So it was settled that he and the girl should visit Jack at ten o’clock the next day.

IV
IN WHICH MAN PROPOSES

The announcement of his man that Ido and his charge had arrived contained no news for Jack, for he had been watching the road from Tokyo since nine o’clock, and had seen them while they were yet afar off. Nevertheless, he did not enter the zashishi until his man came to him with word that guests from the city were awaiting him, and then he had no definite idea of what he intended to do.

She was dressed exactly as she had been on her previous visit, and she made obeisance almost to the floor, in greeting him, as she then had done. He hastened her recovery from the deep courtesy by taking her hands and raising her to an upright posture.

“You have come to see me again? I am very glad to see you,” he said, with eager politeness.

“Nakoda say you wish see me. Tha’s why I come.” There was not a trace of her former coquetry in her manner.