“The simple cottage of a merchant,” said Masago.
“Your parents—they are kind?”
“They are kind,” said Masago, and for the first time flushed with some evident feeling.
“And you have little brothers—yes?” Sado-ko’s voice was wistful.
“Five brothers. They are noisy, and sometimes, princess, rough and most uncouth, and therefore tiresome.”
“But loving. You will grant that?”
“Oh, yes!”
“You were unhappy—you missed them, did you not, when you left them for the school, Masago?”
“I was free,” said the girl, slowly.
“Free! Free from loving home, from parents—Junzo—all who loved you. Free! You prize such freedom, Masago?”