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AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
IN OLD j^PAN
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO
BY
TERESA EDEN RICHARDSON
(Order of the Crown of Japan),
Author of
"In Japanese Hospitals during War time."
w*«wft t«« tan
Heath Cranton & Ouseley, Ltd,,
Fleet Lane, London, E.C
THE EARL OF HALSBURY
as a mark
of friendship and esteem.
CHAPTER I.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER I.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
THE sun was sinking behind the City
of Tokyo, but a few golden
shafts pierced the gathering
darkness, lighting up the windows of
the War Office, Admiralty, and other
Government buildings with a fiery
brilliance. There was an unusual stir
abroad, for news had arrived in the
morning that the men in whose hands
the honour of the country rested, had
at last been victorious. Port Arthur
had fallen !
Men and women were chatting to-
gether in little groups as they gathered
from all directions in Hibiya Park,
each carrying a torch, a red balloon, or
paper lantern. When the brief eastern
twilight had passed, the long procession
began to form for the circuit of the
city, and the large square in the centre
resembled a sea of waving light. A
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
ripple of laughter and merriment per-
vaded the gay scene, as thousands of
lanterns of various shapes and sizes
were lighted, amidst shouts of
" banzai " (Long life to the Emperor)
and the strident sounds of Japanese
, bands. Slowly it wound its serpentine
I way round the large moat surrounding
the Emperor's Palace, past the Foreign
Legations, through the narrow streets,
and up the steep hill leading to the
Red Cross Hospital at Shibuya — on
and on for many miles through the
small hours of the night, till weary
children dropped asleep by the way-
side, still clasping their tiny coloured
lights.
It was a novel scene to Violet Court-
ley who had recently arrived from
England on a visit to her brother, one
of the Secretaries at the British Em-
bassy. As she stood watching it at
the great entrance gates, some lads
swung their lanterns high, and the light
flashed upon the girl's pretty brown
hair and rosy cheeks. She laughingly
responded to their cries of " banzai,"
feeling with them the " joie de vivre,"
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
which seemed to animate the whole
nation.
Major Yoshimo and his cousin, Sumo
Kano, were amongst the party, having
been Charles Courtley's guests at
dinner. The former had been in-
valided home from the front after
an attack of beri beri, that insidious
disease which results in anaemia or
paralysis, and sometimes ends in death.
Although rapidly regaining his
strength, he knew that some weeks
must still elapse before he could be
fit for active service, and he often
chafed at his enforced idleness. He
was tall for a Japanese, and had the
upright bearing and keen, far-seeing
look of a man born to command.
Sumo Kano, a lad of twenty, had
only lately passed through the Military
Academy, and he and Major Yoshimo
spoke English fluently, as every stu-
dent before leaving, is obliged to
perfect himself in at least one European
language.
They were both friends of Charles
Courtley, who always welcomed them
to his bungalow, where Violet made a
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
lively and attractive hostess. It was
her first visit to Japan, and the mystic
East appealed to her imagination. She
was amazed at hearing that both
officers and privates, after showing
intrepid courage in the field, would
often write and send home poems full
of loyalty and patriotism, or of tender
and artistic feeling.
Sumo Kano had just handed her a
translation of some verses by General
Fukushima, which she began to read
aloud by the light of the passing
lanterns.
"Well known throughout the world is our Japan,
From its bright banner gleams the Rising Sun,
Its old Imperial House, still nobly rules
O'er fifty million loving patriot hearts.
Our arms are justice, and the right of man,
In courage, loyalty, we yield to none.
Arise, with strength renewed, men of our race,
As Spring renews the charger's prancing strength.
We war for right and man — our foe is nought,
Glorious for evermore shall be our War."
Major Yoshimo stood at her side,
and, while listening to her soft and
musical voice, cast admiring glances
at her bright face. When she had
finished reading, he hesitated a
moment, and then ventured to whisper
6
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
in her ear " domei." She half turned
towards him for an explanation, and
he added softly with a meaning glance,
" Allies — England and Japan."
CHAPTER II
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER II.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
THE British Embassy at Tokyo
is situated on a hill facing the
Imperial Palace, and is sur-
rounded by high walls, the two en-
trance gates being guarded by sentries.
It stands in beautiful pleasure grounds
with shady trees and long stretches of
real turf, instead of the prickly dwarf
bamboo which usually takes the place
of grass throughout Japan. The
secretaries and other officials live within
its precincts, each having his own
bungalow and private garden.
One morning early in February when
those first heralds of spring, the plum
trees, were pushing out fat pink buds,
which would soon develope into masses
of rosy bloom, Violet Courtley was
sitting in the verandah reading her
morning letters. She was thinking
over one she had received from James
Morton, who was with the army in
Manchuria as War Correspondent and
ii
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
Draughtsman to the "Daily Report."
They had known each other from early
childhood and called each other by
Christian names. Violet often spoke
of her former playmate as " dear
old Jim," little suspecting that he had
a far deeper feeling for her than mere
friendship. He owned a fine property
near a quiet little town in Wales, and
hoped the day would come when Violet
Courtley would consent to be its
chatelaine. Once he was on the point
of asking her, when he overheard her
chafnngly saying to a friend, " A girl
might as well be in Purdah as buried
in a country village," and he thought
it would be better to wait awhile, and
try gradually to win her affections.
Jim was devoted to his home in
Wales, and quite prepared to settle
down eventually to the life of a country
gentleman, but before doing so, he
wished to see something of the world,
and gladly accepted the post offered
him, which promised to be full of
interest and adventure. Another
inducement was, that he would be
nearer Violet, and have a chance of
12
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
seeing her on his return voyage. The
letter was characteristic of the writer
and ran as follows : —
" Dear Violet,
I have been a long time
writing to you, as my days are fully
occupied making sketches, and send-
ing home reports, but I try to write
a few letters every evening before
turning in. It is bitterly cold, and
lately we have had nothing but grey
skies and lashing hailstorms. I
hope the spring will soon be upon
us now, and then we may hope that
the troops will be able to make a
forward move. The soldiers seem
to be a very hardy lot, and such
plucky little beggars. They never
complain of hardships, but are only
keen to push on, and are very tired
of waiting here. Yesterday a poor
fellow committed harakiri, because
his lungs were bad and he was
ordered home. He said, 'If I kill
myself my spirit will be with my
comrades at the front, so I will
prove my loyalty by death.' I don't
*3
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
suppose the number will ever be
known of the wounded men who have
killed themselves after battle, sooner
than fall alive into the hands of the
enemy. It seems strange that this
form of suicide should be honoured
as the highest act of self-sacrifice.
Well, here we are awaiting orders
and reinforcements. Whether any
Correspondents will be allowed to
follow the army when it moves on
is uncertain, though I have a better
chance than some other more well-
known men, who have been trying
to get their despatches through the
lines. I lie low like Brer Rabbit,
and show every line that I pen to the
Censor, who is very friendly, and
beginning to treat me with less
suspicion. I heard rather a good
story the other day. B.T. had been
kept in the background because he
tried to force his news through, so
he went to one of the Generals and
asked leave to move on. He was
rather indignant and excited, and
said, ' Here I have been for weeks
wasting all my time, and am still
34
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
kept on the very outskirts of the
army. When will you give me a
pass?' The General was most
courteous and sympathetic, but made
no promises, and when B.T. was
leaving in rather despondent mood,
he handed him a bottle containing
sweets, saying ' Please honour me
by taking one.' Fancy one of our
Officers sucking sweets while read-
ing despatches, or in hot weather
walking about with a fan tucked
into his gaiters.
By the way, my mother writes
that she is very happy at home
keeping everything warm till my
return, but she wishes I would hurry
up and get married. Whenever I
do, my girl must have fair hair and
blue eyes, and I hope country tastes.
Unless I find her it will be a roving
bachelor's life for me.
How are you getting along ?
Don't overdo yourself as you will
find the spring rather enervating.
I am told the cherry season is a
wonderful sight, and that in May the
wisteria hangs over pergolas, in
15
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
great clusters three or four feet in
length.
The Russians are hurrying rein-
forcements through Siberia by the
little single line railway, and are
massing their men on the road
to Mukden. It is said that a
decisive battle will be fought
somewhere up there, and that
this time of inactivity will soon
be over. The Japanese are also
getting a fine army together, but if
by chance they should be defeated,
I don't believe one man would re-
turn home alive. They are fighting
for the very life of their country, and
have all been heartened up by the
capitulation of Port Arthur. They
had close upon 25,000 casualties at
203 Metre Hill before gaining the
last position, but after many repulses
they simply rushed the heights,
shouting their war-cry, 'tokkan.'
I have had no letters lately, so do
take pity on a poor fellow and tell
me all your doings, and whether
you are having a good time in Tokyo.
When the war is over, if all goes
16
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
well, I shall hope to stop there on
my way home and get a glimpse of
you and Charlie.
Yours ever,
JIM.
I will write again in about ten
days' time."
17
CHAPTER III.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER III,
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
VIOLET had hardly finished
pondering over her letter, when
Major Yoshimo and Sumo Kano
dropped in for a chat. She always
found their visits interesting, as they
told her a great deal about the manners
and customs in Japan, varied occa-
sionally with legends and fairy tales,
of which she kept a collection in a
manuscript book, labelled " Japanese
Jottings." They in return asked many
questions about life in England, being
especially interested in sport and
pastimes, and when Violet became
animated, Major Yoshimo would
watch for the little dimple that gave
so much charm to her face. But even
while listening to her he often felt
doubts as to the desirability of the free
lives led by English girls, though
acknowledging the companionship they
brought into their homes.
To-day Violet seemed unusually
quiet, and presently turning to Major
21
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
Yoshimo she said, " I had a letter from
the front this morning, telling me that
the poor wounded men often commit
seppuku. It seems so barbarous.
Please tell me why they do it."
Major Yoshimo replied, " Seppuku,
or, as it is more often called by Western
nations, harakiri, is practised by
soldiers when they can no longer serve
the Emperor, or fear to be taken
captives, and sometimes as a protest
when a wrong has been committed.
For instance, a few years ago many
people became anxious about the in-
tentions of Russia, and Lieutenant
Okara Takeyoshi was amongst the
foremost to warn the nation of its
danger. His words were not heeded,
and he thought that perhaps if he
sacrificed his life it might have some
effect. He therefore went to the
Temple of Saitokuyi, and committed
harakiri in front of the graves of his
ancestors. This happened in the year
1891. It was a proof of the earnest-
ness of his convictions, for he hoped
that an appeal like this would draw
attention to the matter."
22
r§:^-imm
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
While listening to his quiet unemo-
tional voice Violet felt attracted by
this strong earnest man, though she
knew that somehow his explanation
was quite unsatisfactory according to
Western ideas. When he rose to take
leave, on account of some business
engagement, Sumo Kano remained
behind, and Violet felt more at ease
with the merry lad who was always
ready to frivol, and laughed openly
at her jokes. To-day he had brought
a fairy story, and having asked her
permission, proceeded to read it aloud.
