st." He went into details. To[u]suke drew a long
breath. "A dangerous fellow! The Danna Sama never liked his presence.
But he owes the house much money; seventy _ryo[u]_."--"That is your
affair," coldly replied the master of the Yamadaya. "This house answers
not for the accounts of the tea-house. Previous notice has been given.
Kibei Dono cannot be received as guest."--"That is not to be denied. He
is most undesirable. But the seventy _ryo[u]_! And the week's settlement
to make with this house?" The Yamadaya had an idea--"It rarely passes a
hundred _ryo[u]_.... Five years is accepted? Then take thirty _ryo[u]_
and deliver this girl to the Yamadaya.... A true Tayu? If so the debt of
Kibei finds payment." To[u]suke agreed with joy.

At night the _kago_ man set Kibei down before the Matsuminatoya.
Teisuke, the _teishu[u]_ (host), regarded his arrival with mixed
feelings. His coming meant something. Giving up his two swords, and once
seated, Kibei's first act was to give thanks for past services. Calling
for his account he produced the seventy _ryo[u]_ in its settlement.
Prompt and profound were the humble thanks of the house for this
unexpected liquidation. Kibei had secured the money by the transfer of
obligations of Akiyama Cho[u]zaemon to the usurer Suzuki Sanjuro[u].
Three hundred and fifty _ryo[u]_ immediately due against seventy
_ryo[u]_ in cash satisfied even this shark. Teisuke was impressed. How
deny such a guest? He would get rid of him, and profit both ways.
Yamadaya now would promptly pay the additional seventy _ryo[u]_ due on
the girl with whom they were so delighted. He had paid fifty _ryo[u]_
for her. At Kibei's call his order was prompt. "To[u]suke, accompany
Kibei Dono to the Yamadaya." Kibei's calm and collected manner reassured
him. This man did not contemplate suicide.

With the appearance of To[u]suke and Kibei at the Yamadaya there was a
flutter. The Banto[u] Matsuzo respectfully came forward. As Kibei came
up to the _ro[u]ka_ and shook off his _geta_ he interposed. "Deign to
wait, Kibei Dono. Matters have changed since morning. The Kashiku is
very ill. She can see no one. Condescend to come another time. For one
ill in body pleasure is no pastime. Pray consider; grant excuse for this
one occasion." Kibei was surprised. He had left her perfectly well in
the morning. Something in the _banto[u]'s_ face, in the massed position
of the men standing by, apprised him of the truth. He was enraged at the
lie