uch are the words of
Ko[u]shi (Confucius)." The eyes of Matazaemon twinkled. He had heard
that Kyu[u]bei was on the verge of shaving his head (turning priest).
Truly the townsman was profitting by the exhortations of his teacher.
After a time he said--"The memory of Kyu[u]bei is excellent. Don't let
it fail him on the present occasion. For such a deed as has been
committed the punishment is death, meted out by the hand of this
Matazaemon. The fact ascertained, it was intended to kill them both. The
flight of Mino and Densuke has altered the complexion of the affair. It
is no longer necessary to inflict the extreme penalty. O'Mino is
disowned for seven births. Neither she nor Densuke is to appear before
this Matazaemon. If the talk of the ward be true, in exchange for a
loyal service Densuke has secured a beautiful bride. There can be no
regrets." Then, taking a sprightly and jeering air, "But this Kyu[u]bei
has been the one to exercise benevolence. Matazaemon now learns that the
two runaways have been received by him. Entertain them well; entertain
them well. Thanks are due to Kyu[u]bei San--from them. Doubtless he is
much occupied with his guests. Less will be seen of him in Yotsuya....
But official duties press. This Matazaemon must leave. Don't be in
haste. Stay and take some tea.... Naka! Naka! Tea for Kyu[u]bei San; the
_haori_ (cloak) of Matazaemon.... _Sayonara_.... Ah! The rice notes this
Matazaemon took up for Kyu[u]bei San, they fall due with the passage of
the weeks. But Kyu[u]bei is one who always meets his obligations. As to
that there is no anxiety." With this last fling the prostrate Kyu[u]bei
heard the sound of the clogs of Matazaemon on the flagged walk outside.
A departing warning to O'Naka as to the tea, and steps were heard
near-by. He raised his head, to confront the mistress of the house.

O'Naka spoke with tears in her eyes--a salve to the alarmed and
wounded feelings of Kyu[u]bei. "Don't be frightened. After all
Matazaemon is a _samurai_. To press Kyu[u]bei, or any tradesman, is
beyond him. But this Naka cannot see her daughter! To add to his anger
would bring disaster on her and the unborn child. Alas! Anyhow, give
Mino this money; and these articles of value, properly her own. Her
mirror has been forgotten in the hasty flight." O'Naka brought forth one
of those elaborate polished silver surfaces, used by the ladies of
Nippon in these later luxurious days of the Sho[u]gunate. It was only
now tha