" THE STORY OF URASHIMA."
" Urashima was a fisher boy who
lived many years ago on one of the
islands of the Inland Sea. He was an
only son, and his parents were very
proud of him, not only on account of
his skill with the nets, but because he
was the best-looking and strongest lad
in the village. One day he went out
alone in his boat, his sister waving
him goodbye from the shore. He
had an unusually large haul of fish,
and to his surprise found a tor-
23
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
toise amongst them. At first he
thought of taking it home, as he would
be able to sell the handsome shell for
a few sen, but the tortoise looked
pitifully out of its small eyes, as though
entreating for its life. Urashima was
very kind-hearted, he remembered
that a tortoise is the symbol of long-
evity, and is supposed to live for ten
thousand years, so he thought it would
be a pity to let the poor creature die.
He therefore disentangled it from the
net, and dropped it back into the sea,
saying as he did so, * Long life and
happiness to you, and please bring me
good luck.' He then lay back in the
boat, well satisfied with his day's work,
and as the waves gently rocked it to
and fro, he fell fast asleep. When he
woke he saw a beautiful girl sitting in
the stern. At first he thought he was
dreaming till she said in a soft voice,
* I am Karamuya, daughter of the Sea
god, who rules the waves. My Father
wishes me to marry a mortal, and he
knows you have a good heart, because
you saved the life of the tortoise.
Please return with me to the Dragon
24
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
Palace.' Urashima felt dazed with
the beauty and charm of the Sea
maiden, and at her bidding he took
the oars and rowed with all his might,
while she guided him to his destination.
" Soon the Dragon Palace rose in
sight, and as they drew near he saw
that the walls were built of red coral.
Its gates, which were inlaid with
mother-of-pearl, glittered like silver,
and two golden dragons guarded the
entrance. All sorts of fishes and
strange sea monsters frisked round the
boat, for the Sea god ruled over
them all, and they had gathered to-
gether to welcome the Princess and
her lover. When they reached the
Palace, the shining gates flew open,
and a shoal of flying fish leapt out of
the water and sported and danced
round the young couple. The Sea
King himself with beaming smiles
was waiting to welcome his daughter
and future son-in-law. The marriage
took place on the following day, and
Urashima soon forgot his own people,
and was content to live in the Palace
with his lovely bride.
c 25
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
" Three years passed away in perfect
happiness, till one day he remembered
his parents and longed to see them
again. He asked the Princess if she
would allow him to spend three days
in his old home, ' for my father,' he
said, ' must be sorrowing at my long
absence, and probably thinks that I
am dead.'
" The Princess wept and made him
promise to return quickly, ' for I fear,'
she added, ' that I may never see
you again.' She then handed him
a little brown casket, and bade him
tuck it into the folds of his obi (sash).
' It will bring you good luck, my
Beloved, and you will return to me,
unless you open it to look at the
contents.' Urashima promised faith-
fully to keep it closed, and after wish-
ing her goodbye he launched his boat,
and hoisting a sail was borne away by
a gentle breeze. The Princess stood
on the back of a large turtle, and waved
a veil of gossamer woven from threads
of seaweed, till he passed out of sight.
" Urashima was glad when he
reached the island, ' for now,' he
26
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
thought, ' I shall see the old people
and afterwards return to my Princess,
and never leave her again.'
" When he landed he expected to
find some of his friends on the beach,
but to his surprise there were only
strangers mending their nets. The
village had disappeared, and a large
modern town had taken its place. He
wondered how three years could have
brought about such changes, so he
accosted one of the fishermen, and
asked the whereabouts of Urashima's
cottage. The man laughed in his face,
'What are you talking about? Ura-
shima has been dead for more than
300 years. There is a legend that he
disappeared from home, and his Father
searched for him amongst the islands
for many years, till one day a typhoon
arose, and the old man was not heard
of any more, till the waves washed his
dead body ashore. How strange that
you should ask about the cottage, for
this fine town has been built round the
spot where it once stood ! '
" Then Urashima perceived that he
had been living in Fairyland, and that
27
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
each year spent in the Sea god's
Palace represented a hundred, and he
wept when he thought of the grief he
had caused his father. But it was no
use lamenting now, nor remaining
longer on the island, so he hastened
to the place where he had left his boat.
Alas ! it had disappeared, and as he
had no money in his pocket, all the
fishermen refused to lend him one.
In his despair he forgot the orders of
the Princess, and forced open the lid
of the little box, hoping it might help
him to find his boat. But it only
contained a tiny white cloud, which
rose into the air, and gradually in-
creased in size and strength, till it was
transformed into a diaphanous ball
of delicate rainbow hues. Urashima
realised that unless he could catch and
imprison it, he would never see his
Princess and the Dragon Palace again,
so he rushed after it, shouting, ' Stop !
Stop ! ' Once he was so near that he
felt almost sure of capturing it, when
a gust of wind bore it away, far out of
reach.
" Urashima felt iiis strength failing,
28
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
and he sank exhausted on the beach
by the side of a pool, which had been
left by the ebbing tide. As he fell,
he caught a reflection of himself in the
clear water, and saw that his hair had
turned snow white, that his skin
resembled shrivelled parchment, and
that his back was bent double. From
a handsome youth, he had turned into
an old, old man, and was once more a
mortal. He knew that his spirit was
passing away, so he folded his kimono
round him, and watched the transpar-
ent bubble" floating in the ethereal
blue of the sky, till he could see it no
longer. Then his eyes closed, and
Urashima breathed his last."
Violet had been listening with the
greatest interest. " What a charming
fairy tale to copy into my ' Japanese
Jottings,' and you have translated
it so well and poetically."
" I must not take all the credit for
that," Sumo Kano replied, "as an
English master at one of the schools
helped me considerably, and corrected
the manuscript, which was full of
mistakes."
29
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
" I think," Violet continued, " that
the Japanese must be very fond of
nature, for I have been reading a
translation of some poems lately, and
they are full of allusions to gardens,
mountains, and sunsets."
Sumo Kano smiled. " We love our
mountains, with their legends of giants,
demons, dwarfs, and goblins, and also
the quieter fairy tales about flowers.
Our people never tire of listening to a
professional story-teller, and they will
often sit round him for hours. He
usually winds up with some heroic in-
cident, or with the history of one of
the ' Forty-seven Ronins,' which is
always a welcome subject. But I
think mountains after all appeal to us
the most. Did you notice Fuji San
last night with its fresh nightcap of
snow, and how clearly our beautiful
mountain can be seen on a clear moon-
light night f "
" It was wonderful," replied Violet,
" and I tried to write a little poem on
its beauty like the ladies do at the
Empress' Court, although it is impos-
sible for words adequately to describe
30
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
it. But tell me why you call it Fuji
San. I thought San was only used in
addressing people, and not when
speaking of things."
" Fuji cannot be spoken of as a
thing," he replied, " for our sacred
mountain was alive with fire centuries
ago, and has stood since the world
began, longer even than the many
thousand years of our Emperor's
descent."
A mischievous twinkle came into
Violet's eyes. " I suppose then he too is
Tenno San, or, perhaps, Mikado San."
Sumo Kano's face visibly stiffened.
" Our Emperor," he replied, " is
reverenced as the Son of Heaven ; he
stands apart in the hearts of his
People. All the warriors' souls are
concentrated on him, and his spirit
inspires and leads them in the field."
Then with boyish enthusiasm he added,
" If I had a hundred lives I would
sacrifice them all in his service, for
my Emperor is altogether ' shinsei '
(divine).
Violet felt a little abashed before
this impetuous young man, who now
3i
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
stood up, made two formal bows, and
wished her goodbye. She noticed that
he did not turn to make his customary
third bow at the end of the little gravel
path, but hurried quickly away.
32
CHAPTER IV.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER IV.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
THE next evening Violet and her
brother were alone, and after
dinner they wheeled up two
armchairs in front of the wood fire.
" Charlie," she said, "it is really a
treat to have you all to myself. You
shall smoke a pipe and talk to me
while I work." Then she told him
about Sumo Kano. " I am afraid I
hurt his feelings as he evidently did
not approve of my harmless little joke."
Charlie replied, rather gravely, " I
daresay he will forgive you, as he will
think you did not know any better,
but really Vi you must be more careful
in future, and don't speak of the
Emperor as Mikado, while you are
here ; it is not considered respectful,
though the word is commonly used in
England."
Violet tried to look penitent, but not
very successfully. "It is difficult to
35
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
know how to behave properly in a
country like this, where people are so
tremendously patriotic that it almost
takes one's breath away. Do tell me
a little about this wonderful Emperor,
and why he is so adored."
"To do this I should have to trace
back the history of Japan for many
centuries, so I think you had better
read it up yourself, but in the mean-
time I will try to give you an outline
of the circumstances that have made
him the idol of his People. I must
begin by explaining that in the Feudal
times every Daimio (territorial Lord)
kept his own band of loyal and dis-
ciplined Samurai (fighting men) who
were armed to the teeth. They com-
posed the Gentry, and were a class to
themselves. It was said of old Japan
that ' all gentlemen were soldiers and
all soldiers gentlemen.' In the twelfth
century, a Shogun (Commander in
Chief of the Daimios) practically be-
came Ruler of the country, and his
successors continued in power till the
last century. It was to his interest to
encourage the belief that the Emperor
36
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
was a god who must not be gazed upon
by a profane eye. He was therefore
kept in isolated splendour, and was
practically a prisoner. When he left
the Palace, which was very rarely, his
sacred person was hidden behind silken
curtains. If you ever go to Kyoto,
the old capital, you will see the rooms
that he inhabited. They are quite
small and unpretentious compared with
the magnificence of those used by the
Shoguns."
" When was the Shogunate abol-
ished ? " inquired Violet ;' " I think I
heard it was about fifty years ago ? "
" Yes," replied Charlie, " the crisis
came when the present Emperor
ascended the throne in 1868, at which
time the Tokugawa clan had held
power for 250 years. Many of the
leading Daimios determined to bring
the Shogunate to an end, and rein-
state the Emperor as Supreme Head of
the Kingdom. They proved their
loyalty to him by a fine act of
patriotism, as they not only sur-
rendered their feudal rights, but laid
their lands and revenues at his feet,
37
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
which accounts for many of the nobles
at the present day being comparatively
poor for their position."
" Was the Emperor consulted about
these changes ? "
" Most certainly, for they could never
have been accomplished unless he had
been a man of determined character
and immense courage, who was him-
self desirous of being emancipated from
the seclusion of his ancestors. It was
a great upheaval of long established
laws and customs, and led to civil war
and risings in many of the provinces.
One of the most important was headed
by a famous leader, Saigo Takamori,
in 1877, who had begun life as a
Samurai. It lasted until he and the
remaining five hundred of his followers
fell before the Imperialist Conquerors.
When he found himself wounded and
unable to fight any longer, he committed
' harakiri,' the final act of a defeated
Samurai. About that time a large
red star appeared in the sky, and it
was said that the soul of the warrior
had gone up into it. Although a rebel
chief he is still venerated for his
38
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
military prowess, and admired for his
soldierly qualities."
