Part 70

“You have been faithful,” said Masago, kindly.

“Will, then, the illustrious one reward the faithful service of the most humble one?”

“What do you wish? It is already granted,” said Masago, generously, for she was happy.

“Permission,” said the woman, “to leave your service.”

Masago looked closely into her face.

“You wish to serve again—”

She did not finish the sentence, nor did the woman. Their eyes met. Each understood the other.

“You are free to go,” said Masago, gently.

The woman moved away.

“Stay,” said Masago, “I have a message for you to carry to your mistress. Say this for me: ‘She who is now Princess Sado-ko sets free your maid. She wishes with all her heart she had done likewise with the nightingale.’”

Natsu-no touched with her head the hem of Masago’s robe.

“You are a gracious princess,” she murmured.

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CHAPTER XXVIII

“THE GODS KNEW BEST!”

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CHAPTER XXVIII

“THE GODS KNEW BEST!”

IT wanted but a few hours before the noon wedding when Sado-ko, appearing on her balcony, looked down into the garden, where her lover waited. Down the little flight of stairs straight to him she went, silently accepting from his hands flowers. Her eyes were fixed upon his face lovingly, but anxiously.

“You look so pale,” she said. “Did you not sleep last night, my Junzo?”

“I did not sleep,” he said. “Come, let us walk where it is more secluded. I wish to speak with you alone.”

In a dreamy, pensive fashion she walked beside him. They crossed the little garden bridge to a quiet, shady spot. Once out of sight of the house, Junzo stopped short and, turning, faced her.

“Last night,” he said, “one told a nightmare story, which you denied. The morning is come. Tell me the truth.”

A flush spread over her face, as though she were half angered with him. She would not raise her eyes to his. His voice was firm—stern:—

“Answer me.”

“I cannot,” she replied, “when you speak in such a tone.”

Her heaving bosom told him she was on the verge of tears. Gently he took her hands in his and held them. His voice was tenderness itself.

“Now tell me all,” he said.