e of a man! And one
to act as well as pose. For us his lordship has but pretty words.
O'Shimo alone profited otherwise. But the O'Kage Sama of his lordship is
of another kind. Deign to favour this Tsugi from time to time."
Shintaro[u] volunteered a grimace which could pass for a consenting
smile. His shoulders burned under the heat of the lady's passion. In
search for a reply the screens again parted, and O'Saku made her
appearance. O'Tsugi at once took to flight, somewhat in derision. The
old woman followed her with eyes of suspicion. Then she marched straight
up to Nishioka--"An impudent jade! Shintaro[u] is to place no confidence
in her or her words. She brings nothing but shame, and perhaps worse.
There is not a serving man in the _yashiki_ who does not know her. And
remember this well. It is this Saku who holds the string of her
ladyship's favour. O'Hagi Dono is not so far enamoured as not to accept
a substitute at Saku's hands.... But he is a fine figure of a man! Too
fine to be spoiled by his lordship's hand." To avoid the threatening
lascivious gleam in the eyes of this withered branch Nishioka made
pretence of trouble with a knot in his girdle. The whispered invitation
grazed a negligent ear, to be interrupted by the sound of her ladyship's
voice. O'Saku was in no haste to leave or to say more. O'Han was the
last to appear. There were anger and tears in her eyes as the girl
stopped a few feet from him. She spoke half turned away, as ready to
take flight at expected interruption. "Nishioka Dono keeps faith with
her ladyship! Does he keep faith with Han? Earnest was the promise that
at all events Han should share his favour with O'Hagi Dono. Nearly a
month has passed since he has deigned a visit. Surely her ladyship is
not so exacting. Give fair answer. Is will or power lacking?" She waited
the reply, eyes cast down on the _tatami_, for she at least had some
remains of modesty. Thus the almost despairing gesture of Shintaro[u]
escaped her. He spoke in low voice, with emphasis, to this fairest of
his bevy of fair ones--"As for the _okugata_, O'Han knows her almost as
well as this Shintaro[u]. What would be the fate of both if their
treachery were suspected? Deign to be patient. The fountain of plenty
has not run dry. Shintaro[u] would go but so far. In this horde of women
he must look to himself. The dependence now is on her ladyship and
O'Saku Dono. Shu[u]zen Sama is cajoled by having thought for nothing.
The _kar