Page:Modern Japanese Stories.pdf/45

“Well, you see, I’ve been in Vladivostok since the end of last year.”

“I suppose you’ve been singing in that hotel there, whatever it’s called.”

“Yes.”

“You obviously weren’t alone. Were you with a company?”

“No, I wasn’t with a company. But I wasn’t alone either … I was with a man. In fact you know him.” She hesitated a moment. “I’ve been with Kosinsky.”

“Oh, that Pole. So I suppose you’re called Kosinskaia now.”

“Don’t be silly! It’s simply that I sing and Kosinsky accompanies me.”

“Are you sure that’s all?”

“You mean, do we have a good time together? Well, I can’t say it never happens.”

“That’s hardly surprising. I suppose he’s in Tokyo with you?”

“Yes, we’re both at the Aikokusan Hotel.”

“But he lets you come out alone.”

“My dear friend, I only let him accompany me in singing, you know.” She used the word begleiten. If he accompanied her on the piano, thought Watanabé, he accompanied her in other ways too.

“I told him that I’d seen you in the Ginza,” she continued, “and he’s very anxious to meet you.”

“Allow me to deprive myself of that pleasure.”

“Don’t worry. He isn’t short of money or anything.”

“No, but he probably will be before long if he stays here,” said Watanabé with a smile. “And where do you plan to go next?”

“I’m going to America. Everyone tells me that Japan is hopeless, so I’m not going to count on getting work here.”

“You’re quite right. America is a good place to go after Russia. Japan is still backward … It’s still under reconstruction, you see.”