" Did it take long before the people
settled down ?, »
" About twenty years, by which
time all the followers of the Shogun
came into line, acknowledged the
absolute supremacy of the Emperor,
and promised him their allegiance.
As soon as they found it was inevitable,
they contentedly accepted the new
Regime with true oriental stoicism."
Violet was immensely interested.
M I have noticed that the word ' Meiji '
is frequently used when allusion is
made to the present reign. Has it
anything to do with what you have
been telling me!"
11 Rather," replied Charlie, " it
means ' Enlightened Reign,' and one
might almost call it the Emperor's
watch-word. Just consider what has
been done, and is still going on at the
present time, under the capable states-
men who compose his Government.
The whole country has been opened
up, railways and telegraph systems
introduced, universal conscription,
39
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
trade with foreign nations, and tariff
established, while Western civilization
is making daily strides. The Emperor
with his guiding hand has not only led
his people through the dangerous
Restoration time, but has given them
a Constitution, established a system for
schools and universities, and patronised
the fine arts. Can you wonder that
the nation looks up with profound
veneration to a Ruler, who has sur-
mounted all difficulties, and brought
it peace and prosperity ? "
" Surely all these changes, which
have been brought about in less than
fifty years, must make the people
rather conceited ? " questioned Violet.
" Yes, you are right, they are simply
forging ahead, and if they are vic-
torious in this war they will probably
suffer from swelled heads for a time,
but I believe the condition will only be
transitory, as they are too sensible to
risk losing their prestige with foreign
Powers, and their shrewd common
sense will eventually keep them
straight."
" Do tell me some more, Charlie, it
40
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
is almost like a fairy tale. I heard
the other day that children are taught
patriotism from baby-hood. Is this
true ? but possibly you are not so
well up in education as in the history
of Japan ? "
" I can tell you a good deal, as two
years ago I made friends with one of
the Professors at the ' Peers School,'
but it is a wide subject, and I think
we had better keep it for another quiet
evening."
" I really think it will be best," said
Violet, " for my head would hardly
hold any more information to-night.
I will just ask one more question on
quite another subject. Do Japanese
cook and eat black-beetles ? "
" Good Heavens, Vi, what on earth
are you driving at ? "
" Because I met a tourist the other
day, who assured me solemnly that
this was the case, and when I told him
I did not believe it, he still stuck to his
point."
Charlie gave a hearty laugh. " I
know the sort of fellow, one of those
typical globe-trotters who rush round
D 41
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
the world, listen to every ' canard,'
and have the cheek to write about their
travels when they reach home. They
think after spending a few weeks in
foreign countries, that they know as
much about them as men who have
lived there for many years, and then
they publish their experiences in some
rubbishy third-class paper."
" You are down on them Charlie, and
no doubt they deserve it, though I
suppose after all it is only one here
and there who is so silly. If they air
their views at the Embassy it must be
rather trying for Lady W — . Only
last week when we were dining there,
a man who had just arrived in Tokyo
took me in to dinner, and evidently
considered me a walking guide-book.
He asked me to recommend him not
only curio shops and picture dealers,
but a tailor and bootmaker. Then he
wanted to know whether it would be
safe for his wife to walk alone in the
city, and if there were wolves and bears
in the mountains. He seemed quite
disappointed at not having seen any
Japanese women with tiny distorted
42
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
feet, so I told him we were not in
Peking, and recommended him to
buy Chamberlain's book, ' Things
Japanese', where he would find the
information he required. I was nearly
bored to tears, when mercifully her
Excellency made a move to the
drawing-room."
Violet now glanced at the clock,
and gathering up her work wished her
brother good-night. " I have enjoyed
our chat ever so much, and shall look
forward to our next evening together,
when you will tell me about education."
As she went off to her room she
laughingly exclaimed, " Japan seems
to me a bewildering, fascinating, topsy-
turvy, and altogether extraordinary
nation."
43
CHAPTER V.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER V.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
AS time went on, Charles Courtley
saw but little of his sister
except at meals, the work at
the Embassy becoming so heavy that
often he had no time for his private
correspondence except in the evenings.
Occasionally a few friends came to
dinner.
The English ladies in Tokyo tried to
give Violet a good time, and she was
often invited to accompany them on
long jinrikisha rides into the country.
But after becoming a member of the
Red Cross Society she found her in-
terest in amusements gradually
diminishing. There seemed so much
help needed, and she undertook a
great deal of work at home. Some-
times she would have afternoon
gatherings of her girl friends, when the
result would be a pile of finished gar-
ments.
Once a week there were practices at
47
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
the headquarters of the Society, and
Japanese and foreign ladies assembled
to hear a lecture on nursing, and to
learn bandaging. Violet could not
understand a word of the lecture, but
she learnt a good deal by the diagrams
on the blackboard. There were usually
three or four Princesses present, and
amongst them was a dainty little lady
whom Violet named the " Flower
Princess." She had a clear creamy-
white complexion and almond eyes ;
her hair was elaborately dressed with
jewelled combs, and she always wore
exquisitely embroidered kimonos. Her
tiny feet were clothed in snow white
tabi (socks reaching to the ankle).
She seemed the embodiment of rest-
fulness, remaining almost immovable
during the lecture, her soft dark eyes
fixed upon the Doctor and apparently
drinking in every word.
One evening on her return, Violet
found Major Yoshimo waiting in the
little sitting-room. He seemed very
thoughtful, and presently said, " I
should like to tell you that I have
been reading the Bible lately, with one
48
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
of my countrymen who is a Chaplain
at St Andrew's College. I am trying to
find a belief that is broader and deeper
than Shintoism, and as our Emperor
openly patronizes Christianity, and
is tolerant of every form of religion, I
feel no misgivings about studying it.
We know that His Majesty desires all
his subjects to think and choose for
themselves, and many of them feel
like myself that the beautiful simplicity
of Shinto worship may lead us on to a
deeper and fuller knowledge of the
truth. But as the late Mr Fukuzawa
said, ' My conscience does not allow
me to clothe myself with any religion
unless I have it at heart.' "
Violet was puzzled. " I thought,"
she said, " you told me that you often
attended Buddhist festivals."
" That is true," he replied, " for I
have been taught to believe in both
religions. Shinto is the national and
state one, as well as the oldest, and
dates from the accession of Jimmu
Tenno whose grandmother was
Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. Our
prayers are addressed to the spirits
49
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
of the dead, and often the temples only
contain a mirror, the symbol of per-
fection, and strips of paper which
symbolise purity."
" But why are you a Buddhist as
well as a believer in Shintoism ? "
Violet enquired.
" Possibly the reason is, that I was
born and brought up in Tokyo, and as
a child frequently attended services
in the Nishi Hongwanji Temple. It
stands out nobly in the heart of the
city, and was restored four years ago
at a cost of two hundred thousand yen.
For many centuries the two religions
were intermingled, and although nomin-
ally separated at the beginning of the
present reign, there is no bar against
believing in both. But I confess that
although I am attracted by the magni-
ficence of Buddhist temples, with
their costly ornaments and gorgeous
vestments, my heart is not satisfied,
and unless I can find a new religion, I
shall probably become an agnostic, and
give up all belief except adoration of
my Emperor, and reverence of my
ancestors."
50
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
Violet saw that he was desperately
in earnest, and felt glad that he was in
the safe hands of one of the native
clergy at St Andrews. " I should
like," she said, " to help you if I could,
only " — But the conversation abruptly
came to an end by the arrival of some
visitors, and Major Yoshimo, rising
from his seat, bowed several times, and
wished her goodbye.
In the evening Charlie was dining
at the Embassy, so Violet after a hasty
meal, selected two or three books on
Buddhism from his study, and sat up
late reading them. They contained
some beautiful thoughts consistent with
Christian teaching, some of which she
copied into her book of " Japanese
Jottings."
" Gautama Buddha, the royal seeker
after truth, lived in the sixth century
B.C. He was humble, gentle and
courageous, and tried to solve the
mystery of sorrow, sin, and death. He
taught that by the extinction of natural
passions and desires (such as anger,
avarice, grief, &c), it was possible,
even in this life, to enter upon a state
5i
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
of tranquillity and rest which would
in the great hereafter be merged into
Nirvana. The eight steps leading to
this happy state on earth, are right faith,
right resolution, right speech, right
action, right living, right effort, right
thought, and right self -concent ration.
Sakyamuni, a disciple of Buddha, says,
- Evil does not come from outside, but
is in one's self, therefore by one's self
must come remedy and release.'
Buddhism is a message of much un-
deniable truth inculcating as it does,
unselfishness and charity. The noble
founder showed his sincerity by leaving
his royal home, giving up wealth and
power, and the luxury indulged in by
Oriental Princes, in order to try to
bring happiness and release from pain
to suffering humanity. But the great
and holy thinker failed, because he
was man and not God, and conse-
quently, by his own power, could
neither give peace nor hope of salva-
tion."
Violet felt that the study of
Buddhism would be a life long work,
and as she replaced the heavy volumes,
52
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
she hoped that Major Yoshimo would
find all the help he needed from
Inouye San, who was considered one of
the ablest men amongst the native
clergy.
When she went to sleep that night,
her thoughts were full of what she had
heard and read, and they wove them-
selves into the following dream : —
She seemed to be looking up at the
colossal image of the Buddha at Kama-
kura, which was flooded with liquid
gold by the blazing mid- day sun. He
was gazing through his half-closed eyes
with a tranquil smile, upon a crowd of
pilgrims who were bowing in adoration
before him. It was the smile of a god
who " watches the dance of time to the
tune of death," and has himself passed
into the eternal peace of Nirvana
(extinction).
As she watched, the sunlight gradu-
ally faded away, and the image no
longer shone in golden glory, but re-
turned to the sombre bronze in which
it had been cast. Only the great boss
on its forehead sparkled like a jewel
in the gathering gloom. The pilgrims
53
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
prostrated themselves before the
Daibutsn (great Buddha), raising their
hands and praying, a Nama Amida
Buddha " (O Eternal Buddha). While
they prayed, a star shot out from the
jewelled boss and moved over the sea
towards a distant horizon. When half-
way across, it wavered for a moment,
and then remained immovable, seeming
unable to proceed. But it was not
alone, for a multitude of smaller stars
were flickering about with an uncertain
light, apparently searching for a way
across.
Then a wonderful sight — a fiery star
appeared in the sky, and shooting
through the rising darkness, moved
slowly and surely across the sea. All
the little ones followed, and even
Buddha's star paled before its bril-
liance, and after wavering for a while,
moved on with the rest.
Violet in her dream tried to see their
destination, but they became more
and more indistinct, as they gradually
drew near to the shadowy outline of
a Cross with the figure of a crowned
King standing behind it. Then they
54
-•
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
all became merged into a soft mellow
light, which dispelled the darkness
and spread its radiance over sea and
land.
Violet saw no more, for she had
fallen into a deep and restful sleep.
