50. The Eastern House / The Eastern Cottage(東屋)
Passage
Ukon went to Kozeri and reported what she had witnessed. “I dread to think what the poor soul must be going through,” she said indignantly. “It’s the tiresome sort of thing he’s always doing,” said Kozeri. “I am afraid the mother will be very much upset if she hears of it. She begged me again and again to look after her, and said this was the only place she would have felt it safe to leave her.” It would after all have been very unlike him, Kozeri reflected, not to have discovered the arrival of a young good-looking girl. But all the same, in this particular case she really thought that every precaution had been taken. It was certainly very tiresome that such a thing should have happened.
Niou made advances toward Ukifune. Seeing this, Kozeri and the women around them were angered at Niou and felt sorry for Ukifune.
Summary
Ukifune was born as the Prince Hachi no miya’s illegitimate daughter. After leaving the court, Ukifune’s mother married a wealthy prefectural governor and moved to the countryside. When Ukifune was in her early twenties, She became engaged. However, the nobleman she was engaged to was only interested in the governor’s wealth. Upon learning that Ukifune was not the governor’s blood-related, so he broke off the engagement.
Ukifune's mother pities her daughter and takes her to Kozeri's mansion. but her husband Niou finds Ukifune and makes advances toward her. Kozeri and Ukifune develop an awkward relationship, and Ukifune's mother moves her daughter to another house. Kaoru appers the house and takes her to Uji. To Kaoru, Ukifune looks like Agemaki. However, Kaoru is concerned that Ukifune, who was raised in the provinces, lacks education and has a low social status.
Comment
No one sees Ukifune. When men look at her, they see either her wealth or traces of another woman.She may be said to be the most unfortunate woman in this tale.