“Then the prince should choose more entertaining gentlemen for his household,” retorted Lady Fuji-no. “Now, in the palace Nijo—”
“Oh, it is well, well, to be in favor at the palace Nijo,” said the Duchess Aoi, meaningly; and instantly the several eyes of the company were focussed on the flushing face of Fuji, for it was quite well known that Nijo had shown her marked favor of late.
“For my part,” said the chaperon didactically, “I should be honored to be the exalted guest of his Imperial Highness. Why surely, ladies, you will confess that without a doubt he is the most brilliant and noble gentleman of the court.”
The Duchess Aoi turned her face away. A feverish color flushed her cheeks. She could not speak.
“He is just exactly like the statue that the artist has made of him,” said Lady Fuji-no.
“But the statue is sublime,” said Madame Bara.
“Yes. But it is marble, madame.”
There was silence a moment, while the Lady Fuji carefully folded her work, then the Duchess Aoi turned her flushing face:—
“Is it any wonder that he is marble?” she said. “He is betrothed to the Princess Sado-ko.”
“Poor prince!” said Lady Fuji.