55
CHAPTER VI.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
E
CHAPTER VI.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
VIOLET'S twenty-fifth birthday
fell on February 2nd. She was
awakened in the morning by the
sun pouring in at her window, so dress-
ing quickly she slipped into a matinee,
and drew a chair into her tiny private
verandah. " A quarter of a century,"
she murmured, " even if I live to be
very very old a third of my life is
gone."
She looked back upon the past.
Her parents had both died in her early
childhood, and then she had been
adopted by an aunt who gave her a
good education. At the age of eighteen
she was launched into a whirl of gaiety,
visits in country houses, shooting
parties, golf, tennis, and a London
season every year, including Ascot,
Henley, Goodwood, &c, &c. She
had a nice little fortune of her own,
which she spent chiefly on her clothes.
Usually she went to Church on Sundays,
59
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
unless quite tired out with late hours.
She well remembered one morning
feeling very drowsy during the sermon,
till she was roused by the preacher's
voice, " I pity the life that begins in
nothing, goes on in nothing, and ends
in nothing." The words seemed im-
pressed upon her memory, and ever
since, they often recurred to her.
She almost envied her friends, some
of whom were happily married, and
had found ample scope for their
energies in quiet home duties, or those
who had found work amongst the poor
in the slums of London.
Violet sighed. " It seems as if Japan
is going to teach me lessons which I
never learnt at home, during those idle
selfish years. I will resolve to-day to
give more of my spare time to helping
others, but I must consider Charlie
first, he often seems very tired and
worn out, so my chief duty must be to
try and brighten him up, and always
be at home when he wants me."
Charlie kissed his sister when she
came down to breakfast, and after
wishing her many happy returns of the
60
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
day, he handed her an embroidered
picture, of a lion's head emerging from
a jungle.
" How lovely," she exclaimed, clap-
ping her hands, " it is just like a paint-
ing till you look at it closely, and the
lion has such a nice furry face. What
clever little women to work like that."
" Not women," said Charlie smiling,
" but men, for it is they who do the
best embroideries, and I was told, that
two of them worked at this picture for
eighteen months."
" It is indeed a treasure, and how it
will be admjred when I get home.
Thank you ever so much for my
present. Now for our letters ; there
seems to be quite a budget this morn-
ing."
Violet presently went off into peals
of merry laughter.
" Do you remember that nice young
officer who dined here the other evening
and amused us so much with his bad
English ? When he was leaving, he
asked if he might write me a letter, and
would I honourably correct and return
it to him. Just listen to this."
6r
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
" O Murasaki San,
How do you do Madam ?
When I dined with you I feel so
comfortable that I have never met
such a merry evening. If British
Empire start a fight with others, I
will go your country to help —
Japanese sword, enemy kill. I am
very much earnestly wishing to come
back to the front, but my head and
ear was transformed by Russian's
bomb shell. Happily my hearing
has recovered, but three fingers of
left hand are not able to grasp. My
photograph in envelope please will
you hand as a remembrance. If
you have this letter, I hope to have
yours too. I wait from now — please
take care of your health. I pray your
good fortune.
Your true remains,
S. Takamori.
It is the first time to me to write
English letter, so if there are some
impolite points please excuse, as I
am very poor to write."
62
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
" What a lot of trouble he must have
taken over this composition," said
Violet. " But why does he begin with
O, and what does O Murasaki San
mean ? "
" O means Honourable, and Mura-
saki, Violet, so the literal translation
is, Honourable Violet Miss," replied
Charlie.
" Well I must return his letter cor-
rected— and also write him a reply.
Really Japan amuses me all day long ;
only this morning I saw one of those
smart little policeman, in white drill
uniform, sitting in a shelter, and eating
his mid-day meal with chop sticks.
I went immediately to Shiba Bazaar
and bought a pair. My maid, Fusa,
showed me how to use them, and I tore
up bits of paper and practised catch
with them, but very seldom succeeded
in getting anywhere near my mouth.
When I was out I also noticed another
policeman leading a prisoner by a bit
of string tied round his wrists. The
last time he was here, Sumo Kano gave
me a translation of an official notice to
the editor of a paper, who had pub-
63
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
lished an article which was considered
seditious. ' Deign honourably to cease
honourably to publish august paper.
Honourable Editor deign to enter
august gaol.' "
Violet was here interrupted by a
messenger carrying a diminutive pot
of white wisteria, trained in a circle,
with a card attached, on which was
written, " From Captain Yoshimo with
compliments and birthday congratu-
lations to Miss Courtley."
"What a beautiful little plant,"
she exclaimed, " such a mass of snowy
blossoms, and my room is already full
of flowers from all my friends. Must
you be off, Charlie ? " as she saw him
fetching his hat. " You never seem
to have time now, for a rest and a
smoke after tiffin."
" We have a lot of work on hand,"
Charlie said, " but as it is your birth-
day I will try and get home earlier,
and we will go and see the Fine Art
Exhibition in Ueyno Park."
64
CHAPTER VII.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER VII.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
THERE was quite a stir in the
city when it was known that
the Empress intended visiting
the Red Cross Hospital. Violet was
fortunate enough to get a good view of
Her Majesty, and was struck by her
sweet but rather sad expression. It
was reported that her thoughts were
constantly with the army in Manchuria,
and that she and the court ladies spent
many hours daily, rolling bandages and
preparing comforts for the soldiers.
The Emperor and Empress also
wrote short and touching poems, many
of which were forwarded to the troops,
who listened to them with the greatest
reverence and gratitude.
His Majesty.
They're at the front
Our brave young- men, and now the middle-aged
Are shouldering- their arms, and in the fields
Old men are gathering the abundant rice,
Low bending o'er the sheaves. All ages vie
In cheerful self-devotion to the Land.
67
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
Her Majesty.
He heard the taunt, that such a studious lad,
Who never from his book his eye could lift,
But sat and studied through the live-long day,
Must be perforce unskilful in the arts
Of war: and straightway from his desk uprose,
Seized his long bow, fitted his shaft and drew.
The arrow in the middle gold proclaimed
Brain, hand and eye, alike were trained to serve.
Major Yoshimo appeared soon
after Violet's return, just after Charles
Courtley had left for the office.
" I have come," he said, " to tell
you that I have received orders to hold
myself in readiness, to leave for the
front immediately. All the reserves
are being called out, and my doctor
has certified that I am fit for service."
His eyes sparkled as he added, " What
joy to be going at last to share in the
glory of my comrades ! But I am in a
little difficulty, and have come to ask
you to help me. The Chaplain has
left Tokyo for a few days, so I have
not been able to study with him, and
I cannot understand certain passages,
which tell us that we must not only
resign all if we become Christians, but
even turn our backs upon our parents.
68
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
This is so opposed to our views of
filial obedience."
Violet thought for a few moments —
" If I can't explain it perhaps he will
slip away, and give up Christianity
altogether." Then a sudden inspira-
tion seemed to flash across her. " Major
Yoshimo," she said, "If you were
sitting at home with your father and
mother and the Emperor came to the
door holding the Flag of Peace in his
hand, and suddenly great rays of red
light started from the rising sun, trans-
forming it into the War Flag of Japan,
and the Emperor called you to follow
him against the wishes of your parents,
what would you do ?
Major Yoshimo, usually so impassive
and self-contained, started to his feet,
and his right hand flew to his side, as
though seeking his sword. " My Em-
peror, my Lord, I would not delay one
moment, but follow him to death."
Violet shyly added, " We Christians
have a Lord in Heaven; if He calls we
too must follow, and give up all for
Him. But we are also taught that we
must render due honour to our Rulers
69
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
as the Romans did to Caesar, so we
can be loyal to both."
Major Yoshimo remained silent for
some time, and then said, " Thank
you for explaining this to me. It
seems clearer now. There is one
supreme Lord in Heaven, and if I
decide to become a Christian and to
follow Him, I yet need not fail in
allegiance to my Emperor, the greatest
Lord on earth. My difficulties seem
nearly overcome, but the task has
taken many weeks of study. I hope
Inouye San will have returned before I
leave, as he has been a good friend to
me and will be glad to know that I am
nearly convinced."
70
CHAPTER VIII.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
" p ■ p p ^
L X J.i. . " '
CHAPTER VIII.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
" K T OW Charlie, for another cosy
J >[ evening. You are always so
busy that it is a long time since
we have spent one together," said
Violet the following week, when dinner
was finished. " If you are not too
tired I want you to tell me something
about education, as you promised. I
have only visited a kindergarten for
children under six. They were such
fascinating little tots, and seemed so
good, and interested in their games.
Do you suppose they were already
being taught to be patriots, as some of
them were having a sort of baby drill
with toy guns ? "
" Undoubtedly," Charlie replied,
" for even at the earliest age, mothers
instil love of the Emperor into their
children's minds. I had not forgotten
my promise and have no work to finish
to-night, but my information refers
to more advanced schools, where I
* 73
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
noticed that even the writing copies
set by masters; contain useful and
patriotic teaching, as for instance —
'A dutiful child receives Heaven's blessing-. '
'Study to attain courage and fortitude.'
'Endure misfortune without a moan.'
'Wealth and luxury are like fleeting clouds.'
' Tigers leave skins behind when dead, and men should
leave names.'
' Death is better than dishonour.'
Then the Rescript keeps patriotism
always before them."
" The Rescript," questioned Violet.
" What is that ! "
" It is a form which was drawn up by
the Emperor in 1890. I will look it
up and let you have a translation, and
also an extract from an article written
by Professor Kikuchi which will in-
terest you. Military ardour is encour-
aged in schools, owing to the late
Viscount Mori having introduced
jujutsu, fencing, drill, &c, which has
been obligatory since 1886. Girls are
also taught gymnastics, and all their
schools, as well as the university for
women in Tokyo, are under the direct
support of the Empress."
" And yet," said Violet, " schoolboys
74
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
in everyday life seem so courteous and
gentle, not as if they were being trained
to fight."
" Just so, but probably that is due
to the fact, that from the time a boy
enters school, he has two hours in-
struction every week in etiquette, how
to walk, to bow, to carry a tray, to
hold his hands and fingers, to enter
and leave a room, &c, Sec. That is
the reason why you so seldom come
across what I might call a three-
cornered lad, or one with awkward
manners and self-consciousness."
" What happens if a boy is naughty
or idle?"
" It seems strange to us, but punish-
ments are practically unknown. Caning
has been abolished, and if a master
loses his temper he is disgraced for
ever. He must also be an efficient
teacher, or the pupils make a com-
plaint. Hearn mentions that in the
year 1893, one of the Professors of
Chemistry was dismissed after a
searching enquiry by an inspector,
who had received the following letter
from his pupils : ' We like him, he is
75
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
kind to us, he does the best he can,
but he does not know enough, to teach
us as we want to be taught. He
cannot answer our questions. He can-
not explain the experiments he shows
us. We had better have another
teacher.' Again no boy strives to be
first or to oust another. He is taught
to learn for the sake of acquiring
knowledge, as prizes are rarely given,
and he is not praised for simply
behaving himself."
