The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1908-06-19


little hill on the outskirts of a
small Japanese village.
1t was springtime. Cherry BIOS
SONS fioated above them in big white
clouds, with just faint suggestion OF
pink, as if sunset were dreaming a
far away dream in it's petals. The stars
were beginning to twinkle in the vio-
let robed sky, and the sound of laugh
ter came and went in the gentle
breeze, mingled with the tremulous
note of temple bell.
How very beautiful it is" said
Mine. Il wonder why the spring
taps at my heart and calls and beck
ons. and bids me sing and clap my
hands and rejoice. l think the very
gods creep across the sky tonight, a
great company looking down at the
Cherry blossoms. See, the movement
or their robes almost blows out the
stars, and some of them seem to
change into roses and violets."
Hayano laughed softly and ca
ressed her arm; then he let it fall
gently upon the silk flowers of her
kimono.
Il have fancy" said Hayano,
solemnly, "that my little one must be
in love this springtime. Benten San
tries so hard to make people fall in
love with each other at the coming
Of spring"
Does she?" replied Mine, making
the dimples come and go in her
cheeks. II wish l could fall in love
with you, Hayano; but you are so
honorably ugly, and your heart is so
tull of learned books, that l can only
come to you as friend.
II have often pictured you as an
old ascetic, sitting under an Indian
sun, with birds making their nests in
your hair, while you squint and
squint in the effort to always keep in
view the end of your nose. Does it
not seem funny that Nirvana IS to be
found at the very end of our noses?"
Mine laughed merrily, and broad,
good natured smile played round Hay
AMOS mouth
did 1 ever tell you about Tessan?"
continued Mine. Yes, thought so.
He went out to do battle with the
Russians, the shining Sun against
such grisly. covetous Bear! A few
days ago I had letter from Tessan
telling me he was on his way to
Japan-and, friend Hayano, he want
ed me to become his wife"
Did he?" replied Hayano, hiding
his feelings as he looked at the dis
tant sea with a pathway of moonlight
streaming away to the horizon. Il
wish you both all happiness.
Mine looked at him for some time.
Perhaps this school teacher, this son
Of charcoal burner, this man, whose
outlook on life seemed so quiet and
cold, felt the tapping OF springtime
Just little, too.
Life" said Hayano softly. ere
minds me of that pine tree over there.
With its thousands and thousands of
needles it is weaving a great picture
from the stars. And the stars go out
sometimes, and the pine trees fall.
and so the great white pictures are
broken; but life goes ON just the
samei"
You are sad tonight, Hayano.
Let's talk about soldiers, about bat
tlefelds and brave deeds Oh, there
is music in the lannon's roar. l love
soldiers, Hayano!'
Yes, yes, of course you dol. said
Hayano. And you love Tessan, do
you not?"
Il think I do" replied Mine, who
seemed more like child than a
woman jusc then. Il shall always
want you as my friend. You will al
ways be my friend, Hayano, will you
not?"
Always, replied the man.
And when I am in trouble" con-
tlnued Mine. you will come to this
same spot, here, underneath these
cherry trees?"
Yes, answered the man.
Tell me-" said Mine, is there any
love in your heart for me?"
Little one" replied Hayano, soft
~ does the sea always rush up upon
the shore and make the stones dance
NO, not always. Sometimes it is
silent. | am silent tonight. | love
my work. l love trying to impart to
children that which has delighted my
own soul. And perhaps my greatest
10Y is to see child catch at the books
l love and love them, too. | desire
only your happiness, Mine. If YOU
are happy with Tessan, shall De
happy too"
yes, yes, my good friend. Oh. ]
am longing to see Tessan again SO.
80 much! He will walk bravely with
gun and sword, and ever so many
oiaVe looks will come out of his ewes
anu ne will be wounded a little
oaiy little, Hayano, for the honor
- Japan. Oh, there is another stand
a.u besides the standard of battle,
- 70 called the standard of Love!.
with little cry of delight Mine
hill. M e1i'Ais uo"n 'ae
nayano still sat under the cherry
J ses, and, with his eyes wide open
dreamed his dreams. Just as the
4, appeared he. too, descended the
- NO gladstone shout came from
~ lips. He walked SLOWLY. and
T'-Asime tapped at his heart, and