IÉMON APPEARS
In his difficult mission Kondo[u] Rokuro[u]bei had hopes of
Cho[u]bei; but not much more. It was with no small pleasure that he
heard the announcement of his visit the next morning. The maid was a
shade more civil--"Please wait." Kondo[u] was decidedly so. He greeted
Cho[u]bei with an effusion which Cho[u]bei noted. The tea brought, the
two men faced each other over the cups. To Kondo[u]'s inquiring
look--"Honoured master the task is a difficult one." He retailed his
experience at the Kanda market. Kondo[u] was somewhat discomfited. He
had put a different interpretation on the early visit of Cho[u]bei.
Continued the latter--"A difficult task, but not hopeless. Surely five
_ryo[u]_ is very small remuneration." Kondo[u]'s eye lit up. Cho[u]bei
had his man. "It is all this Kondo[u] is qualified to give. Cho[u]bei
knows Tamiya Dono. After all it is he who pays, and Cho[u]bei can
claim but his share. However, the matter is not urgent. A bad turn
with Matazaémon, and O'Naka will be much easier to deal with ...
unless it be Yoémon who interposes." He made a wry face; joined in by
Cho[u]bei. Kondo[u] went on--"It is matter of regret to have troubled
you. The parents of Natsumé Kyuzo[u] show signs of breaking off
present negotiations and coming round to us. This is a matter of
yesterday, and on hearing that the affair of O'Iwa San was definitely
in the hands of Rokuro[u]bei." Cho[u]bei was frightened. Was this the
cause of Kondo[u]'s joy? Had he misinterpreted on his entrance? He put
out a hand, as if to stop the talk of his host. "Deign to allow the
money question to stand as agreed. Such step would put this Cho[u]bei
in an awkward position. The man is found, and soon will be here.
Probably even Kondo[u] Dono will be satisfied."--"Who is he?" asked
Kondo[u].--"One Yanagibara Kazuma. He has practised divination at
Asakusa...."--"A charlatan! A quack doctor! Cho[u]bei, are you mad?"
Rokuro[u]bei pushed back his cushion and his cue in horror. Not a word
did he say of Natsumé Kyuzo[u]. Cho[u]bei smiled. He had been trapped;
but he had detected Kondo[u]. "Don't be alarmed. The man is a
_ro[u]nin_, his divination of small account and due to temporary
stress. Kondo[u] Dono will soon judge of the man by his appearance.
Let the subject of Kazuma San be dropped--with that of Natsumé San.
Our bargain has been made firm." Kondo[u] looked down. He felt a
little injured. Continued Cho[u]bei--"For his man Cho[u]bei cannot
answer if all be known. Pray follow my plan, and precede us to the
house of Matazaémon. He must not see O'Iwa at this juncture. Tamiya
Dono is ill and not visible. The Obasan is wise enough to do as she is
told. Years have drilled that into her. O'Iwa has taken cold. Her hair
is loose and she cannot think of appearing. Make this known when the
time comes to serve the wine. Meanwhile send her off on some mission;
to the house of Akiyama, or that of the newly-wed Imaizumi."--"But the
man must see the girl," protested Kondo[u]. Answered Cho[u]bei--"He
must see the property. It is with that Cho[u]bei intends he shall
become enamoured. He is not to see the girl until she is his wife. To
keep the estate he will cleave to the woman. Trust Cho[u]bei for a
knowledge of men's hearts ... at least that of Yanagibara Kazuma."
Perhaps he spoke a little too plainly. Rokuro[u]bei had a last touch
of conscience--"Cho[u]bei, what manner of man is this one you bring?
What is his real nature? Tamiya is upright as the walls of the Honmaru
(castle). And Yanagibara Kazuma...." Cho[u]bei's brow wrinkled. He was
spared an answer. Said the maid--"Yanagibara Sama would see the
master."--"Show him in at once," said Rokuro[u]bei.
