his grossness in the determined pursuit of
Shu[u]zen. Now openly addressed before the chamberlain and others she
looked down; a little flushed, and hearing with astonishment the words
which came from such a quarter. Chu[u]dayu spoke slowly; addressed her
with a severity of tone which belied his intent. "O'Kiku Dono, why are
not thanks given for such condescension on the part of the Tono Sama?
Apart from his rank is not the experience of his fifty years, on the
battle field of war and love, to count in his favour? Most imposing and
strong his figure, despite his age. All bow in respect before the lines
marked by the wisdom of years in his lordships face. Why refuse to
follow the example of the other women of the household--and share with
them? These are indeed _koshimoto_; your promotion to the position, from
the vilest status, but a caprice and kindness. You should obey the order
of the Tono Sama. His face alone would inspire fear. All regard it with
awe, as if in contemplation of that of Emma Dai-O[u]. And who refuses to
obey the mandate of the king of hell? Answer--who?" He leaned far over
toward her. O'Kiku looked at him; then hid her face in her hands.

These were not her only trials in this Jigoku _yashiki_ (Hell mansion).
There was her ladyship to take into account. Says the proverb of the
Nipponese--"dabble in vermilion, and one is stained red." Contact with
Shu[u]zen had developed all the harsher traits in this stern _samurai_
dame. She despised the former character of her husband, and now was mad
with jealousy at his unrestrained lechery. However there was some
consolation in this new pursuit. Promiscuous in his intercourse with all
and every other of her household, she could do but little. These were
women of more or less position. Now he threatened to turn all devotion
in the one direction of this beautiful girl, to condescend to a serving
wench.

"The Rangiku: it has a fox's shape."[32]

Thus sneered her fellows. O'Kiku now was punished as scapegoat for all
the others. The natural harshness of her ladyship's character turned to
barbarity. This "slave"--O'Shioki--in no way could satisfy her. The
slightest fault, of self or other, was visited on O'Kiku. One day her
ladyship in her rage seized her and dragged her by the hair over her
knees. A short baton of bamboo was to hand, and with this before all she
put the girl to the shame of childhood's punishment, and with a malice
and heartiness of will and mus