49. The Mistletoe / The Ivy(宿木)
Passage
As she turned rather apologetically to greet the visitor, Kaoru was able for the first time really to study her face. The remarkably fine setting of her eyes, the way her hair parted—all sorts of details reminded him, though it was seldom that he had had the chance to study Agemaki’s face so closely, of the elder sister, and suddenly the old tears flowed. So soon, however, as she began talking to Ben no Kimi her voice—though from where he was he could not hear very well— sounded more like Kozeri’s. In any case she delighted him, and his only regret was that he had not taken steps to become acquainted with her long ago.
When Kaoru sees Ukifune for the first time, he was surprised by how much she resembles Agemaki.
For readers of "The Tale of Genji", this is a pattern they are all too familiar with.
Summary
Niou marries Yugiri's daughter. Kozeri was shocked. She was pregnant with Niou's child.
Kaoru comforts Kozeri's anxiety. Eventually, Kaoru makes advances toward Kozeri, but Kozeri tells Kaoru about the existence of her half-sister (Ukifune), who resembles her late older sister.
Comment
To escape suffering, Kozeri introduces Ukifune.
To escape suffering, Kaoru makes advances toward Ukifune.
They do not realize that their actions are inviting new suffering.