a night of pleasure with
the Kashiku Tamagiku. With the morrow's darkness she dies with Kibei.
Hand in hand they will wander the paths of Amida's paradise." She came
close to him in service of the wine; put her arms about him, and drew
him to her bosom; in every way cajoled and sought to comfort him, and
corrupt his purpose. Consent was easy. The night was passed in love and
wine. In the morning he left her.

Kibei was making his final preparations; writing directions which
would benefit as far as possible the House in Honjo[u] at the expense of
that in Yotsuya. In the Yoshiwara a very different scene was taking
place. With his departure the Kashiku sprang up. Hastily throwing a robe
around her person she sought the room of the _yarite_--the bawd of the
house. "The Kashiku! At this hour--what has happened?"--"Something of
importance. This night Tama dies with Kibei Dono. The compact is closed,
hard and firm." The astonished bawd had been rubbing the sleep out of
her eyes. The last words brought her full awake--"Is the Kashiku drunk
with wine? Is she mad? Truly it would seem so. And the bail? What is to
become of the unfortunate? True it is Toemon of Honjo[u]; and he has
trouble enough already. He will never leave his prison." Tamagiku made a
gesture of impatience--"This Tama has acted but to gain time. Can she
have affection for such an ugly fellow? Was she to be the victim of some
crazy outburst? Perhaps the day will bring better counsel; but the
night's conversation does not augur it. His plans are most complete. The
master must be seen. Deign to mediate; prevent the admittance of Kibei
Dono as guest." O'Kayo the bawd nodded intelligence and assent. At once
she sought the master of the house. "A dangerous guest," was his
comment. "Send to the Matsuminatoya. They must be warned. We can look
after ourselves." As an attendant of the tea house presented
himself--"And the master, Teisuke San!"--"Is absent; this To[u]suke
represents him. He has gone to Edo. Perhaps the house will deign to look
at a new inmate. A true Tayu! The daughter of Akiyama San of Yotsuya
sacrifices her caste. But sixteen years, she is a jewel. Less than a
hundred _ryo[u]_ will buy her. He is in great difficulties." To[u]suke
spoke with enthusiasm. The master of the Yamadaya answered promptly and
with emphasis--"Accepted: let her be on hand in the course of the day.
But To[u]suke, there is another matter. Kibei Dono no longer can be
accepted as a gue