Part 58

“You do not like the name of Sado-ko?” she said. “Why, that is strange!”

At last he looked at her, then wondered why she swiftly blushed, averting her eyes.

“Why strange?” he asked, his eyes lingering upon her flushing face.

“Because it was a name you called unceasingly throughout your illness,” she said.

“I called on you.” He took her hand to hold it closely within his own.

She stammered over her words, thrilling at his touch upon her hands.

“But is my—my name, then—Sado-ko?” she asked.

His troubled eyes were on her face, a wistful wonder in their glance.

“I thought you so,” he whispered softly.

She let her hand remain in his, for it was sweet to feel his touch, yet, with the strangest stubbornness, she urged the question:—

“Why did you think me Sado-ko?”

“I will tell you why some other day,” he answered in a low voice.

“But am I not Masago?” she persisted.

“Yes,” said he, “Masago is your name, and it is sweeter, simpler, lovelier far than—”

She drew her hands from his with passionate petulance. Her eyes were hurt.

“You like Masago better, then, than Sado-ko?” was her astonishing question.

“The name? Why, yes. It has a sweeter sound—Masago! ’Tis the loveliest of flowers,—modest, simple, and fair.”

She caught her breath. When she raised her eyes to his, they were full of deep reproach. Moving away she turned her back, and would not turn or listen to his calling of her name:—

“Masago, Masago!” Then, after a short silence, “Have I offended you, Masago?”

She answered without turning her head:—

“You have offended Sado-ko.”

He could not answer that strange, inexplicable remark, so kept silent for a space. Then:

“Masago, pray you turn your pretty head this way.”

She moved it petulantly.

He raised himself upon his elbow.

“Masago!”

She did not answer.

“Well, then, if you will treat me so, and will not come to me like a most dutiful affianced wife, why I, though ill, shall come to you.” He made a threatening stir. At that she started toward him, anxiety for his health stronger than her childish petulance.