culture, and if she had infinite time she could play three
hymns on the organ. These varied accomplishments, however, seemed of
little assistance in showing her how to stretch her father's small
pension beyond the barest necessities of the household. Tales had been
told her of a great land, far beyond her sea-bound home, where women
of the highest birth went out to work in the busy world. How she had
marveled at their boldness and wondered at the customs that would
permit it! Now she half envied them their freedom, and sighed over the
iron-bound etiquette that forbade a departure from her father's roof
save for the inevitable end of all Japanese women--a prearranged
marriage.

It was for this she had been so carefully trained in all phases of
housekeeping, and in all the intricacies of social life. Her education
from birth had been with a view of making smooth the path of her
future husband that his home might be peaceful and he untroubled.

Each day as the burden grew heavier she fought her battle with the
bravery and courage of youth. With jests and chatter she served her
parents' simple meals, constantly urging them to further indulgence of
what she pretended was a great feast, but which in reality she had
secretly sacrificed some household treasure to obtain. She deftly
turned the rice-bucket as she served, that they might not see the
scant supply. With great ceremony she poured the hot water into the
bowls, insisting that no other _sake_ was made such as this. Her
determination to keep them happy and ignorant of the true conditions
taxed her every resource, but it was her duty, and duty to Yuki San
was the only religion of which she was sure.

But one day a great event happened in the little home. Yuki San was
called before her father and told, in ceremonious language, that a
marriage had been arranged for her with Saito San, a wealthy officer
in the Emperor's household. She laid her head upon the mats and gave
thanks to the gods. Now her father and mother would live in luxury for
the rest of their lives!

Saito San was to her only a far-away, shadowy being, whom she was to
obey for the rest of her life and whose house she was to keep in
order. He was a means to an end, and entered into her thoughts merely
as one to whom she was deeply grateful. Youth and all its joys were
strong within her, and the pressure of poverty gone, her whole nature
rebounded with delight.

Many times had marriage been proposed for h