“By a mere chance,” replied the elder woman, smiling as though overjoyed at the meeting, and speaking in propitiatory tones. “As I was passing along this lane I happened to glance through the hedge and to my great astonishment and joy recognised you in the garden. What a happy home you have! I could envy you your good fortune!”
Katsuno made no reply to her honeyed speech, but asked curtly:—
“How do you happen to be in these parts? Have you come to live here?”
“That is a long story,” said O-Tora in an agitated manner. “I can’t tell it in a few words. I cannot stop to tell you to-day, but I will come again soon when I have more time to spare and tell you all about it. Now I must say Good-bye.”
“Where are you staying?”
“Not far from here ... but I’ll come again soon.... Good-bye!”
And she hurried away. Katsuno stood gazing after her retreating figure with an expression of mingled wonder and doubt, when suddenly from the grove of maples an arrow whizzed past and grazing her sash pierced the shōji of the samurai’s rooms. Instantly an uproar arose, but before anything could be done another arrow whistled through the still air. Quick to think and act, Katsuno flung herself on to the ground but her maid, too much alarmed to move, stood upright where she was.
By this time the young samurai had rushed forth with loud shouts.
“The villain is hiding behind the maples,” cried Katsuno. “Do not let him escape, quick, quick!”