10

To~ no Chu~jo~ was badly unsettled. There were difficulties in the way of taking Tamakazura into his house immediately. It seemed highly unlikely, everything considered, that Genji had sought the girl out and brought her into his house and then left her quite untouched. Out of regard for his other ladies, Genji had probably refrained from adding her openly and formally to the company. Probably he was finding the clandestine affair unmanageable and was worried about gossip, and so had chosen to let To~ no Chu~jo~ in on the secret. It was a pity, of course, but the girl's reputation need not be thought irreparably damaged. People could hardly criticize To~ no Chu~jo~ if he were to let Genji keep her. Genji's suggestion that she be sent to court opened the possibility of unpleasantness for the sister already there. But be would respect Genji's wishes, whatever Genji decided to do.