“Sado-ko!” she said in a soft voice, then began to laugh in a strange fashion.
“Do not mind my silly laughter. I—I am not well to-day. Continue, if you please. Do not stop.”
Ohano looked concerned, but continued obediently.
“The guard informed us that when they reached the station Junzo, acting like one crazed, sought passage on the royal train. This being denied him, he followed on the next, while his parents and relations, and good Kwacho and myself, were waiting for his coming at his father’s house. There is only one solution.”
The girl was laughing softly, yet in a strangely tearful way. She said:—
“He followed Sado-ko!”
“Just so, Masago. She is his patroness, and I have heard—But never mind, you look so pale this morning I will not gossip of that other matter. His parents say the honor paid him at the court has turned his head, but I am of another thought.” She shook her head knowingly. “It is my firm belief, Masago, despite the smooth words of his family and the rough ones of your father, that Junzo went away because he dreaded thought of wedding you. He has another fancy.”
Sado-ko smiled through her tears.
“It is true,” she said, “I do not doubt it. He dreaded thought of union with Masago.”
“Just as you, Masago,” said Ohano, bridling, “dreaded the thought of marrying him. You were ill suited to each other. The gods know best.”