And at the same time a group of men entered the second court.
"The Regent!" cried the Prince of Owari, falling prostrate.
"Rise, friend!" said Hieyas, with a bitter smile; "I have no longer any right to the honors that you render me; I am, for the moment, your equal."
"What has happened?" anxiously inquired the Prince.
"Dismiss your women," said Hieyas.
Owari made a sign; the women disappeared.
"Take your brother away, Omiti," said he to the young girl, who had turned terribly pale at the entrance of Hieyas.
"Is your daughter's name Omiti?" exclaimed the latter, his face growing suddenly purple.
"Yes, master. Why do you ask?"
"Call her back, I beg."