A set of three stories (The Thirteenth Night, The Last Day of the Year, An Inlet of Muddy Water), which touch on the plight of women in the 19th century.

The Thirteenth Night tells the story of Seki, who leaves her husband and child and returns to her parents’ home. Although sympathetic, her father insists that she return to her husband. On her way back, Seki comes across a rickshaw man, whom she realises is a childhood friend who has fallen on hard times. They reminisce, but without revealing their mutual affection when younger.

The Last Day of the Year is a crucial one for Mine. Her uncle, to whom she is indebted, is in desperate financial straights and asks for her help. When Mine’s wealthy employer refuses her an advance on her salary, she steals the money from a drawer; but suspicion for the theft falls elsewhere.

An Inlet of Muddy Water deals with the fading passions of the poor. Genshichi still has feelings for the once-beautiful Oriki, who is trying to capture the attentions of a customer in the restaurant where she works. Genshichi’s wife, meanwhile, divorces him in a fit of jealousy and rage. Several days later, the bodies of Oriki and Genshichi are discovered nearby.