Tonase. Dear Konami, your father is always stiff-mannered; but I thought he would tell you to receive the message. Instead of that, he says I am to receive it; in that he is of quite a different mind from me. You would like, I am sure, to see Rikiya and speak to him. Go and meet him in my place. What do you say, eh?
Recitation. Her mother repeats her question; but her only answer is the maiden blush that suffuses her face, and her mother surmises its meaning.
Tonase. Oh, how it hurts! My daughter, please, rub down my back.
Recitation. Konami is bewildered and assists her.
Tonase. Well, you see, my anxiety since the morning has brought on my old complaint. I do not think I can in this state meet the messenger. Oh, how it pains me! I am sorry to trouble you; but you will hear the message and entertain the messenger. There is no getting round our lord and ailments.
Recitative. She slowly gets up.
Tonase. Receive him well, daughter, but not too well, for fear you should forget the important message. I should like to see my future son-in-law; but.........
Recitative. But the lady, knowing her daughter’s feeling, goes within. Konami bows to her with gratitude.
Konami. How grateful I am, mother! How I have longed to see my betrothed!
Recitative. But when she sees him, what shall she say? And her maiden heart palpitates