“To be sure, Mother Ishiyama’s death was inauspicious. But what does it have to do with you? Did you poison her soup?” Madame set down her tea cup.


    “No, Madame.”


    “Well, then. Call it an accident. The family will mourn. But even if you insist on taking responsibility, remember Mother Ishiyama’s death was very good for Eiko, whose interests you represented. So, take heart. For the bride, you were a charm.”


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    “Madame. I can hardly believe what I am hearing you say.”


    “And I would deny every word if you repeated it, but privately, I urge you to look at this event in the correct light. The married couple is well. Mother Ishiyama was aged. She was very happy to see her son so admired. Take confidence that you were able to encourage such a shift in attitude in time for her death. Otherwise, her death really would be unfortunate.”


    We spoke no more of it, but I did not forget Mother Ishiyama’s strangely timed death. And neither did Madame.