" But suppose," questioned Violet,
" that he did a brave action such as
saving a comrade's life, would it not
be acknowledged in any way f "
11 I think not," replied Charlie, " for
he would only have done his duty, and
something worthy of his family and
ancestors. The word ' Meiyo ' is im-
pressed upon a child's mind. It is a
sort of combination of ' name ' and
* fame,' and he is taught that to seek
notoriety out of vanity, is mean and
despicable."
" Are schools general throughout
Japan ? " Violet enquired.
" Yes, 2900 were established during
76
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
the ten years between 1873 and 1883,
and, of course, the number has greatly-
increased since then. Students seem
to have a real thirst for knowledge, and
their greatest punishment is to be sus-
pended from school and deprived of
study. They never work for more
than fifty minutes at a time, and are
then turned out to play in the fresh
air for ten minutes, when they wrestle,
leap, and race. In bad weather books
are closed, and they join in quieter
games, or talk together during that
time. A special master is often en-
gaged to keep discipline out of school
hours, and boys and girls do not play
together after the age of ten. If it
was reported that day boys were
disorderly in the streets, or paid atten-
tion to girls, it would be considered a
serious matter, and a public offence.
School children are also educated by
going out for so-called ' distant ex-
cursions,' and in the case of higher
grades, this often takes place during
the summer vacation for many days
or weeks, in the shape of camping out
and manoeuvring, or of round trips to
77
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
places of historic interest, something
like a pilgrimage. When a large num-
ber of students combine for these
* educational excursions ' they are
personally conducted by masters."
Violet listened attentively — " Well
they are a wonderful people ! Do you
think they are taught to be clean in
school too ? There seem to be no
•dirty slum children running about as in
European towns."
" Cleanliness is part of the Shinto
religion, but apart from that, a
Japanese hates having even dirty
hands. There are over eleven hundred
public baths in Tokyo, and it is cal-
culated that five hundred thousand
people use them daily. The charge
is something under a halfpenny, which
includes a towel and often soap, and
is even lower in the case of children."
" Eleven hundred baths ! " said
Violet, opening her eyes wide, " it
seems almost incredible, and yet I
suppose the people must have some
faults as well as other nations."
" Rather," replied her brother.
41 Take trade, for instance. Merchants
78
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
in general are regarded as being very
unreliable in business matters, and
their reputation for integrity does not
stand nearly so high as in China.
There is, however, a vast improvement
since the Government, and many of the
leading Nobles have taken the matter
seriously in hand, and Japan now
aspires to commercial as well as politi-
cal power. Traders themselves are
beginning to realise that it is to their
advantage to obtain an honourable
standing in European countries. An-
other point — the standard of morality
according to our ideas is very low,
and divorce is even to this day far too
common. Formerly no woman could
choose her own partner in life, but
Viscount Mori, whom I mentioned
before, as well as Viscount Kurodiy
were not only firm believers in the
higher education of their country
women, but in 1873 they spoke out
boldly, respecting the need of reform
in the marriage laws. Mori put his
principles into practice, for having
met a highly accomplished lady of his
own class, he upset all preconceived
79
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
notions of propriety, by paying his
addresses to her after the fashion of
an occidental lover. He wooed and
won his bride, and they signed and
attested a contract of marriage before
the Mayor of Tokyo. The lady had
all the rights and privileges of the
West secured to her, and the husband
was bound to one wife. It is said
that this caused unbounded astonish-
ment at the time, but the results have
been most satisfactory.
" Another thing I am sorry for,
is the way the people are adopting
American hustle, which is opposed
to their quiet unemotional character.
Still I confess it is difficult for a
European to take a fair view of this
wonderful nation, and I am amused
at many books I come across, which
either are full of gushing sentiment,
or unqualified disapproval. We must
always remember that East is East
and West is West, each having its
own virtues and vices, and personally
I should be sorry to attempt to fathom
the mind of a Japanese."
Charlie paused to light a fresh cigar-
80
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
ette, and therefore did not notice
the flush on Violet's cheek as she
enquired, " Would it not cement the
friendship and alliance between Great
Britain and Japan if the two nations
inter-married more ? Look at Mr and
Mrs Watana. She is an English
woman and seems quite happy with
her Japanese husband."
" Possibly," replied Charles Courtley,
" but I am no advocate of mixed
marriages, and you will often find
that Eurasian children are at a dis-
advantage in both countries. I am
sure that England would fare better
if our semi-alien population could be
reduced by a few thousands. I don't
believe in mixed Races. We can be
just as good friends by keeping our
nationalities distinct, though, mind
you, I look on Japan as the most
civilised of all unchristian nations."
Violet looked thoughtfully at the
dying embers of the fire. " What a
lot you know, Charlie, I wish I could
remember things as you do. Good-
night, and don't forget to look up the
Rescript."
81
CHAPTER IX.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER IX.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
EXTRACTS FROM PROFESSOR
KIKUCHI'S ARTICLE, JUNE,
1907.
IN Japanese schools, when masters
and pupils assemble in the hall
of the school at the beginning of
a term, on New Year's Day, or other
fete days, it is usual to commence the
proceedings with the reading of the
Imperial Rescript on Education.
This is no empty ceremony. The
reader feels that he is giving the living
words of the Emperor ; the assembly
stands up, and when the reading is
over, all bow in profound reverence as
if they had been delivered by the
Emperor in person.
A copy of this Rescript is distributed
from the Department of Education
to every school in the Empire, those
for the Central Government Schools
being signed by the Emperor.
The relation between the Imperial
85
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
House and the people (connected with
ancestral worship) is the basis of
Japanese education. The sacred con-
ception of the Mikado, is the thought
inheritance of Japan. Mythology has
consecrated it, history has endeared
it, and poetry has idealised it.
The Imperial Rescript is a firm
basis for moral teaching.
The old standard of devotion to
duty, of loyalty and filial piety has
been maintained by the older men, and
home influences have been powerful
enough to keep the rising generation
in the same path.
The Imperial Rescript on Education.
Official English Translation.
Know Ye, Our subjects :
Our Imperial Ancestors have
founded Our Empire on a basis broad
and everlasting, and have deeply and
firmly implanted virtue ; Our subjects
ever united in loyalty and filial piety
have from generation to generation
illustrated the beauty thereof. This
is the glory of the fundamental char-
86
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
acter of Our Empire, and herein also
lies the source of Our Education. Ye,
Our subjects, be filial to your parents,
affectionate to your brothers and
sisters : as husbands and wives be
harmonious, as friends true ; bear your-
selves in modesty and moderation ;
extend your benevolence to all ; pursue
learning and cultivate arts, and thereby
develope intellectual faculties, and
perfect moral powers ; furthermore
advance public good, and promote
common interests ; always respect the
Constitution and observe the laws ;
should emergency arise offer yourselves
courageously to the State, and thus
guard and maintain the propriety of
Our Imperial Throne coeval with
heaven and earth. So shall ye not
only be Our good and faithful subjects,
but render illustrious the best tradi-
tions of your forefathers.
The Way here set forth is indeed the
teaching bequeathed by Our Imperial
Ancestors, to be observed alike by
Their Descendants and the subjects,
infallible for all ages, and true in all
places. It is Our wish to lay it to
87
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
heart in all reverence, in common with
you Our subjects, that we may all
thus attain to the same virtue.
The 30th day of this 10th month of
the 23rd year of Meiji (30th October,
1890).
(Imperial Seal.)
88
CHAPTER X.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER X.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
A WEEK later, when Violet was
busy writing her home letters
after breakfast, Sumo Kano
ran in to tell her that he and Major
Yoshimo were under orders to leave
that evening for the front. He seemed
to be brimming over with delight, and
looked very boyish and smart in his
new khaki uniform. Violet cordially
wished him every success, and at the
same time begged him not to run
unnecessary risks. He replied that
he intended looking most carefully
after his health, and would especially
guard against enteric, by never drink-
ing water that had not been tested, and
would also, if possible, avoid sleeping
on damp ground.
Violet felt quite surprised at such
prudence, till he added, " I must take
all possible precautions, because I do
not think I could ever return if I had
91
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
to face the shame of having been sick,
and not wounded. It would be such
a disgrace to my family." He then
thanked her for the hospitality she and
her brother had shown him, and said,
he hoped he would have the honour
of meeting them again, " unless," he
continued with a beaming smile, " I
bring glory to my country by dying
in the field."
After he had said goodbye, Violet
returned to her writing table with a
sigh, and wondered if she would ever
see this keen young soldier again.
Nearly all the officers she knew, except
those who had been invalided home,
were now in the fighting lines, and it
was reported that a great battle was
imminent.
Charlie arrived rather earlier than
usual for tiffin, and looked very tired,
so when the meal was over, Violet per-
suaded him to rest in an arm chair in
the verandah. He lay back with his
eyes closed, and Violet sat on a stool
by his side, with her needlework. He
roused himself after a time, and seemed
to enjoy a cup of strong coffee.
92
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
Presently he said, " Vi, when the war
is over, I hope to get a year's leave, as I
feel a bit slack, and we will return
home together."
Violet anxiously enquired, " Do you
feel ill, Charlie I "
" No, not exactly," he replied, " but
there has been a great press of work
lately, so the hours have been unusually
long at the office, and I suffer a good
deal from sleeplessness. However, I
believe the next battle will probably
be a decisive one, and then we may all
hope for a little rest. Hullo, here
comes Yoshimo. I heard he was off
to-night. Every available man ap-
pears to have received orders to join
the fighting lines."
Major Yoshimo hurried up the little
path leading to the verandah, and after
the usual salutations said, " I have
hardly a moment to spare, as I have
received orders to entrain to-night at
12 o'clock, with a contingent of re-
serves for Shimonoseki, and thence
by boat to Tairen."
" And where do you go after that ? "
questioned Charlie.
93
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
" I do not know, but I shall receive
sealed orders on landing, and only
hope my destination will be with
General Kuroki in Manchuria."
Charlie shook him warmly by the
hand. " I am obliged to return to the
office, as my time is up. I know you
are glad to go, but we shall miss you
very much. Goodbye, old fellow, take
care of yourself and all good luck to
you."
Major Yoshimo and Violet were
alone. " I think you will be glad to
hear," he said, " that the Chaplain
has arranged to baptise me at 6.30
this evening at St Andrew's Church.
Before leaving, I want to thank you
for helping me in my decision. I
remember the Emperor's words, ' Look
towards the dawn or you will be lost in
the darkness.' It was a message he sent
to the Emperor of China some years ago.
The dawn has risen for me, and my
doubts have dispersed as dew before
the rising sun. I do not expect to
return, but shall probably die with my
comrades, like a cherry blossom that
falls from the tree. Please think of
94
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
me at midnight, when we shall be
entraining at Shimbashi station."
Violet held out her hand, and taking
it almost reverently in his own, he
bowed his head over it, and she heard
him breathe " Sayonara " (Farewell).