He rose, as much in amazement as in courtesy. Kazuma was a striking
figure as he entered the room. His dress of white Satsuma was of finest
quality, and perfectly aligned. The _haori_ (cloak) was of the
corrugated Akashi crape. In his girdle he wore the narrow swords then
coming into fashion, with finely lacquered scabbards. In person he was
tall, fair, with high forehead and big nose. Slender and sinewy every
movement was lithe as that of a cat. Kondo[u] gasped as he made the
accustomed salutations. "This man for O'Iwa! Bah! A fox has stolen a
jewel." All his compunction and discretion vanished before this unusual
presence. Kazuma gracefully apologized for his intrusion, thus
uninvited. Kondo[u] stammered protests and his delight at the
opportunity of meeting Yanagibara Dono. Cho[u]bei smiled inward and
outward delight at thus summarily removing any too pointed objections of
Kondo[u]. For absolute self-possession in this awkward situation the
younger man easily carried the palm. Kazuma acted as would a man double
his years. Cho[u]bei was not only delighted, but astonished. "Whence had
the Sensei produced all this wondrous get-up? Was he in real fact a
magician?" Kazuma knew, but he was not one to enlighten Cho[u]bei or
anyone else. After talk on general matters the affair of the meeting was
broached. Said Kondo[u] Rokuro[u]bei--"Thus to trouble Yanagibara Dono
requires apology, but the affair is not without advantage. The lady is
the daughter of Tamiya, a _do[u]shin_ and favoured by the Hosokawa
House. This Kondo[u] is honoured in presenting Kazuma Dono in
Yotsuya."--"Nay, fear enters.[17] The honour of this meeting with
Kondo[u] Dono is as great as the intrusion has been unseemly. Deign to
pardon the precipitancy of this Kazuma." Kondo[u] protested in his turn.
Said Cho[u]bei--"The presentation made, doubtless the matter is as good
as concluded. But Tamiya Dono is ill; this visit is unexpected. If
Kondo[u] Dono would deign to precede, and ascertain how matters are at
Tamiya, it would be well." To this Kondo[u] assented. Making his excuses
he set out for Samoncho[u], bubbling over with excitement, and praying
that the matter would have certain issue; and thus establish him for
life on the shoulders of the wealthy Tamiya. Prayers? Indeed he did stop
on the road, one lined with the ecclesiastical structures. Kondo[u] had
too much at stake, not to invoke all likely aid.
With his departure Cho[u]bei began to go into the externals of the
House of Tamiya. As they walked along--"Congenial surroundings." This
was with a grin and a wave of the hand toward the long line of temple
buildings and graveyards they were passing. "Not much savour of present
lodging in Hanagawado[u]. Eh! Kazuma Uji, even Cho[u]bei notes the
difference." He stopped opposite the Gwansho[u]ji and looked across the
way. The fruit was already formed on the trees of Matazaémon's garden.
"Persimmons of a hundred momme (375 grammes) each; twenty cartloads for
the profit of the house at the fall of the year." As they passed in the
entrance on Samoncho[u] he pointed to a store-house. "Stuffed with rice,
from the farms of Tamiya in Kazusa. No husks to be found in it."--"Who
said there were?" said Kazuma testily. His eyes were taking in the wide
proportions of the garden, the spreading roof and eaves of a stately
mansion. As they passed along the _ro[u]ka_ to a sitting room Cho[u]bei
called his attention to the fret work (_rama-sho[u]ji_) between the
rooms, the panelled ceilings, the polished and rare woodwork of
_tokonoma_ (alcoves). A _kakémono_ of the severe Kano school was hung in
the sitting room alcove, a beautifully arranged vase of flowers stood
beneath it. Matazaémon could not use his legs, but his hands were yet
active. Of his visitors he knew nothing; least of all of Cho[u]bei.
Kondo[u] Rokuro[u]bei appeared. With him was an old lady. O'Naka bowed
to the ground before the proposed son-in-law. She was in a flutter over
the beautiful man destined for O'Iwa. The admirable courtesy of his
manners, the tender softness of voice, robbed her of what little
judgment she had. Her only fear was that the candidate for honours and
the Tamiya would escape.
Said Cho[u]bei--"Asakusa is a long distance; the occasion exceptional.
Cannot the Ojo[u]san favour us by pouring the wine?" The old woman
hummed and hawed. Kondo[u], too, seemed put out. "As a matter of fact
O'Iwa is not presentable. She has taken cold, and just now is in bed.
Perhaps the Obasan will urge her further, now that Yanagibara Uji is
present." O'Naka at once rose, like to an automaton, the spring of which
has been pressed. She disappeared, to return and repeat her lesson.
"Wilful as a child! One would suppose her such. Illness she would
disregard, but her hair is not made up. She cannot think of appearing
before company. Truly she is vexing."--"Not so," defended Cho[u]bei.
"She could not show higher regard than by refusing to appear before a
future husband in careless attire. It is a guarantee of conduct when
married. She is much to be commended for such respect. All women like to
appear well. A man in the neighbourhood, and rice powder and rouge are
at once applied. How neglect such an elaborate structure as the hair?
Trust Cho[u]bei's judgment as to women."
