'Kikuko,' he said. 'Prepare a pot of tea, please.'

 

My sister looked at him, then left the room without comment. My father stood up.

 

'Let's retire to the other room. It's rather warm in here.

 

I got to my feet and followed him into the tea-room. The large sliding windows

had been left open, bringing in a breeze from the garden. For a while we sat in

silence.

 

9

 

'Father,' I said, finally.

 

'Yes?'

 

'Kikuko tells me Watanabe-San took his whole family with him.'

 

My father lowered his eyes and nodded. For some moments he seemed deep in

thought. 'Watanabe was very devoted to his work,' he said at last. 'The collapse

of the firm was a great blow to him. I fear it must have weakened his

judgement.'

 

'You think what he did - it was a mistake?'