"What!" cried the Shogun, "is it thus you love me? Would you refuse to live with me—to be my wife?"
"Your wife!" murmured Omiti, with a bitter smile.
"Certainly," said Fide-Yori; "why do you look so sad?"
"Because I am not worthy even to be numbered with your servants; and when you learn what I have become, you will drive me from you with loathing."
"What do you mean?" cried the Shogun, turning pale.
"Listen," said the girl, in a hollow voice. "Hieyas came to my father's castle; he found out that I had discovered the frightful plot against your life, and had betrayed it; he had me carried away and sold as servant in a tavern of the lowest class. There I have lived as women live who are slaves. I never left that inn until last night. Once more I overheard a conspiracy against you. I escaped from the window by means of a rope, which broke. Now you are saved, let me go; it is not fit that you should stay any longer in the company of a woman like me."
"Hush!" cried Fide-Yori; "what you tell me breaks my heart. But do you think that I could cease to love you? What! It was for my sake you were reduced to servitude; for my sake you have suffered. You have saved my life twice, and you think I would forsake you I would scorn you? You are crazy. I love you more than ever. You shall be queen; do you hear me? How many women in your condition have been bought and married by nobles. You are here; you shall not leave me."
"O master!" exclaimed Omiti, "I conjure you, remember your rank; think of the duty you owe to yourself; do not yield to a passing desire!"
"Hush, cruel girl!" said the King. "I swear that if you continue to drive me to despair I will slay myself at your feet!"
Fide-Yori put his hand to his sword.