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386 HONDA THE SAMUBAI.
" And how is K&ki, the last of the Tycoons?"
"Oh, he is living in delightful leisure at Shid-
zuoka, and recently requested in the Christian
churches a memorial service in honor of all the
foreigners who lost their lives during the political
troubles. It was a noble and generous act, and
quite in accordance with his character. All the
nobles of the Tokugawa family enjoy high honor,
and many of those engaged against the imperial
government before and since 1868 have been pardoned,
and, in many cases, given high rank and
office. Indeed, those far-away days, as your civil
war of 1861 to 1865 must to you, seem like ancient
history to us young men."
" And how are Honda Jiro and his wife ? "
"Ah, yes. Would you believe it? I have just
made a call on his oldest son, who is a student at
the same American school at which the son of li
Kamon no Kami was educated. Honda is still at his
work in Tokyo, as a Christian teacher. He is as
patriotic as ever, but after going around the world
with a commission, sent by the government to study
education, he has declined all public office. His wife
is very active in all that relates to the welfare of her
countrywomen, but does not believe in aping for-
eigners, nor in adopting all the foolish innovations.
In fact, both Honda and his wife, while earnestly
Christian, strongly believe in holding fast to what
is best and truest in our national character."
"Good! They are the kind of Japanese I like,
and whom sensible people will respect. A national-