“Why, no—” he began again in protest, when the maid behind interrupted. She wrapped a cape about the shoulders of her mistress, and spoke in soothing tones:—
“Noble princess, the humble one was witness of your shivering just now. Permit me then to serve you.”
Still the Prince Komatzu hesitated. Suddenly Sado-ko thrust into his her own small hands.
“Cousin, feel how cold my hands are. Will you not warm them with yours?” she said.
He held them doubtfully a moment, then chafed them with his own, while she moved onward.
Once outside the grove, a great breath, a sigh, escaped the agitated Sado-ko. Then suddenly she began to laugh in a strange, mirthless fashion, as one who laughs through tears. Her cousin stood in silence, sombrely regarding her. When she had ceased, he asked:—
“Why did you laugh so suddenly just now, princess?”
“A thought came to my honorable little brain, Komatzu. I fancied that you had learned that I would keep a tryst to-night.”
He did not move, and she continued with hysterical rapidity.
“And by your face I know my thought was true. Did not the Duchess Aoi bring you to my gate for the purpose of—a spy?”