“I am no longer young,” said the woman. “I was handmaiden to the mother of the Princess Sado-ko, and from her birth I served the latter.”
“You have been faithful,” said Masago, kindly.
“Will, then, the illustrious one reward the faithful service of the most humble one?”
“What do you wish? It is already granted,” said Masago, generously, for she was happy.
“Permission,” said the woman, “to leave your service.”
Masago looked closely into her face.
“You wish to serve again—”
She did not finish the sentence, nor did the woman. Their eyes met. Each understood the other.
“You are free to go,” said Masago, gently.
The woman moved away.