“O noble princess,” stammered Natsu-no, “I would that you could weep with me.”
“Maiden, I have shed all the tears that I can spare.”
The princess arose, to stand for a moment in indecisive silence. For the space of an hour, princess and maid had sat in silence in the darkened chamber.
“Bring a light, maiden,” said the princess, “but do not awaken the pages. Serve me to-night alone.”
The maid bowed obediently. From the adjoining room she brought a lighted andon, and hesitatingly set it on the floor, looking wistfully meanwhile at her mistress.
“Go now to your deserved sleep, good maid,” said Sado-ko, indicating the chamber beyond.
“And you, sweet mistress?”
“I will not need your further offices to-night.”
“Pray you, dear princess, permit the humble one to robe you for the night.”
“I have spoken, Natsu-no.”