Читать книгу A Japanese Blossom онлайн
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II
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“OH, dear, how I can ever bear this corset!”
Plum Blossom subsided in a little, breathless heap on the floor.
Early in the day both she and Iris had been dressed in their best—a plum-colored crêpe kimono for little Plum Blossom, and an iris-colored crêpe one for little Iris. Their hair had been carefully arranged in the pretty mode at this time fashionable for little girls in Japan. Flower ornaments glistened at the sides of the glossy coiffures. The grandmother had regarded them with pride when the maid brought them before her.
“Certainly,” said she, “your father and mother will be proud to see you.”
“And we have a great surprise, too, for her,” said Iris, her bright eyes dancing.
Plum Blossom put a plump little hand over her sister’s mouth.
“Hush! Not even grandmother shall know yet.”
Grandmother smiled knowingly.
“And now,” said she, “can you say all the big English words—you remember?”
“Yes, yes,” cried Iris, excitedly. At once she began to shout in her most sing-song voice: