indeed, the depth of our gratitude therefor is not to be spoken or
measured. But this girl of ours, being a stupid country-girl of vulgar
birth, with no training or teaching of any sort, it would be improper to
let her become the wife of a noble samurai. Even to speak of such a matter
is not right... But, since you find the girl to your liking, and have
condescended to pardon her peasant-manners and to overlook her great
rudeness, we do gladly present her to you, for an humble handmaid. Deign,
therefore, to act hereafter in her regard according to your august
pleasure."


Ere morning the storm had passed; and day broke through a cloudless east.
Even if the sleeve of Aoyagi hid from her lover's eyes the rose-blush of
that dawn, he could no longer tarry. But neither could he resign himself to
part with the girl; and, when everything had been prepared for his journey,
he thus addressed her parents:--


"Though it may seem thankless to ask for more than I have already
received, I must again beg you to give me your daughter for wife. It would
be difficult for me to separate from her now; and as she is willing to
accompany me, if you permit, I can take her with me as she is. If you will
give her to me, I shall ever cherish you as parents... And, in the
meantime, please to accept this poor acknowledgment of your kindest
hospitality."


So saying, he placed before his humble host a purse of gold ryo. But the
old man, after many prostrations, gently pushed back the gift, and said:--