Mimosa. Give it to me, beloved Princess. If it be evil-bringing, let the grief come to me and not to thee.
Princess. Nay, I will not fear. It was here the little one, the treasure-flower, cried out the cry that has broken my heart. I have brought sorrow to a child—what else matters? See—I—open! (Draws out paper and reads.) “The Princess Kiku has been to the unworthy Yamen the light of life. The gods of the sea sent her to cheer a threshold brightened by no treasure-flowers—from a wreck the little one was saved. The deep secret is known only to the august Son of Heaven.”
Cecil. O you dear little thing! But I suppose £5000 a year is nothing to a Princess.
Miss P. I am thankful it isn’t one of those solemn Japanese babies.
Mimosa. O beloved. (Bows.) Exalted! (Bows.) August. (Bows.) There is no curse. Sakara said the curse of the fathers of Japan. You, O most gracious, are a barbarian baby.
All Japanese Girls. Comfort-bringing, there is no curse.
Princess. If this is so, I do not mind being a barbarian baby.
Miss P. I should think not, indeed. A most fortunate young woman.
Princess. It is the cry of the child—that terrible cry! (Mimosa claps hands, runs L., returns with Ito. General astonishment.) The little one! Mimosa (excitedly) his eyes—his eyes!
Ito (solemnly). I grieve, most excellent, that play-acting gave not happiness. It was play-acting of Sakara. Those who are too grave and wise cannot play-act. I will be——