Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/366

290 business. The idea crossed the keen-witted man's mind that Kōzuké had been slandering him to his lord, but he did not betray his thoughts. He calmly donned his court dress, and once again repeating his command to his wife, he set out for the castle.

Then Sawarabi summoned her daughter, and told her that her marriage ceremonies had been arranged to take place that evening. The girl was filled with astonishment, and anxiously enquired who was the bridegroom.

"My dear girl, it is the man you like best," answered the mother smilingly.

"The man I like best, mother?" asked Hatsuhana, trembling with apprehension.

"It is none other than Michisuké," said her mother.

At this glad answer the girl heaved a sigh of relief. She could scarcely disguise her joy, and almost fell on her mother's neck in her gratitude.

Then Sawarabi called Michisuké, and said: "I am afraid you will be surprised at receiving such an abrupt request, but both my husband and I earnestly pray that you will marry our daughter.