She indicated the silk corsets and the frail shoes which gave her such unstable support. Freed of the foreign garments, she seemed to breathe with more ease and comfort.
“Now a kimono,—just a simple, plain one.”
The woman brought the plainest one of all. Soon Masago was arrayed in this.
“Do I appear well to-night?” she asked hysterically.
“Yes, princess.”
“Will not his Royal Highness be astonished at my garb?”
“Enchanted, princess.”
“Enchanted! You speak foolish words! He is a modern prince, this future Emperor of Japan. He will despise a plain kimono.”
The woman closed her lips.
“Say so,” insisted the girl, wildly. “Agree with me, woman, that when he sees me in this garb to-night, he will detest the sight of me, and insist unto his father that he must have another bride. Oh, you do not speak! How I hate you!”