Tokyo girls

There was a girl at the massive Kinokuniya Bookstore.  Her job was to drive the elevator, a position most retailers in most countries abandoned in 1960.  She had a uniform: crisp white blouse, cardigan, black English schoolgirl hat with a Houndstooth ribbon that matched her skirt, and white mesh gloves.  She announced the floor number, what could be found there and advised everyone to watch their step.  Or this is what I guessed she said as it was all in Japanese.  Her voice was pitched unreasonably high, like a 33rpm record played at 45rpm.  She sounded like a talking doll.  In fact her whole demeanor including her outfit gave one that impression.  But there was a real joy and enthusiasm in what she did; she liked her job.  And she moved with such grace, sliding her gloved hand across the elevator door just as it opened, coaxing it gently from the pocket.  What an incredible and unique gesture.