that well, without any known cause. But Matsumura, being a Shint[=o]
priest, had no fear of evil spirits; and he soon made himself very
comfortable in his new home.

* * * * *

In the summer of that year there was a great drought. For months no
rain had fallen in the Five Home-Provinces; the river-beds dried
up, the wells failed; and even in the capital there was a dearth of
water. But the well in Matsumura's garden remained nearly full; and
the water--which was very cold and clear, with a faint bluish
tinge--seemed to be supplied by a spring. During the hot season many
people came from all parts of the city to beg for water; and Matsumura
allowed them to draw as much as they pleased. Nevertheless the supply
did not appear to be diminished.

But one morning the dead body of a young servant, who had been sent
from a neighboring residence to fetch water, was found floating in
the well. No cause for a suicide could be imagined; and Matsumura,
remembering many unpleasant stories about the well, began to suspect
some invisible malevolence. He went to examine the well, with the
intention of having a fence built around it; and while standing there
alone he was startled by a sudden motion in the water, as of something
alive. The motion soon ceased; and then he perceived, clearly
reflected in the still surface, the figure of a young woman,
apparently about nineteen or twenty years of age. She seemed to be
occupied with her toilet: he distinctly saw her touching her lips
with _béni_[67] At first her face was visible in profile only; but
presently she turned towards him and smiled. Immediately he felt a
strange shock at his heart, and a dizziness came upon him like the