Honjowara -sama gestures casually toward the cushion at the right end of the table. Machiko moves there and descends to one knee and bows. Honjowara -sama gives brief acknowledgment. Sashi then politely offers a bow of her own. Machiko answers this very briefly, with just a faint movement of her head. She would give no response at all but for the informal circumstances and the stature of the Lady kneeling opposite her.