The Nun of the Temple of Amida by Lafcadio Hearn

When O-Toyo's husband -- a distant cousin, adopted into her family for love's sake -- had been summoned by his lord to the capital, she did not feel anxious about the future. She felt sad only. It was the first time since their bridal that they had ever been separated. But she had her father and mother to keep her company, and, dearer than either, -- though she would never have confessed it even to herself, -- her little son. Besides, she always had plenty to do. There were many household duties to perform, and there was much clothing to be woven -- both silk and cotton.

Once daily at a fixed hour, she would set for the absent husband, in his favorite room, little repasts faultlessly served on dainty lacquered trays -- miniature meals such as are offered to the ghosts of the ancestors, and to the gods.[3] These repasts were served at the east side of the room, and his kneeling-cushion placed before them. The reason they were served at the east side was because he had gone east. Before removing the food, she always lifted the cover of the little soup-bowl to see if there was vapor upon its lacquered inside surface. For it is said that if there be vapor on the inside of the lid covering food so offered, the absent beloved is well. But if there be none, he is dead -- because that is a sign that his soul has returned by itself to seek nourishment. O-Toyo found the lacquer thickly beaded with vapor day by day.