ng Ogita
was sharpened into hate by her love for the handsome young _samurai_.
Close to the _yashiki_ on pretext she entered the shop of a tradesman.
To her delight she learned that the Waka Dono, Aoyama Shu[u]zen, as yet
had no wife. She had a hundred yards to go, and her purpose and ambition
had expanded widely in that short distance. Her application for an
interview with his lordship was quickly granted. She had often been
subject of talk and comment between Shu[u]zen and his subordinate
officer. The _do[u]shin_ happened to be present, and the attendant
announced her at once. Passed to the inner apartment she found Shu[u]zen
as if he had been eagerly awaiting her coming for hours. Her reception
was flattering. The ordinary salutations over they passed to most
familiar talk, as of oldest friends between man and woman. When
Shu[u]zen would go further, and in love making press still greater
intimacy, her refusal was of that kind which sought compliance. Said she
with a smile--"Make Yoshi the wife of the Waka Dono and she will make
the fortune even of one so highly placed as Aoyama Dono." To his
incredulity and astonishment she would say no more. Shu[u]zen now was
determined not to let her go. He feigned consent, agreement to
everything, with much regard for her, and small regard for the promotion
at which he jested. Now they were in the very heigh-day of love. She
resented his scepticism, and in the heat of her passion gave him
everything--including the contract. His mistress by his side, seated in
the confidence of an accomplished love affair he listened to her stream
of revelation. This "doctor" and "husband" was neither doctor nor
husband. His name was Ogita Kuro[u]ji, an O[u]saka _ro[u]nin_. With
Kosaka Jinnai and others of the same kidney he had been the head and
front of the attempted rape of the Senhime. Shu[u]zen knew enough to
discount all the talk as to Maeda Ko[u], of the Hosokawa, and other
great Houses. They were beyond his sphere. But here in his hands lay the
web of a most important affair; so important that it frightened him a
little. As his brows knit O'Yoshi too grew a little frightened;
regretted that she had told so much all at once. She had babbled beyond
measure in her transport. She had misgivings. Shu[u]zen reassured her.
For her to return to Daikucho[u] would never do. A breath of suspicion,
and Ogita's sword would deprive him of his mistress. Safe quarters were
to be found in the _yashiki_. He c