46. At the foot of the Oak-Tree / Beneath the Oak(椎本)
Passage
“…And when one thinks of the anxiety that children cause their parents, the sons really do not come much into account. It is chiefly the daughters one thinks of—though really I believe a parent does best, after a certain point, simply to let a girl take her chance, however difficult it may be to make up his mind to it...”
Hachi no miya confesses to Kaoru.
The father worries about his beautiful daughters.He knows that his own life is not long for this world.
Summary
Niou takes Kaoru with him and holds a party at his villa in Uji. Across the river from the villa is the Hachi No Miya's mantion.Hachi No Miya hears the lively sounds of the party, which brings back memories of former glory. The next day, a letter arrives from Hachi No Miya to Kaoru, but Niou writes the reply. Thus begins the exchange between Niou and Hachi No Miya.
Hachi No Miya believes that his life is coming to an end. He asks Kaoru to be the guardian of his two daughters. And Hachi No Miya wills that his daughters should not marry and should withdraw from worldly life. And then Hachi No Miya passes away.
Comment
Hachi No Miya asks Kaoru to support his daughter's life, on the other hand, He demands that his daughter not get married.His faith made that decision. Between the happiness of the afterlife and the love in this world, Kaoru and the daughters are torn apart.