hanting of the priest. The corpse
removed with the provision for the guests and watchers at the wake, the
seventh night of the death observed, with this removal of the deceased
spirit from the scenes of its former activities Iemon could turn himself
without impediment to the life of the future. Outward change there was
none. He was the same kind and affectionate husband as of former days.
Neighbours, anticipating some change of manner, were still louder in
their praises. One day there appeared at Tamiya two intimates, Natsume
Kyuzo[u] and Imaizumi Jinzaemon. "Iemon Uji, a matter of importance
presses. We are on our way to the ward head, Ito[u] Kwaiba Dono. Deign
to go in company. You are known to be an expert at _go_,[20] a game at
which the old man prides himself for skill. He chafes at the presence of
this unknown rival, heard of but not yet tested. A dinner and wine are
at stake. Without Iemon Uji we do not dare to present ourselves.
Condescend to go in company. To know the great man of the ward, the
wealthy Ito[u] Kwaiba, is of advantage even to Tamiya." Iemon laughed
and assented. He was soon dressed for the greater ceremony of a first
visit. All three climbed down into their clogs, and set out for the
house of the Kumi-gashira near Samegabashi.

If Iemon had been impressed by the wealth of Tamiya, he felt
insignificant before that of the head of Yotsuya. Ito[u] Kwaiba was a
man of sixty-four years, retaining much of the vigour of his youth. For
the past ten years he had added _go_ to his twin passions for wine and
women, neither of which seemed to have made any impression on a keenness
of sight which could read the finest print by the scanty light of an
_andon_, teeth which could chew the hard and tough dried _mochi_ (rice
paste) as if bean confection, and an activity of movement never to be
suspected from his somewhat heavy frame. At the name of Tamiya he looked
up with much curiosity, and Iemon thought his greeting rather brusque.
He saluted with great respect--"Truly fear is inspired. For long no
visit has been paid to the honoured head. Coming thus without invitation
is very rude. Intrusion is feared."--"Nay! Nay!" replied Kwaiba,
apparently attracted by the splendid externals of Iemon. "The failure to
visit is reciprocal. In fact, Tamiya and this Kwaiba have been at odds
these many years. Visits had altogether ceased. This, however, is no
matter for the younger generation. But Iemon San is indeed a fine
fello