7

To~ no Chu~jo~ heard with surprise of Genji's visit. “But they have far too few people at Sanjo~ to receive such a guest. Who will be looking after his man and seeing that he is properly entertained himself? I imagine Yu~giri will be with him.” He immediately sent off a few sons and several of their friends. “I ought to go myself, but I would not want to make too elaborate an affair of it.”

A letter came from Princess Omiya. “The Rokujo~ minister has been kind enough to inquire after my health. We are badly understaffed and cannot be making a good impression. Do you suppose I might ask you to come, as quietly as possible, without having it seem that I sent for you? He has said that there is something he wishes to speak to you about.”

What would it be? Yet more about Yu~giri? Princess Omiya did not have much longer to live and was making strong pleas in Yu~giri's behalf. If Genji were to lodge a protest To~ no Chu~jo~ would have great trouble turning it away. To~ no Chu~jo~ had been thinking how unfortunate it would be to learn at this late date that Yu~giri's ardor had died. He must find an occasion to let it be known that he might consider acceding to the young people's wishes. If Genji and the princess were in collusion he would have very great trouble answering their arguments. He was a stubborn man, however, and a rather perverse man as well, and he did not want to surrender without a fight.

His mother had sent for him, and Genji would be waiting. He did not want to offend either of them. He would see what they had to say. He dressed very carefully and ordered a modest retinue,