Mori, who was still on his knees, touched the floor with his head, and remained for a moment in this humble attitude before his sovereign. When he raised his head and looked towards the Mikado he perceived at once that he was frowning, while he made a peculiar movement of understanding in Aidzu’s direction, perceiving which the latter shrugged his shoulders. Then, with the decisive cutting of nervous fear, the voice of the Mikado broke the gap of silence.
“We were speaking of you just now, Prince of Mori,” he said, with a sinister note in his voice.
The evil smile again crossed Aidzu’s countenance.
XXXV
OR a moment there was consternation in the breasts of the two men, Mori and Echizen, while the baleful personality of Aidzu, seeming to expand on wings of hate, diffused itself throughout the room.
Mori answered before Echizen could interject a word.
“You honored me by your attention, your Majesty,” he said, while still upon his knees.