Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/190

136 more to grumble at, I suppose! Really, I intended to ask you one or two serious questions, Kosuké San, but for your own sake I will refrain from doing so. I do not require you any further, so I beg you to leave at once. Good afternoon."

Kosuké had not a word to say in reply, and so, placing the money in his bosom, he went away.

After the rascal had departed, Hisamatsu and O-Mitsu heaved sighs of relief.

"Thank you very much, dear father," said Hisamatsu wonderingly, "but how did you manage to raise so great a sum as 150 ryō?"

"Poor as I am, I don't find it difficult to raise such an amount, should an emergency occur! To tell the truth, I have always had the money ready in case of need. Don't let that matter trouble you, my son. I am very glad that you have come well and sound! Fortunately today is a lucky day, so I think it would be a suitable occasion on which to celebrate your nuptials with O-Mitsu, according to our arrangement. It will make your sick mother and myself happy. I am sure you will both agree."

Hisamatsu was greatly perplexed. He remained silent, thinking of his binding vows with