s about to go forth one day
he followed the figure of O'Mino sharply with his little eyes all
screwed up. "Naka, there seems change in the figure of Mino. Surely the
gossip of the neighbours as to Densuke is not true? Mino is said to
harbour a child by him. In such case it would be necessary to kill them
both. Warn Mino in time; a _chu[u]gen_ is not one to become the adopted
son (_muko_) of the Tamiya. He is an excellent lad, and costs but
little. His habits are not riotous. To dismiss him thus causelessly
would not only be unjust, but to no profit. Mino giving heed to the
warning, all will be well." With this the lord of the household stalked
forth to the house entrance. Receiving his clogs from O'Mino, he stalked
forth to his official attendance. The two women, prostrate in salutation
at his exit, raised their heads to watch him stalk.

It was a frightened face that O'Naka turned to her daughter. In
whispering voice--"The honoured father's words have been heard? If not,
it is to be said that gossip of the neighbourhood has come to his ears
as to relations with Densuke. He notices that an _obi_ is not often
worn; and when worn is soon discarded. However, a man's eye is not so
apt in such matters. Even in this Naka cannot speak positively.
Doubtless the report is not true." O'Mino, if ugly, was anything but
obtuse. Her mother must know; and yet not know. "My honoured father does
not consider the difference of age and status in Densuke. Densuke is but
a boy. This Mino has passed her twenty-third year. Moreover, surely she
deserves a better husband than a _chu[u]gen_. Least of all would she
give her father cause for regret or painful thoughts. Can a woman be
pregnant otherwise than by a man?" O'Mino, respectfully prostrate, with
this raised her head. The two women looked each other in the face.
Finally O'Naka said--"With joy is the answer heard. But Matazaemon San
is of hasty temper. In his suspicions even he is to be avoided. However,
the business of the house is to be performed. This will take the time
until late in the day. Tradesmen may come for payments of the month. In
the closet ten _ryo[u]_ in silver will be found. Here are the keys to
the chests. It would be well to take an inventory of the effects. The
winter is at hand. It is time to make warmer provision for it. Be sure
to observe circumspection." With these words, and a sad look at her
erring daughter, O'Naka donned street garb, threw a _haori_ (cloak) over
h