Madame Yamada could contain her curiosity no longer. At a sign from her, her daughters withdrew. Then she addressed the Nakoda.
“In what way,” she asked, “is the humblest one indebted to the esteemed Okido for his honorable visit?”
Okido put down the pipe on the hibachi and, turning toward Madame Yamada, looked at her keenly.
The esteemed one was mistaken. The gods had only blessed her with two.
Nay, the gods had been kinder. Were there not three, including her step-daughter?
“Let me repeat,” he said slowly. “You have daughters.”
“Yes;” she allowed the word to escape her lips impatiently. Would the stupid broker never come to his business?
“And I,” said Okido, “have a client who desires the hand of one of your daughters.”
A red spot appeared in either of Madame Yamada’s cheeks.
“What is the name of his honorable parent?” she asked, no longer attempting to conceal her interest.
Madame Yamada’s hands trembled. She scarcely could control her voice.
The woman thrilled with maternal pride. Her bosom heaved. “And which of my daughters,” she asked, “has pleased the taste of the exalted Matsuda?”
“That one,” he said, “who is augustly named Azalea.”
Madame Yamada started to her feet with a cry. Then recalling herself she sat down again and for a space of a long moment did not stir. She regarded the Nakoda with baleful eyes. Suddenly she found her voice.
“Excellent Okido,” she said, “the humble one cannot marry the youngest of her daughters first. Pray return to the exalted Matsuda and say from me that I am willing to consent to his marriage to my oldest daughter.”
“What!” cried the amazed Okido, “you refuse?”
“Who spoke of refusing?” she asked in an agitated voice.
The woman was silent, her mind busily at work.
“Listen, Okido,” she finally said, “a promise was made by me to the august father, now dead, of the girl Azalea. He bade me promise him that Azalea should be given to no one in marriage save with her own consent. So! I withdraw the offer of my oldest daughter as bride to Matsuma, and instead say this: Bid the exalted one win first the consent of Azalea. He is then welcome to her.”
“Good!” said Okido, arising and shaking the crumbs from his hakama. “We will make direct suit to the maiden.”