III
The time passed on, and the love between Hisamatsu and O-Somé became more and more intense; and many weeks had not passed before O-Somé's health became delicate. The prospects of their future filled them with anxiety. When the widow perceived her daughter's condition, she was inclined to wed the young couple. But as her circumstances had not in any way improved, she dared not withdraw her promise to Sashirō on the ground of O-Somé's disinclination. Sashirō in the meantime was becoming impatient at the delay in his go-between's negotiations.
One day he called in person at the oil-shop, and urged the widow to make immediate arrangements for his marriage with O-Somé.
The widow was in a dilemma, but she hit upon a cunning idea. She summoned O-Somé to her room, and told her that as she owed Sashirō's father a large sum of money, it was impossible for her to withdraw her promise. So that if she
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