o[u]_ now is very old. This Shintaro[u] surely will take his
place. A break then with her ladyship finds punishment in exile to
Ko[u]shu[u]. Then comes the time for O'Han openly to join Shintaro[u],
for the happy bond of two lives." The girl's lips barely moved. Both
were startled at peremptory call from the neighbouring room. She spoke
rapidly--"'Tis small matter, even with her ladyship. But from time to
time a visit to this Han? Condescend it."--"Agreed!" was the impatient
answer. "But with O'Hagi Dono, O'Tsugi, O'Han.... O'Saku, the occasions
must be limited." He suddenly seized her in his arms and silenced her
protest in an embrace. Then with hasty steps he passed to her ladyship's
bed-chamber, leaving O'Han with wide staring eyes which shifted from the
room of the lovers to the door through which she had witnessed the old
woman's departure.

Such was the vileness of the life in which was engaged Nishioka
Shintaro[u]. A week had barely elapsed. There was occasion to make
purchases for the _yashiki_. The _chu[u]gen_ Jisuke remained
respectfully prostrate before the officer. Nishioka again ran over the
list required. "These are to be got at the Owariya in Mikawacho[u]. The
month's settlement is yet far off. The order stands sufficient. Now off
with you." The man did not budge. Rising to a sitting posture he looked
fixedly in the face of Nishioka. "What now?" grumbled the _yo[u]nin_.
Answered the _chu[u]gen_ with respect--"Something of a tip will be
well."--"A tip!" said Nishioka in astonishment. "For what is the month's
wage paid to a _chu[u]gen_? Is he to be given drink money for carrying
out his duties? Take the _furoshiki_; and now out with it and yourself."
"'Out with it'; just so." Such the answer; but the fellow did not budge.
The steady insolence of his attitude made Nishioka straighten up as by a
shock. He was too surprised to speak. The _chu[u]gen_ spoke for him.
"Yes--out with it. Ah! It is quite private with Shintaro[u]. Jisuke can
speak at ease. Drink money is just the thing for Jisuke. Jisuke Dono is
fond of drink. The O'Kage Sama will supply the coin, three _ryo[u]_, in
return for the silence of Jisuke."

At the suggestive nickname, known only to the few in the secrets of the
_oku_ Nishioka fairly gasped. Jisuke did not give time for answer. He
drove the matter home. "'Heaven knows, Earth knows, Man knows.' So does
this Jisuke, of the doings of Shintaro[u] with the Okusama. Naruhodo! No
strange sight. W