Sandman's Goodnight Stories
 But Takeo was far from looking the bridegroom, to Paper Doll's way of thinking, though Marie Doll gave him no thought at all, for she thought the bride was the important one, and as she told Frieda Doll, "You have to have a bridegroom to be a bride, of course; but really he is not of any importance that I can see." 

 They had been married a week, and, while Marie talked to Takeo, he, of course, did not take the least notice of what she said.  "Poor fellow, he cannot understand," said Marie Doll.  "He won't be any trouble, though, because I shall be able to do as I like. He cannot tell me not to." 

 "These foreigners, my dear," said Paper Doll, "are sometimes unpleasant to live with. I cannot see how you came to marry him. Do make him wear men's clothes." 

 "Oh, I think he looks quite out of the ordinary, and everyone stares at him when we go out riding in the park with the little mistress," said Marie Doll.  "As I am French, you see we both are foreigners, so that does not matter; and then, dear, Takeo is so comfortable to live with. He is no bother at all." 

 But one night Marie Doll awoke to find her husband quite a different man from what she thought, for beside her sat two little Japanese dolls. 

 When the clock struck twelve Marie Doll called to everyone: "Come quick and see my baby girls!" 

 "Oh, dear! they look just like Takeo," said Paper Doll.  "This place will be filled with foreigners. It is too bad." 

 "I shall change their clothes at once," said Marie Doll. 

 And then it was Marie Doll and all the toys got the surprise of their lives, for from the corner where he sat came Takeo, and when he stood in front of his wife, he said, "Madam will not change the clothes of our sons." 

 When Marie recovered from her surprise, she gasped: "Sons! They are daughters!" 

 "They are sons, madam, and sons they will remain!" said Takeo, looking at Marie very steadily. 

 "I thought you could not understand or speak our language," said Marie, while all the others stood looking at Takeo in astonishment. 

 "I was made in this country, and so were you; but I was made to represent a Japanese gentleman and I intend to live the life of one. As for speaking, we Japanese never speak unless we 
 Prev. P 11/68 next 
Back Top
Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact