140
"Sensei, please leave me alone for a little while. I'm going to tell you something in my letter...."
Tokio returned downstairs. Sometime later, the maid went upstairs to light the lamps as asked by Mrs. Takenaka. When the maid came down, she brought a letter from Yoshiko, which she handed to Tokio.
Tokio avidly read the letter.
Dear Sensei:
I am a depraved girl student. Taking advantage of your kindness, I deceived you. I am convinced that my apologies would be very inadequate for so great a sin. Sensei, please take pity and regard me as a very weak-minded individual. I failed to carry out the duties of the new women of the Meiji era of which you taught me. I am, after all, an old-fashioned woman, and did not have the courage to put the new ideas into practice. I have talked this matter over with Tanaka, and we decided that we would not reveal, under any circumstances, our secret to any other person. We promised that we would, from now on, keep company only in a spiritual way since what had been done could not be undone. However, when I come to think that your anguish is my fault, my conscience makes me restless, and I have worried all day over this. Please, Sensei, have mercy on this pitiful woman. I have no other choice but to rely on your mercy.
Respectfully yours,
Respectfully yours,Yoshiko
