Narrator (Old Sayuri):
The winter I turned fifteen I saw the chairman again, but that wasn't the only surprise fate brought me that season. Along with the snow came a most unexpected visitor.
Mother:
Why is she here? Chiyo, Chiyo, open the gate!
[motioning for her to open the door and straigtening herself before going to her table]
Mameha:
Now that your beloved granny has gone you have no need for a maid.
Mother:
I would never question the great Mameha, but you could choose anyone in the Hanamachi.
Mameha:
You flatter me, truly.
[bowering her head in compliment]
Mother:
I would give you my pumpkin if she weren't already tied to Hatsumomo.
Mameha:
Please I would never dream of asking
Mother:
Besides, I can always sell Chiyo to Mrs. Tetsuyo.
[smoking her cigerette]
Mameha:
With your eye for beauty and nose for talent,surely you can see what a terrible waste that would be.
Mother:
If you were not the kind hearted Geisha I know you to be, then I might think that you werescheming against Hatsumomo.
[looking towards the door where Chiyo and Pumpkin are listening]
Mameha:
Then I'm grateful Mrs. Nita that you don't have a suspicious mind.
Mother:
Perhaps you can pique my interest with... your offer.
Mameha:
I will cover Chiyo's schooling, all her expenses, until after her debut.
[proposing as she slides her cup across the table]
Mother:
Now I am confident that you are teasing.
[pouring more tea]
Mameha:
I could not be more sincere. If Chiyo has not repaid her debt within six months after her debut.
Mother:
[scoffing]
Impossible, too little time!
Mameha:
Then I will pay you twice over.
[uping the offer]
Mother:
What...? No Geisha could ever...
[pushing the tea towards Mameha]
Mameha:
And I am certain you will not object to one trivial condition.
Mother:
Uh yes...?
[puts down pipe, listening intently]
Mameha:
If Chiyo erases her debt in the time allowed, You will not have any part in her future earnings.
Mother:
[smirks in acceptance]
