IX
There was plenty of work at the new bank, and Kutami divided his time between it and his old affairs. In the street one morning as he was going to the bank he came upon Chukei, the nakodo, of whom he had not a thought since that day he saw him at Kudo-san’s gate.
“Good morning, Chukei-san,” he said; “what young people are you trying to make happy now?”
“Not your son, surely,” answered the middleman, instantly scenting the possibility of a fortunate stroke, and bowing very low to make a good impression.
“Ho, ho!” cried Chobei, with a hearty laugh. “You are quite right. Surely not my son. He has no thought of marrying yet.”
“Be not oversure,” replied the nakodo. “One never can tell what is in the minds of these likely young fellows.”
“That is so,” returned the banker; “but I think I know my son quite well enough. I saw you coming from Kudo-san’s house a while ago. That must have been a proposal for his pretty daughter?” He chucked at his shrewdness in guessing.