As she dressed, her mother flitted about her, chatting volubly and in
such high spirits that Yuki San's heart was warmed. The elaborate
trousseau had caused the little household many a sacrifice, but the
joy in the hearts of the old people more than justified them.

Presently the clatter of the jinrikisha in the courtyard announced the
arrival of the guest. Yuki San heard the long ceremonious greeting of
her father. She saw her mother hasten away to do her part and, left
alone, she sat with troubled eyes and drooping head.

The strange feeling in her heart, one moment of joy and one of pain,
bewildered and frightened her. No thought of evading her duty crossed
her mind, but her whole being cried out for a beautiful something she
had just found, but which it was futile to hope for in her new life.

At the call of her mother, Yuki San silently pushed open the screen
and made her low and graceful greeting. Custom forbidding her to take
part in the conversation, she busied herself with serving the tea,
listening while Saito San recounted various incidents of the
picturesque court-life, or told of adventures in the recent war.

After all the prescribed topics had been discussed and the farewells
had been said, Yuki San retained a vague impression of a small,
middle-aged man, with many medals on his breast, who looked at her
with kind, unsmiling eyes.

It was not till after the simple evening meal that Yuki San found the
chance to slip away to the little upper room which had been Merrit's
for two months. Nothing there had been touched, for the old mother