does not recognize. Yoemon never exchanged look
or word with his brother Matazaemon, nor does he desire to do so with
the issue. Let the Tamiya of Samoncho[u] look out for itself. A _muko_
was taken without aid or advice of Yoemon. A stranger, one practising
wayside divination, this fine fellow turns out a gambler and a debauched
man, to the ruin of the House. Iwa can look to him; ignorant and foolish
woman that she is. This Yoemon would contribute to the needs of a beggar
before granting even a single _mon_ to Iwa."

The grating rattled sharply as the angry old man pushed it to and let
fall the bar. O'Iwa looked into the dark recess with pained and startled
eyes. So much of a recluse she was learning that Iemon had long been the
talk of the ward. She turned, and slowly took her way back to
Samoncho[u]. Here the reaction came. Strong was the inclination to laugh
and weep; too strong for self-control. In alarm she ran to take from the
closet the potion of Suian. Its effect was the opposite of what she
expected--or perhaps it was taken too late. For an hour O'Iwa writhed,
screamed, laughed in her agony. Then she sank into slumber. On awakening
the sun was already well past the zenith. She sprang up in alarm. This
meal to prepare--the duty of the wife--and not a step taken. It could
not be helped. Just as she was, twisting a towel around her disordered
hair, she started out to the place of one Kuraya Jibei of the Asakusa
Kuramae no Saka. This man was a lender on the notes from the rice
pensions of the _samurai_--a _fudasashi_ dealer, as these men were
called.

The distance was great. O'Iwa was tired out on her arrival. At the
entrance the _kozo[u]_ or "boy" hailed her sharply. He waved her off.
"No! No! Old girl, it won't do. Nothing is to be had here. Please come
back the day before yesterday." He barred the way. Said O'Iwa, shrinking
back--"Nothing is wanted of the honoured house. An interview with Jibei
San, an inquiry to make. Such the request." Something about tone or
manner, certainly not pity, made the fellow hesitate--"Jibei San! A
beggar woman wants an interview with Jibei San! How about it?"--"Nothing
to be had," answered the _banto[u]'s_ voice. "Tell her to read the white
tablet hung before the entrance. It is all the house has to give." In
speaking he edged around a little. O'Iwa raised the towel from her face.
At once he was on his feet. "Ah! For long the honoured lady of Tamiya
has not been seen. Many and pr