“Oh, none,” said Masago, then hesitated a moment. “But I do not think I will go there to-night.” She appeared to be turning something over in her mind. The princess watched her doubtful face.
“I would much rather go to Tokyo straightway,” said Masago.
“That is well, then,” the other assented. “But first you will need to go up to the palace, for there your attendants still remain. Then I would advise that you leave to-night by norimono. Speak little to the maiden, Natsu-no, who is keen-eared and keener eyed; but if you so desire, make inquiries of the Madame Bara, the chaperone. She is absent-minded and stupid.”
“I do not wish to travel by norimon,” said Masago. Then clasping her hands, she said, “Oh, I have long desired to travel in great royal state in a private train, such as it is said the Prince Komatzu uses.”
“Very well, then. But give your orders at the palace. You will be obeyed. And now—you are going?”
“Shaka! I begin to tremble.”
“And I,” said Sado-ko, tremulously.
“Will not the maid discover—”
“Masago, bear in mind, the maid is but a maid. Treat her so.”
“Ah, true! Yet you bade me be most kind to her.”