“Well,” said the other, “I can assure you that when he knows the truth he will refuse to countenance it.”
“But, illustrious master, how can he do so? He has not that right.”
“He has not the right! Why, even your Japanese law makes him her rightful guardian. He is still a citizen of Japan. A brother, in Japan, is his sister’s legal guardian. I know this to be a fact.”
“Ah, but, honored sir, you do not know everything.”
Mr. Blount looked over his gold-rimmed spectacles sharply, endeavoring to pierce beneath the softness of her tone. Japanese women were all guile was his inner comment.
“Well, now, suppose you explain to me why your son is not his sister’s guardian?”
“Because, august minister, he is not the little one’s actual brother.”
Mr. Blount started so that he actually bounded from his seat.
“What do you mean?” he jerked out to Aoi.
“The little one is only my adopted child,” said Aoi, smiling serenely.