ar before a
future husband in careless attire. It is a guarantee of conduct when
married. She is much to be commended for such respect. All women like to
appear well. A man in the neighbourhood, and rice powder and rouge are
at once applied. How neglect such an elaborate structure as the hair?
Trust Cho[u]bei's judgment as to women."

O'Naka thought that he spoke well, but like most men with great
conceit. Kazuma looked out towards the beautiful garden. He took the
chance to smile, for he had soon ascertained that Kondo[u] knew little
about his agent; was in fact a precipitate, testy man. However, he was a
little put out at not seeing the would-be bride. At an opportunity he
stepped out, to see more of the house and its surroundings. Cho[u]bei
came up to him as he stood on the _ro[u]ka_. His voice was coaxing and
pleading. "Is it not a fine prospect--for Kazuma Dono?" His voice hung
on the 'Dono.' "Nay, don't let escape this splendid piece of luck. Long
has Cho[u]bei interested himself in his neighbour. Such a beautiful
exterior should have a proper setting. Marry O'Iwa San and Kazuma Dono
is master of Tamiya. Is it agreed?" Kazuma looked down in thought. At
his age there are ideals of the other sex, hard to put aside. Said
he--"Not to see the lady.... Is she so horrible?" Cho[u]bei protested.
"Not so! The lady is a mere item, well fitted to go with this fine
house, this beautiful garden, these store-houses filled with goods.
Look: Tamiya Dono is a man of double rations. The property has _nagaya_
for attendants. For long this has not been used. Tamiya will not rent it
out. It will be so much revenue added to the stipend of the House, and
will replace the old man's uncertain income from his accomplishments as
master of _hanaike_ and _cha-no-yu_." Kazuma looked around, following
the pointing finger of Cho[u]bei. He was in sad straits. His only future
was this position of a _muko_. No matter what the woman might be, there
was compensation. To Cho[u]bei's direct question he made answer--"Yes."

The affair of the marriage suffered no delays. Cho[u]bei had struck
home. Kazuma was so impressed with the surroundings, especially after a
return to his own miserable quarters, that the matter of the interview
took a minor place to the inspection of his future property. Within the
week he had removed to the house of Kondo[u] Rokuro[u]bei. The latter
introduced him to his future associates in the ward by a succession of
fish and win