“You did command,” he said in a low voice.
“No,” raising her eyes appealingly, “say that I did beseech you.”
“You did command,” he repeated.
“Well, have it so. I commanded and you obeyed. It was the reason of your staying. Why suggest employment now?”
“To spare the name of the most noble princess in the realm.”
She held her little head proudly.
“Who is it that slanders Sado-ko,” she asked scornfully, and then quickly answered herself. “A few small biting insects, who but sting, not kill, Sir Artist.”
He turned away from her and stood by the garden shoji, from whence he stared moodily without. She followed him with softest step.
“I pray you, do not look without. The sky is gray. The sun is fading.”
She put her hand upon his arm with timid touch. He turned with sudden impulse, and seized it in both his own.