Host. Oh, yes, sir. The wealthy Mr. Yura has this evening had all the well-known women brought together so that the rooms on the ground floor are completely occupied; but the out-room is vacant.
Kudayu. That, I suppose, is full of cobwebs.
Host. There you are, sarcastic as usual.
Kudayu. No, I mean that at my age I must take care not to be caught in women’s toils.
Host. Now that is too much. I cannot leave you down here; and so up the stairs with you. Hi, waitresses, bring lights, wine-cups, and tobacco-trays.
Recitative. As he calls out in a loud voice, the sounds of drums and samisen[1] are heard within.
Kudayu. What do you think, Master Bannai? Do you see how Yuranosuke is carrying on?
Bannai. Master Kudayu, I think he must be mad. Though we received many private reports from you, even my master Moronao did not believe he was so far gone as that and told me to come up to the Capital and inquire, and to let him know at once if there was any cause for suspicion Well, well, I am now quite convinced that you were right. And his son Rikiya, what has become of him?
Kudayu. The fellow comes here sometimes and is as dissipated as his father. What puzzles me is that they feel no reserve before each other. I came here this evening determined to get to the very bottom of the affair. I will speak to you privately. Now, let us go upstairs.
Bannai. After you.