do not know if I shall ever do that,” said the boy, sadly.
“It was the wish of your father,” said Aoi, pathetically.
“Yes, it was his wish,” repeated Koma. “Yet I will come back each year.”
“That is right,” said the old minister, patting him on the shoulder.
“Your father never came back,” said Aoi, sighing wistfully.
“It would be entirely out of the question for you to return each year. Be advised by me, Komazawa; I have your interest at heart,” said the young minister, earnestly. “Stay in England four years, then return and visit your mother and sister.”
“Let the good excellency decide for us,” said Aoi, glancing appealingly at her old friend. He drew his brows together.
“Wait till the time comes to decide that,” he concluded. “If the boy is old enough to leave home, he is of an age, also, to choose what he shall do. Let us not attempt to curb him.”