“Very well, then. I will remain here with her. I am quite satisfied to renounce all my worldly ambitions and possessions for her sake, if such is the command of her august father,” and the Prince bowed to his father-in-law in the most filial and affable manner.
“If you remain here you will not be permitted to live.”
A low cry, half moan, came from the new Princess of Mori, who lay against her uncle’s breast. Keiki turned to her at that cry. He was seized with a foreboding of events to come. Again he turned to the samurai.
“Will it please you, honored father-in-law, to speak more plainly to me?”
“Very well. This marriage, your highness, has been consummated not for the purpose of uniting a pair of lovers, but to fulfil a pledge which was made to one who was murdered by your parent—a pledge of vengeance.”
“But I cannot perceive how this is accomplished,” said the Prince, now pale as Wistaria.
“You have married an Eta girl.”
“I am aware of that,” said the Prince, somewhat proudly.
“I have not finished,” said Shimadzu. “Are you aware that you are at present under sentence of death?”
The Prince made a contemptuous motion.