“Make ready, Esyo; all is done for, save—”

“What?”

“Harakiri.”

“Not for me, my good husband.”

“Do you deny me, also this consideration?”

“Yes.”

“Buddha! May there be one left, then, to avenge my good name.”

“There shall be—Sakuma, unhand this husband of mine, albeit he would dishonor not me; I shall have need for him here, in better grace, if not of reason.”

“Sakuma! Does the grave yield its own?” whispered Hidetada.

“You see him—perhaps a little aged, but in the flesh and blood. Keep a good watch, Sakuma, lest the shogun’s honor fail me his boots.”