ofitable the dealings with Matazaemon
Dono. Condescend to pardon this senseless fellow. He outrivals his
companions in lack of brains. Deign to enter." The _kozo[u]_ was all
apology--"Condescend wholly to pardon. Deign to have pity on the
ignorance shown. With fear and respect...." Looking into O'Iwa's face he
was overcome by his feelings. Bursting with laughter he fled to the
front of the shop to stuff the dust rag into his mouth in mistake for a
towel. This slight error restored his equanimity. The _banto[u]_ looked
after him with some fellow feeling and much anger. "He is half idiot.
Condescend to disregard his rude speech and manner. After all he is but
a _kozo[u]_.... What can this Jibei do for the lady of Tamiya?"

"Knowing that the House has dealings with Jibei San, and there being
necessity for three _sho[u]_ of rice, it is ventured to ask the loan."
Thus spoke O'Iwa. Money, actual coin, was on the end of her tongue, but
somehow she could not get the words out. Jibei was not particularly
astonished. Since Iemon had taken charge of the affairs of Tamiya, its
income was usually discounted well beforehand. Moreover, the rumour of
Iemon's gambling was spreading among his connections. Neither Kwaiba nor
Akiyama, nor the others engaged, were men to lose sight of the
likelihood of fine pickings from the Tamiya. Jibei made prompt answer.
"Respectfully heard and understood. It shall be sent.... Ah! It is
required now? Matsu! Matsu! Put up three _sho[u]_ of rice for the lady
of Tamiya. Its conveyance is to be provided. Place a _bu_ in the parcel.
The distance to Yotsuya is great. The _kago_ (litter) men are exacting."
O'Iwa's heart leaped with gratitude at the perspicacity of Jibei. He
watched her departing figure as far as he could see it. Then he took out
a ledger; and against the name of Tamiya he placed a question mark.

It was dusk when O'Iwa entered the house at Samoncho[u]. She gave a
start on finding Iemon glumly seated before the fireless brazier. "A
fine hour for a woman to be gadding the street. And the meal!
Unprepared: excellent habits in a wife!----" "To the Danna apology is
due. This Iwa is much in the wrong. But for the meal money had first to
be secured...."--"Then there is money, or means to procure it? Where is
it? How much?"--"Nay, the rice is here. This _bu_ is enough to secure
eels, _sashimi_, some delicacy...." She hesitated before Iemon's
doubting glare. He was eyeing rice and money. The mark on th