Then raising his head he looked her
searchingly in the face, and seemed on
the point of speaking, but apparently
he changed his mind, for he quietly
passed out of the verandah into the
sunshine.
Violet watched him with tears in her
eyes, till he reached the little gate,
turned round, and made his last salute.
She sat up that night in her room,
till the great clock at the Embassy
struck twelve, and then hastily throw-
ing on some wraps stepped into
the little verandah. Her head ached,
so she loosened her fair hair, which
fell over her shoulders in rippling waves.
She listened intently, and in a few
moments heard the steady tramp of
armed men, which gradually died away
in the distance. Presently a bugle
rang out in the stillness of the night,
playing the inspiring tune of " Kimi-
95
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
gayo " (Japanese National Anthem) :
^^^d^^^^^W
St
cm. &, sj£n±>
^a.&**pZ*0*c#f7~i£r &* fy**
& Jt*&« Jfc*. JZ dtf^tiffr
The moon had risen, and its silvery
rays fell on the kneeling figure of a
girl, with bowed head, and hands
clasped in prayer.
96
CHAPTER XL
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER XI.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
THE Red Cross Hospital was
being extended day by day, and
wooden buildings were quickly
erected, in order to receive the number
of wounded men, who were being sent
up from the seaport town of Hiroshima.
Sometimes when a special train arrived,
there seemed to be an almost unending
line of stretchers and jinrickishas. The
number of nurses was increased, by
the admission of several ladies from
the Japanese Voluntary Aid Society,"
to help in the wards. Others were
employed in writing letters for con-
valescents in the Recreation Rooms,
by reading to helpless patients, and by
arranging entertainments, etc., etc.
Violet was now a constant visitor,
and daily brought books and flowers,
or taught some of the officers English,
which seemed to be an unfailing amuse-
99
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
ment to them. She was not suf-
ficiently experienced to be able to
help in nursing, but the authorities,
finding that she was gentle and sym-
pathetic, allowed her to help in many
ways, when skilled training was not
required.
Violet rather envied the only
Englishwoman, who had joined the
Japanese Red Cross Society before
leaving her own country, and was
working all day in the wards. She
spoke most warmly of the kindness
and courtesy shown her by the staff,
and told Violet that, having lately
passed through a great sorrow herself,
she had found peace and consolation
in her work.
The buildings reserved for privates
were full to overflowing, and very
soon Violet was asked to give her time
there instead of with the officers, as
the numbers were nearly doubled,
and mattresses had to be laid on the
floor, between the little wooden beds.
One morning a nurse handed Violet
a jug of water, and told her she might
fill up the patients' cups when they
ioo
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
asked for oyu (hot water). Afterwards
she noticed a poor fellow trying to
support a newspaper with his bandaged
hands, so she held it up for him till he
had finished reading. Then she cleaned
his pipe, and those belonging to several
other men, which was rather a dirty
job, but she felt repaid by their genuine
pleasure and thanks. This took some
time, and on returning she met two
blind patients groping their way into
the garden, so she put her hands on
their shoulders, and guided them round
the paths. They sniffed up the fresh
air with delight, and when she had
brought them safely back, they smiled
and said " Arigato " (thank you). Al-
though it was very pathetic, Violet
nearly laughed when they bowed with
their backs to her, having lost her
whereabouts. After this, they asked
every morning, if the Oksan Gunjin
(soldier's lady) was there to take them
out.
At first Violet was horrified at the
terrible wounds and injuries, especially
if she happened to catch sight of faces
half destroyed, or disfigured beyond
IOI
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
recognition, but to her surprise she
found, that she soon got accustomed
to these pitiful sights, and was able to
forget her own personality, in the joy
of waiting upon the brave sons of
Yamato.
One day a message came from one of
the Princesses, inviting her to the
workroom set apart for them and their
friends. Violet observed how intent
they were on their work ; there was
hardly any talking, and they would
stay from six to eight hours a day,
rolling bandages and preparing First
Aid packets. These were most
troublesome to make, and Violet's
Flower Princess, who was one of the
most indefatigable workers, was in-
capacitated for several days owing to
sore fingers. The gentle little ladies
never complained of monotony or
fatigue, and would keep on steadily
at their task for weeks, without inter-
mission.
The routine of hospital life was a
great change to Violet, after her past
sheltered and luxurious life, but she
felt much happier in rendering small
102
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
services there, than in sitting at her
ease in the beautiful Embassy Gardens.
One afternoon, when she was picking
over and sorting wadding which had
been returned from the laundry, a
large batch of wounded men arrived
in a terrible condition. Shell and
shrapnel had done their deadly work,
and frost-bite had attacked their hands
and feet. It was a heartrending sight,
and Violet helped the nurses to lift
the helpless patients into bed, to change
their stained uniforms for clean white
kimonos, and to give them warm milk.
It took a long time before they were
comfortably settled, and the surgeons
and many of the nurses were employed
with bad cases in the operating Theatre
for many hours.
Violet returned home about 6 o'clock,
and, while resting in her arm-chair,
thought over what she had seen that
day, and her whole soul was filled with
passionate rebellion at the horrors of
war. " Oh ! why must it be ? " She
went to the book-case, and fetching a
note book, turned over its leaves till
she came to some favourite lines of
103
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
hers, written by the Archbishop of
Armagh after the battle of Colenso:
They say that "war is hell" the great accursed,
The sin impossible to be forgiven,
Yet I can look behind it at its worst
And still find blue in heaven.
And as I note how nobly natures form
Under war's red rain, I dream it true
That He who made the earthquake and the storm,
Perchance, makes battles too.
The life He loves is not the life of span
Abbreviated by each passing breath ;
It is the true humanity of man
Victorious over death.
Methinks I see how spirits may be tried,
Transfigured into beauty on war's verge,
Like flowers whose tremulous grace is learnt, beside
The trampling of the surge.
*****
They who marched up the bluffs, last stormy week,
Some of them — ere they reached the mountain's crown,
The wind of battle breathing on their cheek,
Suddenly laid them down
Like sleepers — not like those whose race is run
Fast, fast asleep amid the cannon's roar ;
Them no reveille nor morning gun
Shall ever waken more.
Thus as the heaven's many coloured flames
At sunset, are but dust in rich disguise,
Th' ascending earthquake dust of battle, frames
God's picture in the skies.
104
CHAPTER XII.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
H
CHAPTER XII.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
VIOLET was spending a busy
morning with her Japanese
maid cutting out and pre-
paring material for a working party
in the afternoon. She had under-
taken to make one hundred white
cotton caps for patients in the
Hospitals. The room was littered
with fragments of calico, and sheets
of rice paper for packing. Some tiny
red crosses were lying on the table,
ready for stitching on the centre of
each cap, and a sewing machine stood
in the corner.
It was a warm spring day, and Violet
occasionally looked wistfully at the
garden, where great bushes of azaleas
and peonies were coming into bloom.
The trees were full of thousands of
cicadas, whose incessant chirp was like
the whistling trill of a canary, and she
could see a movement amongst the
107
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
trees, caused by these little singing
insects. The cherry season was over,
and the blossoms which a few days ago
were white as driven snow, had fluttered
to the ground in pink showers. Violet
thought of the Japanese proverb,
*■ The cherry is first among flowers as
the warrior is first among men," and she
wondered when news of Major Yoshimo
would reach Tokyo. Jim was pro-
bably safe, as she hoped he would be
far behind the line of fire, but she could
not help feeling anxious, at not having
heard from either of them since the
great battle.
She turned to her maid, " Fusa, we
shall have a nice long morning for work,
because Courtley San wishes to have
tifhn an hour later than usual to-day.
Perhaps we shall finish all the caps
this afternoon, and anyhow I promised
to send them to the President of the
Ladies' Volunteer Association, before
to-morrow evening."
Fusa smiled, and fumbled in the
folds of her obi, and in the long sleeves
of her kimono, from whence she ex-
tracted a minute pipe, some tobacco, a
108
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
roll of paper, a fan, some post-cards,
and other odds and ends. Having
selected a pair of scissors she replaced
the rest of her treasures in these com-
modious pockets and began to con-
verse with Violet.
" Missy like honourable garden party
at Palace, many peoples go f "
"Yes, indeed," replied Violet, "it
was a lovely sight and I am glad to have
been, and to have seen the Empress
at her cherry blossom party. I was
presented to Her Majesty, and she
looked so kind and gentle. There
were also many Princesses present, and
I have learnt all their names now,
though one of them will always be the
' Flower Princess ' to me. I think
she is like that single white peony
tipped with rose, out there in the
garden. But tell me Fusa, do you think
any of your flowers would grow in
England ? "
" Yes, Missy, many go in big ships.
Me and flowers come too when honour-
able lady go away."
" But what about your husband, and
two little children, Fusa?"
109
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
" They all right, me go England,
make plenty money, come back rich."
Presently Violet heard footsteps in
the distance, and saw her brother
coming slowly up the path.
" Why it's surely not time for tiffin "
— then glancing at the clock — " no,
it wants nearly an hour."
She suddenly noticed that his face
was very grave.
" Fusa, you can go now and I will
call you again presently. What is it,
Charlie ? "
" I have brought bad news, Vi.
Sumo Kano has been killed in action,
and a messenger has arrived from the
front bringing this letter from Major
Yoshimo, but I am sorry to say it is
officially reported, that the poor fellow
has died of his wounds since writing
it."
Violet, though outwardly calm,
turned very pale. She held out her
hand for the letter.
Charlie seemed a little embarrassed,
and turned his back to her. " I will
read it to you, Vi, as it is very badly
written, and difficult to make out."
no
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
" To Violet Courtley San. Great
honour, dying in Emperor's service,
wounded internally. Perhaps Lord
in Heaven will let my spirit go on
with army."
Charlie paused — " The next two
words are very indistinct, but I think
they are glory, and peace."
Violet felt a little resentful. " It
is my letter and addressed to me ;
why is Charlie keeping it from me ? "
She rose quickly from her chair and
looked over his shoulder.
He covered the letter with his hand
and tried to push it into the envelope
but too late — Violet had caught sight
of it.
The letter was written in blood !
in
CHAPTER XIII.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER XIII.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
THE battle of Mukden had been
fought and won, but at a
tremendous cost of life, for
600,000 men had met in deadly-
combat. It was one of the bloodiest
battles ever known in the world's
history. The sky was obscured by
the black smoke of burning villages,
and the incessant crackle of rifles, the
rattle of machine guns, and the deep
thunder of cannon, rolled across the
ravines. Flashes of fire revealed the
positions of the exhausted Russians,
who were in full retreat, and formed
mere targets for the Japanese artillery.
Marshal Oyama's strategy had secured
a brilliant victory, with the able support
of Generals Kuroki, Nogi, and Nodzu.
