Still the maid held it in the light. Her eyes widened, then suddenly she bent her head before the pictured face, next to the floor.
“Who is this?” repeated Sado-ko.
“You, sweet mistress,” said the maid,—“a most bewitching honorable likeness of your Highness.”
“You are sure?” asked Sado-ko, smiling strangely.
“As sure as that the night is night,” declared the maid, again regarding the picture.
“Maiden, does a princess wear flowers in her hair? See, there is the bara (rose) to either side on this girl’s head.”
Natsu-no started.
“No, no, exalted one.”
“Did ever princess wear such a gown as this, my maiden?”
“Oh, princess!” The woman appeared shaken with a sudden terror.