“Then, cousin, give me an explanation of your last night’s conduct. You have recovered from your indisposition, which still had a cause. Why did you journey in such haste to Kamakura?”
Tears fell. Masago’s voice broke and trembled. “I was homesick,” she replied in a low voice; “that is the truth, Komatzu. The gods are my witnesses.”
“Homesick for the merchant’s home, friends of the artist-man?”
She averted her face, not hesitating in her deceit.
“Your jealousy is misplaced, Komatzu. They told you truly last night. I was—as women often are—witless. Who would not be at such a shock?”
“You speak of your betrothal?”
“I do. Do you not understand, Komatzu?”
She went closer to him. “The thought of union with another than yourself unnerved me.”
He spoke impetuously, and as though a weight was lifted from his mind:—
“Princess, could I believe your words, I would be the happiest prince in all the land.”