"Let us warn General Yoke-Moura. Let him call his men to arms, and watch the shore and the city. Is there not some place where the leaders of the conspiracy are to meet!" he added, addressing Omiti.
"There is," said the young girl; "at the Day-break Inn."
"Very good; then we must surround the inn and seize the rebels. Do you desire, master, that I should see your orders executed!"
"You will make me happy, friend, by doing so."
"I leave you, sire," said Nagato. "Let nothing disturb you, and give yourself freely up to the joy of reunion with the woman whom you love."
The Prince withdrew.
"What does he mean?" thought the astonished Omiti. "The woman whom you love: of whom was he talking?"
She was alone with the King, and dared not lift her eyes; her heart throbbed violently. Fide-Yori, too, was troubled; he did not speak, but gazed at the lovely girl who trembled before him. She, lost in blushes, twisted in her fingers a tiny withered twig.
"What have you in your hand?" gently asked the Shogun; "is it a talisman?"
"Don't you recognize the spray of lemon-blossoms which you gave me when I saw you?" said she. "Just now, when I fainted, I offered it to the sentinels. I thought that they would take it to you, and that the sight of it would recall me to you. But I find it is still in my hand."