19

Genji was more and more despondent as the New Year approached.

Niou scampered about exorcising devils, that the New Year might begin auspiciously.

“It takes a lot of noise to get rid of them. Do you have any ideas?”

Everything about the scene, and especially the thought that he must say goodbye to the child, made Genji fear that he would soon be weeping again.

“I have not taken account of the days and months.

The end of the year—the end of a life as well?”

The festivities must be more joyous than ever, he said, and his gifts to all the princes and officials, high and low—or so one is told—quite shattered precedent.

{His Perfumed Highness}