Jim Morton, owing to the good
offices of a friend, had been able to push
115
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
his way nearer to the front than any
other correspondent, and had a good
view of the stupendous artillery duel
of March 17th, which lasted for thirty
hours. He could see fragments of
fragile Chinese houses flying through
the air, and watched the merciless
shrapnel strewing the plain with dead
and dying. He wrote his despatches
and made some hasty sketches under
cover of a rock, then cautiously creep-
ing out of shelter he started off at a
quick run. Suddenly a shell burst
near him, and he felt a burning sensa-
tion in his leg. At first in his excite-
ment he hardly noticed it, and con-
tinued racing at full speed to the near-
est telegraph station, hoping to be the
first to get his news through.
On his way, he came across a Japan-
ese Officer and five wounded men, lying
in a hollow. They held out their hands-
imploring for help, and Jim had not
the heart to pass them by. At the
risk of losing the kudos of sending off
* v; JL ( the first despatch, he knelt down beside
them, and helped to re-adjust their
bandages. Then finding them parched
116
&mi
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
with thirst, he unstrapped his water
bottle, and divided the contents
amongst them.
The Officer could talk English fairly
well, and he told Jim that his name was
Captain Kuroda, that he and his men
had been under heavy rifle fire, and
had fought till all their ammunition
was spent. One of the party was
already dead, and he and the others
were too badly injured to move.
Jim promised to send help as quickly
as possible, and searched his pockets
for sandwiches and brandy to leave
with them. He then prepared to start
off again, but the gash in his leg, which
had hardly troubled him before, was
now bleeding freely, and he found
himself unable to walk. It was a
bitter disappointment to feel that he
had lost his chance, but there was
nothing to be done, so he sat down
again, and opening his field ambulance
case, bandaged his wound to the best
of his ability.
For some time he kept on shouting,
hoping to attract the attention of some
passer-by, but at last he gave it ud in
117
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
despair, as no one came to the rescue.
Captain Kuroda seemed too feeble to
make any effort, so Jim tried to
pass the time by telling him tales of
sporting adventures, which he trans-
lated to the other men. Then, cheery
fellow that he was, he whistled some
popular airs, winding up with " God
save the King." Captain Kuroda tried
in return to hum Kimiga-yo, but his
voice was so weak and quavering, that
he failed after the first line, and fell
back wearily. There was no more
food left, and as night drew on, a cold
pitiless rain began to fall. Jim tucked
his precious despatches inside his shirt,
hoping to keep them dry, but he was
soon soaked to the skin, and the little
hollow where they lay, became a swamp
of liquid mud.
Captain Kuroda was moaning and
shivering, so Jim turned over on his
side, and under cover of the darkness,
divested himself of his warm upper
clothing and macintosh and wrapped
them round him.' Then he felt in the
pockets of his breeches for his brandy
flask, before remembering that it was
118
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
empty, and he could only find a pipe
and matchbox. He struck a light, and
to his great joy, saw his tobacco pouch
lying on the ground by the side of one
of the soldiers, who was apparently
asleep. He reached forward to take
it, but in doing so touched the man's
hand. It was cold and stiff.
Captain Kuroda was now resting
quietly, well protected by Jim's cloth-
ing from the drenching rain, which in-
creased in violence during the night,
and turned into a heavy hail storm.
Jim felt the cold penetrating to his
very bones, and his limbs becoming
stiff. Towards early morning he sank
into a stupor from exhaustion, no
food having passed his lips for many
hours, besides having suffered tortures
from thirst. As he closed his eyes, he
thought he was again in his dear home
in Wales, resting in his mother's arms.
She tenderly pressed her lips to his,
and then drew back with a loving smile,
while she pointed to Violet, who was
coming towards him with outstretched
hands. She was dressed in white, and
was wearing a bunch of roses which he
119
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
had given her the day before he left
England. But her voice sounded
strangely loud and rough, and Jim
woke with a start to find two ambulance
men leaning over him, and preparing to
lift him into a stretcher.
He was now quite helpless owing to
exposure, and unable to move hand or
foot. Captain Kuroda was sadly dis-
tressed, when he realised that unknown
to himself, Jim had covered him up
warmly in the night, and probably
saved his life. He turned to him and
whispered in a weak voice, " My
English friend and comrade." He and
Jim were the only survivors of the
little band.
It was some time before any news
reached the Courtleys, and then it was
brought by a young officer, who had
heard all the details from Captain
Kuroda. Jim's life had been despaired
of for some days, as, in addition to
rheumatic fever, an abscess had formed
in his wounded leg, causing him much
suffering. He had managed, however,
to send a few pencil lines to Violet.
120
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
Dear Violet,
Have been ill, but hope to go to
Nakasaki soon in hospital ship, then
home by long sea voyage. So sorry
not to see you. May not write
more.
JIM.
When the officer had left, Charlie
turned to Violet, " By Jove, he is a
plucky chap, I hope he will get all
right soon. Bravo old Jim. I wonder,
Vi, if you would like to return to
England in the same boat with him.
Mrs Barton is leaving soon, and would
look after you on the voyage. If I can
find out Jim's boat, you might all start
home together."
Violet longed to go, as she was very
tired, and besides having the rest of
six weeks at sea, she would be able to
take care of Jim ; but she glanced at
Charlie before replying, and noticed
how thin he was getting, and how dark
lines were deepening round his eyes.
Surely her first duty was with him.
" No, Charlie, I will stay on with you,
till you get your long leave in the
I 121
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
Autumn, and then we will return
together."
Charlie passed his hand wearily over
his forehead. " All right, Vi, if you
really like to stay, I shall be glad to
have you, only I thought somehow you
were hankering after the old country."
Violet slipped into the little garden,
to hide her disappointment, and when
she returned her face was as bright as
usual. Charlie must never know what
the decision had cost her.
122
CHAPTER XIV.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER XIV.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
THE summer was approaching,
and as the days lengthened,
the public parks of Tokyo,
where Geishas twang their samisen,
became thronged with visitors. Most
of the tea-houses overhang orna-
mental lakes and are supported by
bamboo stakes driven into the
water. The floors are spread with
pale green mats, on which soft cushions
are laid, in front of tiny tables about
two feet high. Otherwise there is
no furniture except a painted screen,
a kakemono (hanging picture) and a
single vase of flowers, artistically ar-
ranged, with every petal drawn and
coaxed into its proper position. The
sliding doors made of thin laths and
white paper, which had been closed in
winter behind wooden amado (shutters)
are at this season drawn back into their
grooves, and dainty little waitresses
125
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
flit about in bright kimonos. All the
tea-houses are surrounded by gardens
which have a fascination of their own.
Great fir trees, carefully pruned for
many years, stretch flatly across the
lakes in strange fantastic curves, their
dark foliage, contrasting with the tender
green of maples and bamboo.
Violet had taken a day off from the
hospital, and had joined a merry party
of English friends. She smiled and
talked with the rest, for she remem-
bered how Japanese women hide their
troubles, for fear of making others sad.
While tea was preparing, she slipped
off for a few minutes by herself, and
leaning over the fragile balustrade
at the back of the tea-house, watched
the crowds as they passed by. It was
a National holiday, and they strolled
under the trees, apparently undis-
turbed by household cares or worries.
Whole families drifted slowly along,
with the stream of pleasure-seekers,
amongst them many little Musumes
(girls) just able to toddle, &£ if too
small to walk, carried on theirmother's
backs, from whence they peeped with
126
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
enquiring eyes. There was nothing
loud or jarring in the rippling laughter,
and when two large parties met on the
narrow pathway, each bowed and
made way for the other. Violet won-
dered whether the people had already
forgotten those terrible battles of the
past, which had robbed nearly every
family of a relation or friend. Her
heart felt out of tune with the gay
surroundings, and she almost regretted
having come, till she remembered, how
that morning the good news had spread
through the city, that peace would
probably soon be concluded. There-
fore the Nation rejoiced, for it only
needed the victory of Admiral Togo's
fleet, to complete the downfall of the
proud Russian Eagle, and through the
pain which she strove to hide so bravely,
Violet felt almost proud that Major
Yoshimo had attained a triumphant
death on the battle-field, and that Jim
had proved himself a hero.
She heard herself called, " Violet !
Violet ! where are you hiding ? Tea is
just ready ; come along, we are all here."
Violet left the balcony, and, return-
127
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
ing to her friends with a bright smile,
joined them round one of the lacquer
tables, which held some cups without
handles. The party sat down on the
floor, prepared to enjoy tea "a la
Japonaise," and Violet placed herself
alongside Mary Howman, who, being
a " flapper " of fifteen, and out for a
holiday, was full of fun. Each guest
had a pair of wooden chopsticks
joined together, to show they were new
and had not been used before. These
had to be broken apart, and there was
much laughter, when Mary tried her
hand with them, but was soon obliged
to accept a spoon provided for foreign-
ers. The fare consisted of raw fish,
white cakes made of bean flour and
sugar, stewed chestnuts, lotus roots,
young shoots of bamboo and edible
ferns boiled in soy (a sauce made from
fermented wheat with salt and vinegar),
pounded chrysanthemum blossoms, and
a large tub of rice, in front of which one
of the waitresses knelt, doling it out
as required. Weak straw-coloured tea,
without milk or sugar, was served in
tiny cups. The meal was a novelty to
128
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
most of the party, and when some
tempting-looking plums were brought
in as a special dainty, they found these
had been soaked in brine, and were only
a very unappetising form of pickle.
Tea was just finished, and the coolies
had drawn up the jinrickishas in line,
ready for a homeward start, when a
sudden stir was perceptible amongst
the crowd. Men and women were
eagerly holding out their hands, trying
to secure leaflets from the running
messengers, who, with tinkling bells
fastened round their waists, were dis-
tributing them right and left at the
cost of a sen.
One of the Englishmen went up to a
policeman, and asked him if there was
any special news. His face lightened
up with joy, as he answered in broken
English — " Russia all little pieces, Togo
and ships safe — Big glory."
The news was spreading like wild-
fire, and as they drove through the
streets, flags and lanterns were being
hung up and festooned from door to
door, the name of Togo was on every
lip, and all the people were hurrying
129
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
home to join in the public rejoicings,
and to prepare for the evening pro-
cession. The coolies in their excite-
ment raced along, occasionally spring-
ing and jumping, till Violet and Mary,
laughing heartily, could with difficulty
keep their seats. Cries of " Banzai "
were heard on all sides, and the Temple
gates were thrown open, to receive
crowds of worshippers, many of whom
turned their eyes in the direction of the
Palace, for surely it was by the power
of the Son of Heaven, that victory had
been secured.
Japan was saved — and had proved
herself invincible through the valour
and devotion of her gallant sons.
ADMIRAL TOGO'S REPLY TO THE
EMPEROR'S MESSAGE OF
CONGRATULATION.
Your Majesty's Servants are pro-
foundly thankful for the gracious
message addressed to them in con-
nection with the victory in the Sea of
Japan. It is not by any human
efforts but by the graces of your
Majesty's virtues and by the guard-
130
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
ianship of the Great Ancestral Spirits
that a result so far beyond our ex-
pectations has been achieved. Your
Majesty's Servants will toil with
ever increased zeal to bring about
the accomplishment of the Imperial
purpose.
