e _kanro_--the sweet dew
which falls from heaven when a virtuous lord condescends to rule. Who
more virtuous than the honoured suzerain?" All bowed in heartfelt
enthusiasm and respect. Then said Saburo[u]zaemon--"'Tis a thing to note
closer at hand; a stroll in the garden, to seek its coolness in this
heat." He leaped down into the fast accumulating snow.

Others too stole away, at least to get protection from the outrageously
cold blasts of the exposed rooms, and the further exactions to be
anticipated from the ingenuity of their host. Growled Kanematsu--"It is
the value of one's life risked with such a fellow as Aoyama. Where
Kanematsu sits the snow drifts in on his shoulders. He is without
consideration or mercy."--"For any: his women must find service in such
a _yashiki_ a substitute for the torments of Emma Dai-O[u]."--"Not so,"
sneered Kondo[u]. "Even the wife is but a wooden figure; much like
Kondo[u]'s fingers." An idea seemed to come to him. He left them for the
time being. The others stood sheltered from the wind, to talk and
shiver, Endo[u] joined them from his garden stroll. Seeing Kondo[u] on
his return, said Abe Shiro[u]goro[u]--"Eh! Naruhodo! The smile of pain
relieved! Kondo[u] Uji, has he found means to unbend, to thaw out those
fingers? Ha! The rascally fellow knows the way about. There is hot water
at hand. Deign to give the hint, Kondo[u] Dono." Kondo[u] leaked a
smile, then snickered--"It was but an idea. Hot water in this _yashiki_
on such a day there is none. But it is always to hand for the effort.
The fingers of Kondo[u] were turning white, were in danger, and so...."
He held out his fingers for inspection. Abe looked with envy. "They
fairly steam!" Then suddenly putting his fingers to his nose--"Oh! Oh!
The filthy fellow! Kondo[u] Uji! Deign to wash your hands. Indeed hot
water is always carried on one's person. But...." All grasped their
nasal members and protested. Noborinosuke laughed outright, and
submitted to the ablution. Abe in malice gave the hands a copious
libation. For the nonce his fingers had been saved and Kondo[u] was
satisfied with the outcome.

A woman dressed in the summer garb for service came from a room close
by. The opening and closing of the _sho[u]ji_ gave Endo[u]
Saburo[u]zaemon a glimpse. At once--"This way...." His tone commanded
attention. Abe Shiro[u]goro[u], Kanematsu Matashiro[u], O[u]kubo
Hikoroku followed him. It was the maids' sleeping room they entered.
"Are