“Your ready compliance augurs well for your sincerity,” said the great statesman, much pleased. “I thank you, dear Terumasa, and I am sure you will never regret your magnanimity.”
Some more talk passed between them on indifferent subjects, but as Terumasa was about to retire the Regent seemed struck with a sudden idea.
“Terumasa,” he said, “if I mistake not you are still a widower and your little son has no one to take care of him;—it is time you married again.”
“Some day, Your Highness, I may think about it, but I am in no haste.”
“It has just come into my head that it would be good to seal your reconciliation with Tokugawa by marrying one of his daughters. That would proclaim the fact to every one. If you permit me I will broach the matter to him.”
This was going further than Terumasa altogether liked, but seeing no help for it he gave his assent, secretly hoping the negotiations would fail.
“I leave everything to your discretion, Your Highness,” he said. “I am ready to do all you wish.”
“Then farewell for the present, Terumasa. I will let you know later on what success I have.”
Congratulating himself on the result of his diplomacy the Regent lost no time in telling Iyeyasu. It was agreed between them that Lady Toku, the second daughter should be the bride; and Terumasa offering no objection, preparations were speedily set on foot for the formal betrothal.