young samurai with our daughter. Strange to say, the young man without the least hesitation accepted this proposal, abrupt as it was, and expressed himself so heartily grateful. As for me, I was too much filled with joy to think of declining this gracious proffer. So in the presence of our lord, I exchanged with Komazawa Jirōzayémon cups of betrothal and now it falls upon you to impart to Miyuki the news of this arrangement and fill her cup of happiness. The sooner you do this the better."
To tell the truth, the joy and gratitude of the wife were extreme at hearing of her lord's good offices; but still she harboured some misgivings as to her daughter's inclination in the matter.
"This is joyful news to me, my dear," she said, "and a right good match it would be. But if you will pardon the frankness of my words, I should think that you acted somewhat rashly in accepting this match without sounding Miyuki's wishes beforehand. Is it not so?"
"Well, that idea did occur to me, my dear, but the proposal comes from our lord, and the bridegroom-to-be is so superior both in looks and intelligence that I cannot doubt that he will find favour
