Simple as her question was, it appeared to have glowing possibilities to the eager Saunders.
“Because,” he said, “you are so lovely. Do you know—”
She interrupted him.
“Is that the manner in which your country people address maidens?” she asked, with more curiosity than offence.
“Yes—that is, sometimes—when they mean it, and the girl is lovely, as you are.”
“But,” she said, “it is augustly rude to tell me so.”
“Oh no; you wouldn’t think so if you understood.”
“I understand,” she said.
“I mean, if you understood our point of view.”
“Understand it,” she repeated, “but I despise it.” Then, after a slight pause, very earnestly: “I am a Japanese; we are not so uncouth and rude in our intercourse with strangers.”