The doctor knelt at my feet and, after apologizing, peeled open my underrobe to expose my legs.
　　Mameha had told me a little about mizuage, but it seemed to me I was about to learn more. Had the
　　bidding ended, and this young doctor emerged the winner? What about Dr. Crab and Nobu? It even
　　crossed my mind that Mother might be intentionally sabotaging Mameha's plans. The young doctor
　　adjusted my legs and reached between them with his hand, which I had noticed was smooth and graceful
　　like the Chairman's. I felt so humiliated and exposed that I had to cover my face. I wanted to draw my
　　legs together, but I was afraid anything that made his task more difficult would only prolong the
　　encounter. So I lay with my eyes pinched shut, holding my breath. I felt as little Taku must have felt the
　　time he choked on a needle, and Auntie held his jaws open while Mother put her fingers down his throat.
　　At one point I think the doctor had both of his hands between my legs; but at last he took them away,
　　and folded my robe shut. When I opened my eyes, I saw him wiping his hands on a cloth.
　　"The girl is intact," he said.
　　"Well, that's fine news!" Mother replied. "And will there be much blood?"
　　"There shouldn't be any blood at all. I only examined her visually."
　　"No, I mean during mizuage."
　　"I couldn't say. The usual amount, I should expect."