Sado-ko turned a beaming face toward her lover. For the first time he was smiling.
“Your coming is a happy omen, good maid,” he said.
“Hark, listen!” said Sado-ko, her eyes gleaming. “They are calling me. They wish to put my wedding gown upon me. I must go. Natsu! Come and dress me for the last time in my maidenhood. Junzo! For but an hour’s space, sayonara!”
“Sayonara,” he repeated with deep emotion.
He watched her until he could not see her further. Then with sudden, swift, and buoyant step he followed the path she had taken, and entered the wedding house.
“The gods knew best!” he said.
LETTERS FROM JAPAN
A Record of Modern Life in the Island Empire
By MRS. HUGH FRASER