“—if she would only set the fashion.”
“Well, ladies,” said the Lady Fuji, “the princess is not our fashion-plate, surely. We do not follow her, it would seem. If we did—”
“We should live like cloistered priestesses,” said the one in the hammock.
“Yes, seclude ourselves from the sight of the whole court,” said she of the Paris gown.
“Then why need we await her august example?” asked the Lady Fuji.
“Because we are cowards—all,” said the Countess Matsuka. “To sit for our pictures just like any of the barbarians is too much of an innovation for any of the humble ones to start at court.”
“Well, then,” said Fuji, “who is brave enough to suggest it to the princess? She is both conservative and unconventional, and who knows she might take a fancy to the idea and consent?”
“Well, suppose you suggest it to her.”
“I? Oh, indeed, I am too honorably insignificant.”
“Then you, countess.”