Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/341

 IX

, after his return to his clan, set himself, heart and soul, to the task of assisting Ōuchi Yoshioki in the carrying out of reforms in administration, and grew in ever greater favour with his lord. On a certain day it happened that the household of Jirōzayémon were in a bustle of preparation, wishing to give a fitting welcome to his lord, who had announced his intention of honouring him with a visit at his private residence. As the sweeping and dusting went on busily the maids incessantly laughed and chattered, their tongues no less busy than their hands. "Surely in all this great world there is none who is like to our master either in looks or in brains. She certainly is a lucky woman who is destined to become his wife—such a fine gentleman as he is! She will be the happiest woman in all Japan!"

At the hour appointed, Lord Ōuchi, with Iwashiro Takita in attendance, duly arrived. Jirōzayémon, with all reverence, welcomed him at 267