As it was, he smiled very broadly when he greeted the master of the flat, for the little man was small even for a Japanese.
The contrast between him and his helpmate was ludicrous.

He could not possibly kiss her unless she stooped, nor would his arms encircle her shoulders.
"And how is my pretty _karasu_ ?" he asked, regarding his wife fondly.
"Don't call me that, Nummie!" she cried.
Turning to Brett she explained: "He calls me a crow, and says it is a compliment, but I don't like it." "In Japan the clow speaks with the voice of love," grinned Jiro.
"Well, it sounds funny in London, so just attend to this gentleman.

He has come to see you on business." Mrs.Jiro forthwith seated herself to listen to the conclave.

Brett, though warned by the maid's remark, could not help himself, so he went straight to the point.
"Over a year ago," he said, "you were in Ipswich." Instantly a severe chill fell upon his hearers.

The man shrank, the woman expanded, but before either could utter a word, the barrister continued: "Personally, I know no one in Ipswich.