O'Naka thought that he spoke well, but like most men with great
conceit. Kazuma looked out towards the beautiful garden. He took the
chance to smile, for he had soon ascertained that Kondo[u] knew little
about his agent; was in fact a precipitate, testy man. However, he was a
little put out at not seeing the would-be bride. At an opportunity he
stepped out, to see more of the house and its surroundings. Cho[u]bei
came up to him as he stood on the _ro[u]ka_. His voice was coaxing and
pleading. "Is it not a fine prospect--for Kazuma Dono?" His voice hung
on the 'Dono.' "Nay, don't let escape this splendid piece of luck. Long
has Cho[u]bei interested himself in his neighbour. Such a beautiful
exterior should have a proper setting. Marry O'Iwa San and Kazuma Dono
is master of Tamiya. Is it agreed?" Kazuma looked down in thought. At
his age there are ideals of the other sex, hard to put aside. Said
he--"Not to see the lady.... Is she so horrible?" Cho[u]bei protested.
"Not so! The lady is a mere item, well fitted to go with this fine
house, this beautiful garden, these store-houses filled with goods.
Look: Tamiya Dono is a man of double rations. The property has _nagaya_
for attendants. For long this has not been used. Tamiya will not rent it
out. It will be so much revenue added to the stipend of the House, and
will replace the old man's uncertain income from his accomplishments as
master of _hanaiké_ and _cha-no-yu_." Kazuma looked around, following
the pointing finger of Cho[u]bei. He was in sad straits. His only future
was this position of a _muko_. No matter what the woman might be, there
was compensation. To Cho[u]bei's direct question he made answer--"Yes."
The affair of the marriage suffered no delays. Cho[u]bei had struck
home. Kazuma was so impressed with the surroundings, especially after a
return to his own miserable quarters, that the matter of the interview
took a minor place to the inspection of his future property. Within the
week he had removed to the house of Kondo[u] Rokuro[u]bei. The latter
introduced him to his future associates in the ward by a succession of
fish and wine dinners dear to the heart of the men of Nippon. These
neighbours were astonished at the future son-in-law of the Tamiya. This
man was to be the husband of the O'Baké? Was he mad, or drunk? Perhaps
the latter, for neither themselves nor Kazuma had the opportunity to be
particularly sober during this period of festivity. Of course there was
an introduction to Matazaémon, the other principal involved. As Kondo[u]
carefully explained, no set date could be made for this interview.
Tamiya Dono was ill, and to be seen at a favourable time. As ill luck
would have it, on the very day the interview was permitted O'Iwa San
received an urgent summons from the Okugata of the Hosokawa House. This
could not be disregarded, and her absence on the second occasion was
easily explained and condoned. Kondo[u] certainly made no effort, and
Kazuma no suggestion, for a meeting in the three days intervening before
the formal marriage.
At evening the guests met in the reception rooms of Tamiya. In a private
apartment were Kondo[u] Rokuro[u]bei and his wife, O'Iwa, and Iémon. The
latter name had been assumed by Kazuma on his formal registration in the
Tamiya House. It was Cho[u]bei who had purchased the _wataboshi_, or
wadded hood, of floss silk worn by the bride on this great occasion of
her life. Iémon could see but little within its depths, except the
shining light of her countenance. Joy perhaps? At least this curiosity
was soon to be satisfied. Nine times--three times three--were the _saké_
cups drained. Kondo[u] Rokuro[u]bei joined the hands of the train,
exhorting them to mutual forbearance, O'Iwa to unquestioning obedience
to the husband. He pattered over the maxims of the Do[u]jikun of Kaibara
Yekken in this strange case, as he had done twenty times before with
favourable results. Yekken's book was comparatively recent, only a few
decades old, and the woman's guide. Truly the position of the
_nako[u]do_ was no easy one, if it was to bring him at odds with either
House involved. He felt complacent. This pair at least presented less
complications in that line than usual. What there was of doubtful issue
came now to the test. At this crisis he cast an eye to the _ro[u]ka_
(verandah) to see that Cho[u]bei really was at hand as promised. Then
the strings of the _wataboshi_ were loosed. The hood concealing the face
of O'Iwa was removed.
Iémon rose to his feet as if impelled by springs; then hurriedly he sat
again with some mumbled excuse and trembling hands. He could not take
his eyes from the shining white of the face before him, the glazed
smooth surface left in many places between the black of the pock marks.
