Tetsutaisho, however, was not always over-sagacious, and as time went on he began to exploit his fortunes in other directions than at home. Kinsan had managed to keep well out of his way and therefore, though not forgotten, out of his mind. Probably, also, he was somewhat lax in pressing his fondness there because of the demands made upon his attention by Takara, his rather ardent sister-in-law. In fact, it was at Nehachibana's homegoing party that he had first begun to feel something more than a brotherly interest in the deep and unfathomable wife of Shibusawa. And as they sat together there, on the veranda, with now and then a falling leaf to remind them of the oncoming season, she looked unusually pretty, and her rather sad, far-away look did anything but lessen her attractiveness, as she looked up to him and said:
"Do you think me not enough composed for one so newly married, Tetsutaisho?"
"No, Takara," answered he, meditatively. "I was just remarking to myself how well you wore the care. I'll venture his reward vouchsafes the kindness."
"I will tell you sometime; I must go now--Nehachibana is waiting for me. See her--she is actually coming toward us."
"Why, Nehachibana," continued he, speaking to his wife, "you really look a trifle jealous. How now, my beauty treasure?"
"Oh, no; she's not jealous," said Takara, quickly divining the situation; "only men have the right to be jealous, women the privilege."
"Oh, Takara! How you do talk!" said Nehachibana, flushed and gladdened. "I should lose my tongue were I to scold like that. I know I should. No man would have the patience with me, much less would my husband."
"Nehachibana is right," said Tetsutaisho, consolingly. "A man regards, and a husband disregards. And why not? Come, my little wife, let us be off and away. There be times when even virtue has not its reward."
Takara gracefully yielded to the unpleasant interruption, and for a week or more no further intercourse was had with Tetsutaisho. He became suddenly so enrapt with Nehachibana that for the time being he forgot all about Takara and the innocent flush which had come to her cheeks in speaking of marriage and its attendant influences. It was not so with Takara. She remembered well his words and how he brightened with interest at her every whim and fancy; then she thought of how happy Nehachibana must be.