ng man
seemed to have lost all nerve. Kakusuke wanted to serve a man. As long
as the Wakadono gave promise of redemption, of rising above his
difficulties and emerging into a splendid career in which Kakusuke could
take pride, the _chu[u]gen_ was ready to take the bitter with the sweet.
To be maid servant and keeper of a man half mad had no attraction for
this blunt-nerved fellow. He spoke plainly--"The Wakadono should deign
to throw up the whole connection. Under the present conditions the ruin
of the House is unavoidable. Condescend to return to the original House
in Honjo[u] Yokogawa. This course will be best. At least the Wakadono
secures his own salvation. This is the advice of Kakusuke, grown old in
experience of service in a _samurai_ household. In naught else is there
hope. As to himself, would the Wakadono condescend to grant dismissal."
Long had been the intimacy between Ito[u] Kwaiba and Inagaki Sho[u]gen.
Kakusuke, the messenger between the two Houses, had watched this
Fukutaro[u] (Kibei) grow to manhood, had noted his prowess. It was with
delight he had carried the documents which were to bring this new and
vigorous blood into the home of his decadent master. This was the
result. "A pest on these witches--and their craft!"

Kibei heard him out with growing anger. As the man's words gathered
vigour and plain spokenness his hand wandered to his sword. He had a mind
to cut him down then and there for his freedom of speech. More than half
induced to recognize the truth of the indictment his better feeling halted
him. With harsh and sardonic tone he gave unbelieving thanks for the
implied reproof of the _chu[u]gen_. The service of Kakusuke had been
faithful beyond measure. It should have its proper reward. If others had
chosen to depart as do those who run away, they had shown ignorance of
this Kibei. From a drawer of the desk he took out a letter already
prepared, a roll containing wages. He pushed the _zen_ toward Kakusuke.
This readiness, as if foreseen, hit the man hard. Respectfully he pressed
the letter to his forehead, bowing with extended hands on the _tatami_;
the money he did not touch. Finally he raised a timid questioning glance
to his one-time master. Said Kibei jeeringly--"Kakusuke has given his
advice. Is it part of his long experience that a servant should question
the wages placed under his nose? Off with you! This Kibei would be alone;
most willingly so." At the peremptory threatening gesture Ka