The removal of the hood had somewhat disarrayed the hair, leaving the
broad expanse of forehead more prominent, the puffed heavy eyelids in
the face more conspicuous. In the depths shone two tiny points, the
eyes. Indeed, as Cho[u]bei afterwards described it, eyelids and eyes had
the appearance of _kuzumanju_, the dumplings of white rice paste with
the black dots of dark brown bean paste sunk deep in the centre. Never
had O'Iwa appeared to such disadvantage. She was now engaged in removing
the white garment, to appear in her proper array as bride and wife.
Iémon took advantage of this absence to step to the _ro[u]ka_. In
leaving the room Kondo[u] had given a wink to Cho[u]bei. Iémon almost
ran into him. He seized him by the arm. The young man's voice was
excited. He spoke in a whisper, as one who could barely find speech.
With satisfaction Cho[u]bei noted that he was frightened, not angered.
"What is that? Who is that creature?" were the first words of Iémon.
Replied Cho[u]bei coldly--"That is the wife of Tamiya Iémon; O'Iwa San,
daughter of Matazaémon Dono; your wife to eight thousand generations."
Then roughly--"Deign, Iémon San, not to be a fool. In the purchase of
cow or horse, what does the buyer know of the animal? Its real qualities
remain to be ascertained. O'Iwa San is ugly. That much Cho[u]bei will
admit. She is pock-marked, perhaps stoops a little. But if the daughter
of the rich Tamiya, a man with this splendid property, had been a great
beauty, this Iémon would not have become the _muko_ of Tamiya, the
future master of its wealth. What qualification had he for such a
position--a diviner, a man whose pedigree perhaps would not stand too
much search." He looked keenly at Iémon, and noted with satisfaction how
the last thrust had gone home. Cho[u]bei must know more of Iémon,
ex-Kazuma. He determined on that for the future.
He continued--"Withdrawal at this juncture would merely create scandal.
Matazaémon is not so bereft of friends that such a step would not cause
serious displeasure in high quarters. The insult would find an avenger.
Then consider please: the old man is kept alive by the anxiety to see
his granddaughter established in life, the line of the Tamiya assured.
He will die within the month. If the old woman hangs on too long"--he
halted speech for a moment, then coldly--"give her lizard to eat. A
diviner, doubtless Iémon San knows Kondo[u] Rokuro[u]bei by this time.
He will never prejudice the man who holds in his hands the purse of the
Tamiya. Iémon San and O'Iwa San are left alone. Good luck to you,
honoured Sir, in the encounter. In this Cho[u]bei a counsellor and
friend always is to be found; and one by no means lacking experience of
the world. As for the woman, she is your wife; one to take charge of the
house and affairs of Iémon Dono is to hand. No other _rusu_[18] could be
found so earnest in duty and so cheap, as O'Iwa San. Take a concubine.
This Cho[u]bei will purchase one for you; such a one as will be the
object of envy and desire to the whole of young Edo. His opportunities
in that line are exceptional. Come! To turn on the lights. On our part
at least there is nothing to conceal." Iémon did not pay attention to
the hint. The one thought harassing him must out--"lop-sided and--a
leper!" He spoke with despair and conviction, eyes fastened on
Cho[u]bei, and such a frightened look that even Cho[u]bei had pity. One
foot in the room he turned back. "That is not so--absolutely." Iémon
could not disbelieve the earnest testimony. Said Cho[u]bei--"The wounds
of smallpox were no trivial ones. In healing the scars were such in
places as form over burns. Hence the shining surface. Positively there
is no leprous taint in Tamiya." He was gratified by the sigh which came
from Iémon, sign of the immense weight lifted off the young man's mind.
"Bah! leave things to the future, and--enjoy the present. O'Iwa cannot
grow ugly with age. So much is gained. What difference will her looks
make to Iémon thirty years hence? She is a woman. Make a child on her.
Then you are free to turn elsewhere."
At once he began to place lights everywhere, as a sign to Kondo[u] that
all was well. This worthy came forward with other guests, to
congratulate the Tamiya House on being once more in young and vigorous
hands. It was Iémon himself who gave the signal to retire. How matters
went alone with his bride has reference to one of those occasions over
which the world draws the veil of decency. In the morning O'Iwa arose
early to attend to the matutinal needs of her spouse. The ablutions
performed, Iémon sat down to tea, as exquisite and exquisitely served as
in any dream in literature of how such ceremony of the opening day
should be performed. Then the morning meal was brought, under the same
supervision of this woman, as expert in all the technique of her craft
as she was ugly in feature; and that was saying much. Iémon watched her
movements in the room with curiosity, mixed with a little pain and
admiration. He was quick to note the skill with which she concealed the
slight limp, due to the shrinking of the sinews of one leg and causing
an unevenness of gait. It was a blemish in the little quick movements of
a woman of surpassing grace; who by art had conquered disease and an
ungainly figure.
