2

Higekuro wanted to take her home with him as soon as possible. Genji suggested, however, that haste might seem to show an inadequate regard for her rank and position, and pointed out that a lady who could hardly be expected to give her a warm welcome was already in residence there.

“Tact and deliberation are called for if you are to escape the re-proaches of the world.”

“It is perhaps after all the less difficult course,” To~ no Chu~jo~ was meanwhile saying to himself. “I had had misgivings about sending her to court. A lady without the support of influential relatives can have a difficult time in competition for the royal affections. I would have wanted to help her, of course, but what could I have done with another daughter there ahead of her?”

And indeed it would have been unkind to send her to court when the prospect was that she would join the ranks of lesser ladies and see the emperor infrequently.

To~ no Chu~jo~ was most pleased with the reports he had of the thirdnight ceremonies.

Though no formal announcement was made, the marriage was the talk of the day.

The emperor heard of it. “A pity. But she seems to have been meant for him. She does still seem to be interested in her work. Perhaps if I make it clear that I have no personal designs upon her—”