Hachiya did not speak. It was not the first time that Nobuyuki, who was enthusiastic over the question of Hachiya’s marriage, had offered to act as middleman between him and Katsuno. Far from objecting to the proposed bride, Hachiya’s inclination pointed that way, but his prudence, however, had hitherto prevailed, and he remembered the saying ‘a full moon is sure to wane.’ His appointment as Prime Councillor over the heads of older men was already calculated to give offence; should he marry Katsuno, the acknowledged beauty of the clan, would he not still further give cause for jealousy and ill-feeling? Moreover, he was not ignorant of Shichiroyemon’s mad attachment, and had no desire to provoke his resentment; therefore, on various pretexts, he had month after month evaded his lord’s importunity.
“Do you again say ‘until next month’?” said Nobuyuki, half threateningly, as the young man remained silent. “Think not to deceive me in that way!”
Hachiya did not answer; his head was bent in respectful attention.
“Answer me at once! Still silent?... Tell me, do you dislike the girl?”
“Oh, no, my lord, but I fear her refusal!”
“Is that all! Set your mind at rest on that score; I have sounded her. Poor girl! Since the white-eye incident her ‘sickness’ has become worse and she has grown quite thin!”
Observant and sympathetic, Nobuyuki had found out that Katsuno was love-sick for Hachiya.
“Do not tease me, my lord! I will tell you of my real reasons for this hesitation.”
And with this preface Hachiya gave his reasons, at each one of which the older man gave a little nod of comprehension.