Eagerly Kommei listened to the Prince’s words—eagerly, and with his eyes fastened upon Mori’s face. Down dropped his head in thought.
Echizen, seizing the opportunity, seconded Mori’s appeal.
“Sire,” he exclaimed, “the shogunate must fall through the foreigner. It cannot rest upon the people. Already is it weakened. Only give the command to expel the foreigner and we will drive him into the seas. He will attack the shogunate, and that once vanquished, thou wilt reign and make peace, perhaps friendship, with these foreigners.”
Still the weakened Emperor hesitated.
“I see clearly the results you foreshadow,” he said, “but if any detail were to miscarry—” He shrugged his shoulders and shivered.
There was a sound at the door. The confidential valet appeared.
“What is it?” demanded the Emperor, impatiently.
“Your Majesty,” said the valet, kneeling, “the Shogun Kii, accompanied by the Lord of Catzu, has entered the palace and craves audience of your Majesty.”
The valet backed from the room, drawing the sliding doors behind him.
Mori drew near to his sovereign until his burning eyes held Kommei in an embrace of enthusiasm.