drop all formality; call her Iwa, and condescend to
regard her with affection." And Iemon covenanted with himself so to do.
The present should compensate for the past. But in the days which
followed O'Iwa sat on him as a nightmare. He felt the impress of her
teeth at his throat, and would wake up gasping. Time made the situation
familiar. He carefully lulled her into a blind admiration and belief in
her husband Iemon. There seemed no likelihood of O'Iwa learning the
truth; or believing it, if she did.[19]

CHAPTER VIII

IF OLD ACQUAINTANCE BE FORGOT

Matazaemon's illness justified all the predictions of Cho[u]bei. In the
course of the month it was plain that his last hold on life was rapidly
weakening. In that time Iemon had won golden opinions from household and
neighbours. His face was beautiful, and this they saw. His heart was
rotten to the core, and this he kept carefully concealed. The incentive
of his fear of O'Iwa kept up the outward signs of good-will. He found
this easier with the passage of the days. Plain as she was in face and
figure, no one could help being attracted by the goodness of O'Iwa's
disposition. Iemon, in his peculiar situation, placed great hopes on
this, even if discovery did take place. Day following day he began to
discount this latter contingency. To a feeling of half liking, half
repugnance, was added a tinge of contempt for one so wrapped in her
immediate surroundings, whose attention was so wholly taken up with the
matter in hand. She easily could be kept in ignorance, easily be
beguiled.

One day Iemon was summoned to the old man's bedside. He was shocked at
the change which had taken place in a few hours. Propped upon pillows
Matazaemon would speak a few last words. With a shade of his old
impertinent official smile and manner--"The Tamiya is to be
congratulated on its great good fortune in the entrance of one so well
qualified by appearance and manners to uphold its reputation. Deign,
honoured Muko San, to accept the thanks of this Matazaemon. All else has
been placed in the hands of Iemon--goods, reputation, granddaughter."
Iemon bowed flat in acknowledgment and protest at the good-will
expressed. Continued Matazaemon--"There is one matter close to the old
man's heart. Concerning that he would make his last request to the
admirable heart of Iemon. Iwa is a plain girl. The end of time for man,
and the carping comment of neighbours come to his ears, have opened the
eyes o