CECIL (_demurely_). Only a pair of gloves, dear.
MISS P. This familiarity with odious habits offends me. I hope his lordship does not favor such vulgar practices.
CECIL. I don’t mind asserting one thing, and that is, he is bound to bet you something--and that you’ll take it, _there_! Well, we must not stay here forever. (_Moving C. and leaving MISS P. R._) Come, G., dear, I pine for a run in a rickshaw. Mine shall race yours.
MISS P. I will not submit to be dragged in such unseemly fashion. (EXIT CECIL L.) I prefer to trust to my own--powers of--locomotion. Cecil! Cecil! (_Quick curtain as MISS P. runs across the stage._)
SCENE II.--_The Chrysanthemum Garden, as before._
SAKARA. Hear, O little Ito, the wise woman sees excellencies! (_Child bows._) At house of honorable mother, Sakara heard clever proverbs, saw play-acting. I love wise little boys, therefore would give happiness, O Ito! (_Child bows._) This is the chrysanthemum garden of august Princess; here are beautiful blossoms for the flower-viewing. Say, little Ito, would you have worthy coins to spend? (_Child bows three times._) Sit here, recite true proverbs. (_Sits L. C., ITO C._)
ITO (_quickly_). Many words, little sense. For woman to rule is as for a hen to crow in the morning!
SAKARA. Stay, Ito. Would you, O wise little man, have new playing cards? A toy that water will work? I saw excellent one of a man beating rice husks. Would have it for your own? (_ITO shakes head, bowing._) Some shrill-voiced grasshoppers in bamboo cages?
ITO (_bowing_). August Lady is too kind to little Ito.
SAKARA. What shall it be, then? Think in your mind. Act the doctor for me, O wise little Ito, then you shall say.
ITO (_bowing_). Allow most unworthy to feel honorable pulse of august patient. (_Takes hand, bowing._) There is fever! Allow highly ignorant to gaze on venerated tongue. (_Examines, kneeling._) Honorable medicine must be prepared, if august one will condescend to take.
SAKARA. Truly, O wise little Ito, it is good play-acting. Would play new honorable game for me? Tell me what heart desires.
ITO. Thanks for honorable kindness. Books are my desire.
SAKARA. Books? That is wise, O little Ito. Honorable books shall be procured. New play-acting done, money shall obtain them. Listen, O little Ito. There are thorns on every rose-tree. Even Sakara has heart-tormenting troubles; little wise Ito may help. Would have me for friend? (_ITO bows._) In the morning I will wait for Ito at the gate yonder, but I shall not accompany wise, clever play-actor. A lady in scarlet kimono will walk here, and augustly speak, calling to Ito. So, after honorable courtesies, he will draw near, when she touches him, for this lady loves treasure-flowers. Ito will play-act thus: (_SAKARA stands C., clasps hands tragically._) O Amairu, mercy, mercy! I see not. I am blind--blind! (_Staggers, clasps hands over eyes._) Is it difficult play-acting, O Ito? See, I touch now. When you have called play-acting words, run as if you followed swift-flying kite. Show me, O wise little Ito.