and the insult. "Ill? That is very strange, when so well at morning.
But it is immaterial. Kibei goes to the room."--"Impossible," was the
firm reply of the _banto[u]_. "The Kashiku lies isolated from all. It is
the order of the physician. Even those in the rooms around her have been
ordered out. Pray forbear." But Kibei was obstinate--"Then a glass of
wine at her bedside; Kibei has matters to impart." The _banto[u]_ stuck
to his post--"Wine! Amid the smell of drugs, the unseemly vessels of the
sick room! Such could not be permitted." Kibei stretched out an arm. The
_banto[u]_ went flying a dozen feet. Kibei made a leap toward the
stairway. But the bawd O'Kayo interposed her vinegary presence. She was
brave; having the support of great numbers, of the whole household.
"What rudeness! How inconsiderate your way of acting! You behave in very
bad taste; with the roughness of an _ashigaru_ (foot soldier). The
Yamadaya does not entertain such miserable scamps. The Tayu is ill. This
Kayo says it. Get you hence--to some coolie house. Return the day before
yesterday."[33] Kibei gave a yell--"Yai! You old bitch! The whole affair
is plain to Kibei. Out of money, his presence is no longer desired. Ah!
Kibei will have vengeance." Without arms, before the sullen
determination of these plebeians, he felt his helplessness. An unseemly
brawl, in which he would be worsted, must not be entered on. He must
leave. In a towering rage he strode back to the tea-house. To[u]suke
tried to keep pace with him.

Said Teisuke in feigned astonishment--"Kibei Dono! What has happened?"
Kibei did but stutter and fume. The _teishu[u]_ turned to To[u]suke.
This latter made answer for his charge--"At the Yamadaya they were very
rude. Admittance was refused to Kibei Dono. The bawd O'Kayo told him to
come back day before yesterday!"--"Very rude indeed! Were such things
said? It is unpardonable. An explanation must be had with the house.
Danna Sama, for to-night deign to leave this matter to Teisuke. Ample
satisfaction shall be had for the outrage." Teisuke threw up his hands
as with uncontrollable anger. Kibei paid no attention, but demanded his
swords. Outwardly he had regained his self-control. The maid O'Moto
looked with diffidence at her mistress. The woman was accustomed to such
scenes. At her sign the girl brought the weapons, carefully wrapped up.
She placed them before Kibei. Unrolling the cover he put them on. With
scanty salutation he strode off. T