“Foreigners, you make ridiculous mistake. Yet, supposing you do not make mistake, what will you do?”
“Send immediately for the father.”
“And then?”
“He is your legal and natural guardian. You, of course, would have to go with him.”
The lawyer did not hesitate to pronounce her the one for whom they had sought.
“Leave—Japan?” she asked, her bosom heaving.
“You are not Japanese. You see, I take it for granted you are the girl in question.”
“Yes,” she said, “I am that girl in question. My mother’s clothes—they are Engleesh. Excellencies do not make mistake. I—I—foolish to deny that. But—but what he—that father going to do—if I will not go with him?”
“You are under age,” said the lawyer. “He can force you.”
“Force me to leave my home?” she said, softly. “Force me to leave Japan? No!”