III
As time went on, Hatsuhana's passion for Michisuké became so strong that she felt that she could no longer brood over it in silence. At last she unbosomed herself to him, and begged him to satisfy her ardent longing. Michisuké fully sympathized with her, but was unable to express his feelings; for he had a great task to fulfill, and besides he could not forget his duty to his master so far as to enter into secret engagement with his daughter. He therefore gave the girl a polite but firm refusal. However, when love receives a sudden check, it is its nature to become stronger. Hatsuhana's passion became deeper and deeper, and at last she made up her mind to beg her parents to arrange a marriage between herself and Michisuké.
In the meantime Kōzuké had dwelt upon his recent courtship to Hatsuhana, and longed for her day and night. At last he confided his secret to two friends, and the three of them together called on Shinzayémon to make forcible negotiations.
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