"Oh! What then?"
"Holes."
"Isonna," said her mistress, solemnly, "I believe that you are as wise as you say you are! But, then, how do you suppose he learns it?"
"From you!"
"Am I so dreadful?"
"I have observed you giving those touches."
"He will hate me."
"Hate is not in the direction he is going," said the wise maid.
Hoshiko could have endured more of this ecstasy. But it was very late, and Arisuga had the soldier's habit of early rising. Moreover, the first thing he was wont to do when he rose was to clap his hands, in that way, and call for his earth-angel. So she said to Isonna:—
"You have been a naughty, impertinent, gossiping little beast. Put me to bed."