They were married--she and the infant Hidetada--and Esyo, in consequence, excused attendance upon the taiko's grand cha-no-yu (tea-drinking party)--conserving probably Ieyasu's pleasure or safety no more than her own self-understood purpose. Ishida, on the other hand, had brought all his persuasion to bear upon Oyea--the taiko had quite ignored or forgotten her, but Yodogima had not. Many of the older captains retained at heart a warm place for the elder wife, and truly sympathized with her for her many sacrifices and half-requited support. She had surrendered position and all that goes with it to marry Hideyoshi in his poverty-stricken beginning, and through all the trials and hardships of a relentless struggle had never once lost faith or asked a favor: Yodogima appreciated the influence her presence should have upon this the most vital occasion at which she had been privileged the prestige of hostess. "I regret very much Oyea's decision," said Yodogima, to Ishida, shortly before the time set for the entertainment. "I wonder if some outside influence can deter her? I hardly think so, however; Oyea is above suspicion, and is the closest friend I have, aside my own good sisters. Please pay her my best compliments, and use your better judgment as to proper measures; I can easily enough overlook Esyo's idiosyncracies, but Oyea is a practical woman." "Your ladyship is quite right, and far-seeing if, perhaps, most charitable, though not altogether inattentive. There is an ulterior purpose, I will not say reason--there could be no justice in any sort of breach toward our good princess--believe me, your ladyship--Ishida cannot speak otherwise, and my long service as master of ceremonies to our most excellent taiko, his lordship--beginning, as your honorable ladyship well knows, these many years ago--as I say, such a round, so highly prized and as graciously bestowed, entitles one--I dare say, that your ladyship herself would extend to an humbler subject a consideration--arising only within the bosom of a traditional appreciation little in evidence these days, I tell you--emanating from a desire to do nothing contrary to the best ethics of the times--dominating the heart-interests especially of that one whom the master has permitted us each and all alike to serve and revere as jealously and considerately as the fleeting moments--" "Time is precious. Pardon me, Ishida?" "Yes; as I was about to say; Esyo out of the way, Ieyasu is fast becoming a favorite at Azuchi; and, though only a visitor at Fushima, may bode more than a kwambaku's disseverance. These require drastic consideration." "Hush. You speak unbecomingly." "Excuse me. I have only your ladyship's best interests at heart." "It were more like it, I trow, had you said 'in mind,' my good Ishida." "No less at my finger's end, your ladyship." "Boaster--one might think you Sen-no-rikyu himself, to hear you talk." "Stranger mistakes have been made." "Not to-day, Ishida." "Yodogima--"