le she added, "for the latter compensation is to be
found in the first-named quality; a truth which he seems to disregard.
What will become of O'Hana San?" For the first time since the night
before the thought of the letter flashed into Iemon's mind. He put down
the renovating morning draft, and on some excuse arose. His _kimono_ lay
neatly folded in the _hirabuta_ (flat tray). Hastily he searched the
sleeves. There was not a sign of the missive. With clouded brow he
returned to the sitting room. A glance at O'Iwa made him feel ashamed.
It had never come into her hands. He knew her well enough to be assured
that he would have found it, scrupulously laid together with the tobacco
pouch, nose wipe (_hanagami_), and divers other minor articles of daily
use carried on the person. The whole affair perhaps was a dream. The
more he considered, the more he became so convinced. His transports with
O'Hana, their surprise, Kondo[u]'s rebuke--so far the evening was
tolerably clear. It was only as to the final cups, the rising to depart,
the standing in the cold night air, that the exact course of events
became clouded. "Ah! It was all a vision. O'Hana never would have been
so imprudent." There was a trace of doubt in his mind. He would clear it
up at the fountain source--at Kwaiba's house and by the lips of O'Hana.

Kwaiba greeted him with almost boisterous cheerfulness. "Ah! Tamiya
comes early; a flattering acknowledgment of last night's reception." To
Iemon's deprecatory speech and apology--"Don't talk folly, after the
manner of a country boor. Iemon San is a man of the world; and will give
this Kwaiba credit for being the same. What does it amount to? A matter
of a little too much wine.... Hana! Hana! The Master of Tamiya is
present. Cut some bean paste, and bring tea. Heat the wine. Matazaemon
was so sober an old dog that it is doubtful whether O'Iwa knows aught
about the best remedy for past drinking." As Kibei entered--"There is
the inventory of the Shimosa farms. Condescend to take a glance at the
report of the _nanushi_ (bailiff). Hana will aid." Thus dismissed, the
two left the room. Kwaiba turned to Iemon--"A draught: no? Then Kwaiba
will drink for both. For him it is a day of rejoicing. The coming of
Tamiya is opportune. It was intended to send for him. Deign to aid this
Kwaiba with counsel. The adoption of Kibei has finally been settled."
The old man's exultation influenced even the indifference of Iemon's
aching head. W