Sighing, she turned back to her room. Within the light was soft but clear, for an officious one had brought in other andons, and by the hall sliding doors, which were opened, Masago saw a bright Takahiri (lantern) flickering without. By this light she saw a kneeling form, crouching with head to mats. Over her the servant who had brought Masago her evening meal stretched a hand to close the shoji.
Then Masago’s eyes turned to that other one within her chamber, and coming to her face, were fixed. She started back a pace, her lips apart. Her visitor did not move or speak. In silent, strange absorption her eyes were fixed upon Masago’s face. Thus for a long moment these two stood and looked upon each other, neither speaking, neither moving.
CHAPTER XIII
DAUGHTERS OF NIJO
CHAPTER XIII
DAUGHTERS OF NIJO
MASAGO spoke, her words strangely enunciated.
“Lady—you—you desired to speak with me?”