ain took a turn. "The plot
against O'Iwa--with Ito[u] Kwaiba, Iemon, Cho[u]zaemon--here is found
the source of this calamity. O'Iwa in dying has cursed all involved. Now
'tis the turn of Kondo[u] and his unfortunate wife." She ended in
another outburst of tears, her head on the mats at the feet of the
priest. Rokuro[u]bei was tearing up and down the room, gesticulating and
almost shouting--"Yes! 'Tis she! 'Tis she! The hateful O'Iwa strikes the
father through the child. Ah! It was a cowardly act to visit such a
frightful ending on one budding into life. O'Iwa seeks revenge. O'Iwa is
abroad; and yet this Kondo[u] cannot meet with her." Myo[u]zen was
almost deafened with his cries and noisy earnestness. Truly to bring
peace into this household, with division reigning between husband and
wife smitten with fear of the supernatural, would be no easy matter. His
priestly experience taught him the safest way to bring about his object.

"'Tis true; 'tis true. But loud cries avail nothing. The aid of the
Buddha for the deceased is to be sought." Apologetically he showed
something of his condition to the wife. At once she rose. Outergarments
were removed. Muddied undergarments were renewed. Myo[u]zen went into
the mortuary chamber. The little "Jewel" was laid out as in sleep. The
wounded chest, the torn throat, were concealed by garments and a
scarf-like bandage adjusted by a mother's sad and tender care. The
incense sticks lay in clay saucers near the couch. "Oh, the wonderful
Law! The _sutra_ of the Lotus! Namu Myo[u]ho[u] Renge Kyo[u]! Namu
Myo[u]ho[u] Renge Kyo[u]!" He looked long at the little silent figure.
His eyes were full of tears as he turned and took the hands of the
weeping mother who had followed him into the room. Then for long he
spoke in consoling tones. She was somewhat quieted when they returned.

Kondo[u] Rokuo[u]bei was still moving restlessly about the room. Now he
was here, now there; from the death room he returned to the company;
from them he passed to the kitchen. The wife thought of the friend and
priest. "Tomobei, go to the store-room and bring wine." Myo[u]zen was a
curious mixture. His weak spot was touched--"Deign it, honoured lady,
for all. Let the occasion be made seemly, but more cheerful. Cause not
sorrow to the dead by an unmeasured grief. This does but pain the Spirit
in its forced communion with the living. Death perchance is not the
misfortune of subsequent existence in this world, but a pas