O'Iwa had left the room for a moment to get flowers to place in the
vases, offering to the _hotoké_ (Spirits of the departed) in the
Butsudan. On his return Iémon held the _ihai_ (memorial tablets) in his
hands. A priest, these had at once attracted his notice. "Kangetsu
Shinshi; Kangetsu Shimmyo[u]; O'Iwa San, these people have died on the
same day of the month--and the year?"--"Is on the back of the _ihai_,"
replied O'Iwa. "No; it is not a case of suicide together." Then seeing
his evident curiosity she motioned him to sit as she poured tea, ready
for a long story. With its progress voice and manner grew more strained
and earnest. She never took her eyes from the _tatami_ (mats). "The
tablets are those of the father and mother of this Iwa. My mother's name
was Mino. Daughter of Tamiya she acted badly with my father Densuké, a
mere servant in the house. This Densuké was a good man, but his status
of _chu[u]gen_ made my grandfather very angry. He drove the twain from
the house. Thus deprived of means to live, my father took a position as
cook in the _yashiki_ of a great noble. Here he was frightened into
becoming the tool of a very wicked man. Having killed an usurer this man
forced my father to dispose of the body under penalty of death if he
refused. The body being placed in a cloth, my father had carried it to
his house. During his short absence my mother's curiosity led her into
untying the bundle. Her screams aroused the neighbourhood. As they
entered she was seized with convulsions, and gave birth to this Iwa,
thus brought into the world together with the exposure of the crime. My
father, doubtless warned by the crowd, fled from Edo. My mother had but
time to tell her story to the _kenshi_. Then she died. A year later to
the day my father's dead body was found floating in the castle moat,
near the town of Yu[u]ki in Shimosa. A beggar man, but little inquiry
was made into the crime. For long the cause and the criminal were
unknown. Then a _banto[u]_ was robbed in the Shiba Kirido[u]shi; his
companion was killed. The criminals were traced, and on confession were
put to death. The leader and most wicked of them also confessed to the
murder of the usurer Jusuké and to that of my father Densuké. My father
had met him again in Yu[u]ki town, and had aroused in him fear of
denunciation of past crimes. He spoke of 'this Densuké' as a
superstitious, haunted fool; thus in his wickedness regarding my
father's remorse and desire to clear up the strange affair. The
execution of this man removed all chance of my avenging the deaths of
father and mother on himself. But he has left behind a son. The one wish
of this Iwa is to meet with Kichitaro[u]; to avenge on him the
wickedness of his father Takahashi Daihachiro[u]." Iémon at first had
followed in idle mood her story. With the development of the details he
showed an attention which grew in intensity at every stage. With the
mention of the name of Takahashi Daihachiro[u] he gave a violent start.
Yanagibara Kazuma, Iémon Tamiya--what were these but names to cover this
Kichitaro[u], the one-time priest Myo[u]shin of the Jo[u]shinji at
Reigan Fukagawa, and son of Daihachiro[u].
Strange was this retributory fate which had brought these two into the
most intimate relations of husband and wife. When Iémon could control
his voice he said--"That O'Iwa San should have this feeling in reference
to the wicked Daihachiro[u] can be understood. But why such hatred
toward this Kichitaro[u]? Surely the boy is not to be held guilty of the
father's offence!"--"That is a man's way of reasoning," answered O'Iwa.
"A woman, ignorant and foolish, has but her feelings to consult. To
seven births this Iwa will clutch and chew the wicked son of a wicked
father. Against Kichitaro[u] is the vow made." She raised her head.
Iémon turned away shuddering. She had aged into a hag. The shining face,
the marks like black spots in pumice standing out, the mere dots of eyes
in their puffy bed, the spreading mouth with its large shining
teeth--all turned the plain gentle girl into a very demon. The
certainty, the intensity, of a malignant hate was driven into Iémon. He
was so frightened that he even nodded assent to her last words. The
gentle voice of O'Iwa added--"Iwa is ugly; perhaps annoys by the tale.
Leave the affair to her and to the enemy. To Iémon she is bound for two
existences. Deign to drop all formality; call her Iwa, and condescend to
regard her with affection." And Iémon covenanted with himself so to do.
The present should compensate for the past. But in the days which
followed O'Iwa sat on him as a nightmare. He felt the impress of her
teeth at his throat, and would wake up gasping. Time made the situation
familiar. He carefully lulled her into a blind admiration and belief in
her husband Iémon. There seemed no likelihood of O'Iwa learning the
truth; or believing it, if she did.[19]