“Two things have ever been the same
  Since the Age of the Gods—­
  The flowing of water,
  And the way of Love.”

This old Japanese poem he quoted as his excuse for what would otherwise be an inexcusable impertinence.  The master was aware that politics in Japan were in an unsettled state, and that the new Cabinet was scarcely established; that a storm would overthrow it, and that the Opposition were already looking about for a suitable scandal to use for their revenge.  He, Ito, held the evidence which they desired—­the full story of the Tobita concession, with the names and details of the enormous bribes distributed by the Fujinami.  If these things were published, the Government would certainly fall; also the Tobita concession would be lost and the whole of that great outlay; also the Fujinami’s leading political friends would be discredited and ruined.  There would be a big trial, and exposure, and outcry, and judgment, and prison.  The master must excuse his servant for speaking so rudely to his benefactor.  But in love there are no scruples; and he must have Asa San.  After all, after his long service, was his request so unreasonable?

Mr. Fujinami Gentaro, thoroughly scared, protested that he himself was in favour of the match.  He begged for time so as to be able to convert the other members of the family council.

“Perhaps,” suggested Ito, “if Asa San were sent away from Akasaka, perhaps if she were living alone, it would be more easy to manage.  What is absent is soon forgotten.  Mr. Fujinami Gennosuke is a very old gentleman; he would soon forget.  Sada San could then take her proper position as the only daughter of the Fujinami.  Was there not a small house by the river side at Mukojima, which had been rented for Asa San?  Perhaps she would like to live there—­quite alone.”

“Perhaps Ito Kun would visit her from time to time,” said Mr. Fujinami, pleased with the idea; “she will be so lonely; there is no knowing.”

The one person who was never consulted, and who had not the remotest notion of what was going on, was Asako herself.

* * * * *

Asako was most unhappy.  The disappearance of Fujinami Takeshi exasperated the competition between herself and her cousin.  Just as formerly all Sadako’s intelligence and charm had been exerted to attract her English relative to the house in Akasaka, so now she applied all her force to drive her cousin out of the family circle.  For many weeks now Asako had been ignored; but after the return from Ikegami a positive persecution commenced.  Although the nights were growing chilly, she was given no extra bedding.  Her meals were no longer served to her; she had to get what she could from the kitchen.  The servants, imitating their mistress’s attitude were deliberately disobliging and rude to the little foreigner.

Sadako and her mother would sneer at her awkwardness and at her ignorance of Japanese customs.  Her obi was tied anyhow; for she had no maid.  Her hair was untidy; for she was not allowed a hairdresser.