131
CHAPTER XV.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
ID
CHAPTER XV.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
TOKYO began to get unbearably
hot in July, and most of the
foreign residents had left for
summer resorts. Charles Courtley was
finishing up some work, and hoped soon
to get away for a month's rest, and
return to England on long leave in
the autumn.
Violet felt very uneasy about him, as
he was getting so thin and pale, and she
was thankful that she had decided to
stay on in Japan, especially when one
morning he fainted at the office, and
was brought home by one of his col-
leagues. The doctor who was called
in, said that he was thoroughly run
down, and that the action of the heart
135
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
was very weak, so he ordered him
complete rest in bed for a few days.
Charlie was anxious to finish up some
business he had on hand, and was
somewhat difficult to manage. Violet
gave up all her engagements and Red
Cross work, in order to nurse and look
after him.
The air became very oppressive, and
the mosquitos were a constant annoy-
ance. If the windows were opened
after dark, they buzzed round in
swarms with their venomous little
stings, and only retired into obscurity
at dawn.
Violet tried to amuse Charlie in
every way she could think of, but he
was very depressed, and when allowed
out of bed, would sit quietly in his
armchair, only rousing up when
friends came in for a chat. The weekly
arrival of the English mail made a
welcome change for the invalid, and he
always looked forward to it with much
pleasure.
One morning Violet came to his room
with quite a budget of letters and news-
papers, and having settled him com-
136
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
fortably with the " Times," she went
into the adjoining room with her own
correspondence, amongst which she
was glad to find a letter from Jim.
My dear Violet,
I hope soon to hear that you
and Charlie are returning home, as I
gather from your last letter, that he
is feeling the effects of over-work,
and also it is much too late for either
of you to remain in Tokyo. I am
getting anxious about you, and hope
by this time you have gone to the
mountains. Do be careful not to
run about in the sun without a hat,
and it is a good plan to have a siesta
(Indian fashion) after tiffin, and
mind you wrap up well at sun-down.
I shall soon be all right now, and
am able to walk to the lake and back
with the help of two sticks, but the
doctor says I shall always limp, as the
muscles of my leg are contracted. I
think of getting a car, as it is doubt-
ful whether I shall ever be able to
K 137
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
cross a horse again, though it does
not much matter as there is no hunt-
ing round here. There are always
plenty of interests for a man, and I
hope to get on the County Council
and School Board. So far the
pheasants have hatched out well,
and fishing prospects are also satis-
factory. I fear a winter in the
country must be rather wearisome
for ladies, as there is not much amuse-
ment for them except a few shooting
parties.
Let me know directly you arrive,
so that I may run up to town to
meet you. I want to ask your
advice on a matter, that has been on
my mind for many months. Sup-
pose a man is in love with a girl, but
she only chaffs him when he tries
to give her a hint of his intentions,
do you think he had better risk his
luck ? If he fails it will be a bitter
disappointment to him, and she will
never be the same jolly companion
again. It is a real puzzle, and I
think perhaps he is wanting in pluck,
and ought to have spoken long ago.
138
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
Do think it over and tell me when we
meet.
If you are now at Chuzenji, you
are probably having a gay time with
picnics and dances, as all the Lega-
tions move up there in the summer.
I am afraid we shall never again have
a valse together, as I shall always be
more or less a lame dog.
By the way, it seems that peace is
practically signed, and I hear that
Japan is making all sorts of plans for
the advancement of the country.
She will now take her place amongst
other great Nations in the world, and
I am glad we have her as an ally.
I must finish up my letter, as
mother is waiting to take me for a
row on the lake, if I can manage to
hobble into the boat. You will
laugh when I tell you, that there's
an almanack hanging in the library,
on which I chuck off the days till
you and Charlie return. I hope you
will decide to come from Yokohama
to Vancouver, and across the Rocky
Mountains. It is the quickest route,
and also there is less chance of being
139
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
caught in a typhoon. Be sure and let
me know your boat, and in the
meantime think over my question.
Yours ever,
JIM.
Violet read the letter over several
times, and then folded it up very
thoughtfully. There was no mistak-
ing Jim's meaning, and she felt touched
by his long devotion. Lately she had
guessed by his letters, that she was
more to him than a mere comrade.
Japan had modified many of her views,
and she no longer hankered after con-
stant change and amusement, as in the
old days. Tears filled her eyes as she
thought of Major Yoshimo. " Dear
Jim, it is too soon yet, but perhaps —
some day."
She heard Charlie calling her. " Vi,
come and read this kind letter from
His Excellency. He is spending a few
days at Yumoto, and has written to
say that he is very sorry I have been
ill, and wishes me to return to England
at once, instead of waiting till the
140
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
Autumn. I suppose I must obey his
orders, and any way I should not be
of much use at the office for some time."
Charlie looked quite brisk again—
Hurrah ! for old England. Hurry
up Vi, and we will take our passages
in the " Empress of India," which
leaves for Vancouver in a fortnight's
time.
n
141
CHAPTER XVI.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
CHAPTER XVI.
AN ENGLISH GIRL
IN TOKYO.
" f* AN anything compare in
\^^ beauty with my home in
Wales on a summer's even-
ing in June ? " exclaimed Violet, who
five years ago had married Jim Morton,
and was now playing with Bobby, her
four year old son, by the side of the
lake. She was looking up at the
house which was situated on rising
ground and was covered with jessa-
mine and Virginian creeper. It had a
background of firs and larches, and a
fine cedar and copper-beech stood out
as specimens.
It was truly a lovely spot, with its
view of the Black mountains which
stretched in one unbroken chain across
the valley, a high peak towering above
the others, like a sentinel keeping watch.
Long expanses of turf led to the lake
and boathouse, the latter covered with
masses of white climbing£roses.^On
145
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
the right a streamlet wound its way
through a bog garden, which was full
of rare plants. Tall bamboos fringed
its sides, and a little path led to a
rustic seat, through banks of green
moss and oak fern.
On the left it was less thickly wooded,
and glimpses could be caught of the
pleasure grounds, with their beds of
bright begonias, and a wide border full
of Japanese peonies and lilies, while
ramblers were tumbling over high
poles in rich profusion.
In the prettiest corner of the dingle
there was a well of clear fresh water,
level with the pathway. A rough
stone was inscribed with the following
words in Welsh, " Yr hun a yrr y
ffynhonnau i'r dyffryhoedd " (" He
sendeth the springs into the valleys ")
and fumitory, London pride, and forget-
me-nots, fell from rocky niches over
noble osmunda ferns. The little
stream rippled gaily on, till passing
under an archway, it fell over a water-
fall into a corner of the lake.
Bobby was very busy with a toy
boat, which was being pulled to and fro
146
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
on a string, his nurse on one side and
he on the other.
Presently Jim arrived from the riveJ
with a basket of freshly caught fish,
and laying it on the ground with his
rod and tackle, he came and sat down
beside Violet on the sloping bank.
They watched a flock of wild duck
circling over-head, and a heron with
ungainly flight, seeking the marshes.
Sambo, a black poodle with pink
ribbons tying up two ridiculous tufts
of hair on his head and tail, was rushing
to and fro, barking frantically at the
fancy ducks, which continued to splash
and dive quite unconcernedly.
Bobby's little boat, though wobbling
dangerously, had to his great delight
made several safe voyages, when sud-
denly a gust of wind caught the sails,
and nearly swamped it.
" Mummy, Mummy," he cried, " my
boat is sinking ; quick, quick."
Violet flew to the rescue, and was
just in time to pull it safely to shore.
Bobby wanted to start it again, but
Violet, taking his hand in hers, said
gently, " It will soon be bed-time now,
147
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
leave it darling for to-night, it has
reached home safely."
Bobby trotted off contentedly to his
father, who allowed him to peep into
the fish basket, where silvery trout and
a couple of sewin were lying on some
freshly gathered grass. Then they
rejoined Violet, and Bobby sat quietly
on his father's knee, watching Sambo.
" How happy this anniversary of
our wedding day has been," said Violet,
with a sigh of content.
Jim put his arm round her. " Are
you quite sure, sweetheart, that you
never regret your London seasons, nor
your friends in Japan ? "
Violet bent her head and kissed the
child's golden curls, then nestling closer
to her husband, she broke into a merry
laugh, though there was a suspicion of
moisture in her blue eyes, as she
glanced at the little boat now safely
tied to a post.
" Dear old Jim, I think Japan taught
me some of the deep lessons of life, but
now I have found true happiness in my
home, with you and Bobby."
The summer twilight was drawing to
148
AN ENGLISH GIRL IN TOKYO.
a close, and the large white and yellow
water lilies were gradually folding their
glossy petals. Deep shadows lengthen-
ed on the mountains, which were
thinly veiled with the pearly mists of
evening, a sweet fragrance rose from
a bed of night stocks, and the song of
the birds was hushed.
All nature was at rest in the peaceful
valley.
149
"In Japanese Hospitals during
War Time."
By the Same Author.
An entertaining- volume on Hospital work by
Mrs Richardson, who served for fifteen months
with the Red Cross Society of Japan. She has
a fine record, and the impressions of Hospital
work are cleverly portrayed, and the book is
bright and cheerful throughout, the reader being
spared tiresome details and technicalities.
Standard.
Mrs Richardson has undertaken to give her
impressions of Japanese Hospitals at the request
of Baron Ozawa, one of the presidents of the Red
Cross Society. That the impressions would be
highly favourable might have been expected, and
silent endurance, courtesy in the midst of agony,
friendliness and gracious behaviour are what she
found among officers and privates alike. We
were prepared for these traits, but not for the
gentler poetry which Mrs Richardson appears to
have found in Japan throughout the storm and
stress of war. It pervades the book because it
has pervaded the writer's experience. Let us
say here that she tells her story admirably, with
no effort after fine writing, no misplaced gush,
but with a simplicity and consequent expressive-
ness which render her pages abundantly interest-
ing.
St James Gazette.
While Mrs Richardson gives the most graphic
pictures of Hospital life, and the Red Cross work,
there is not a paragraph, nor a page of the
gruesome, though it contains a few red patches.
The book is charming by reason of its simplic-
ity, and the volume is more readable than a
romance, and deserves a place on the shelves of
every library.
South Wales Daily News.
Still another book about Japan, and yet one
that could not well be spared, for one gathers
from Mrs Richardson's graphic and unaffected
narrative of life " In Japanese Hospitals during
War Time," not only a vivid idea of the per-
fection of their Red Cross arrangements, but in
addition some interesting and valuable sidelights
on the national character and customs. Mrs
Richardson was the first lady to enter Port Arthur
after the siege, and gives a graphic account of
its state. The book is embellished by a number of
portraits.
Newcastle Chronicle.
The Russo-Japanese war has been the subject
of many writers, and though it has been treated
in many cases ad nauseam, readers will welcome
a volume by Mrs Richardson, member of the
Japan Society. She has written a graphic and
most impressive account of her experiences during
a unique period of modern history, and has thrown
invaluable side lights on the complex character
of the Japanese. The book is as fascinating as
a novel.
Madame.
/ o*
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