“It is possible for your highness to aid me,” said Satsuma, slowly.
“How? Let me know at once how I can do so.”
“By permitting my insignificant daughter to have the personal protection of so chivalrous a prince as your excellency.”
“My personal protection!” exclaimed Keiki; “but I am engaged in the work of warfare.”
“True, but my lady would not distract you from these tasks. Her presence in the fortress need scarcely be felt.”
Keiki sprang to his feet and began to pace the apartment in a perturbed manner. Under his thick brows old Satsuma regarded him keenly.
“My lord,” said Keiki, stopping suddenly in his walk, “your suggestion gives me much pain, because I am unable to grant your request. It is quite impossible. This is not the place for a woman.”
Drawing himself up proudly, Satsuma replied, in a ruffled voice:
“Very well, your excellency. You refuse me.”
After a moment, as Keiki averted his face and did not reply, he continued: