“My daughter will not see visitors to-day,” she said. “You will excuse her.”
The next moment she had clapped her hands loudly. In answer to her summons, Mumè came shuffling into the room, hastily wiping her hands upon her sleeves, and looking inquiringly towards her mistress.
“The illustrious one,” said Aoi, with intense sweetness, “wishes to return home. Pray, conduct him to the street.”
She bowed with profound grace to the missionary, and stepped aside to permit him to pass.
He hesitated a moment, and then said, slowly and succinctly:
“Madame Aoi, I have only this to say. I shall immediately take it upon myself to unravel this mystery. I will communicate with the nearest open port at once, and find out whether my predecessor had correspondence with any one on this subject. Good-day.” He bowed stiffly.
