rience of ghosts; he speaks at random and in anger. Terrible is the
actuality." Said the mother, slowly and painfully--"He is the father; he
is to be obeyed." Kibei was sitting upright. He nodded grave assent.
Then suddenly he prostrated himself ceremoniously before the _sho[u]ji_
through which Sho[u]gen had disappeared. He repeated the salutation
before his mother. Then he rose--"Ito[u] Kibei takes leave. May good
health and fortune visit those of this House." At his exit the mother
rejoiced. Severe had been the father's words, but they had brought the
boy to reason. She wept and trembled at the reproof. Men had best
knowledge of such affairs. She would pray at Reiganji, and have memorial
service held for the peace of this O'Iwa in the next world. Then the
curse would not rest upon her son.

On his appearance at the house entrance an _ashigaru_ (foot soldier)
led up the horse. Kibei waved him away--"For the present keep the animal
in charge. With matters to attend to close at hand Kibei will use other
conveyance." The man took the animal away. Leaving the gate of the
_yashiki_ Kibei walked the short distance to the Ho[u]onji bridge. Here
was a _kago_ (litter) stand. "To Yamadaya in Yoshiwara." As the _kago_
men went off at a trot--"Kibei has played and lost. How does the account
yonder stand? Seventy _ryo[u]_ owed at the Matsuminatoya. For the rest,
this Kibei can claim a night's attendance from the _kashiku_. If
affection would not grant it, the huge sums bestowed in the past have a
claim upon her. Then to end matters and die like a _samurai_. To-morrow
Kibei cuts belly." It was the debt which sent him direct to the
Yamadaya, and not first to the tea house. Sitting over the wine all
effort of the Kashiku to enliven him failed. Noting her discomfiture he
smiled gloomily. Then in explanation--"The thoughts of Kibei go astray.
The House is ruined. Ransom is impossible. This is the last meeting.
To-morrow Kibei cuts belly, and dies like a _samurai_." At first the
girl thought he was joking. Then noting the wild look of despair in his
eyes, she was frightened. Partly in disbelief; partly seeking to
postpone this desperate resolve, to turn his thoughts and gain time for
reflection; partly in that sentimental mood which at times affects this
class of women--"Is Kibei truly ruined? Lamentable the fate of Tamagiku.
Why not join him in death? But the idea is too new. Deign to postpone
the execution for a space. To-night shall be