“No, no, it is not that. But—I sigh for the tears of others—our honorable ancestors and parents.”
“Then do cease to sigh at once, if you please. Why, it is not such a terrible crime to marry a Mori, surely!”
“No, I hope not,” said Keiki, smiling now.
“No, indeed, for my own honorable uncle committed that same fault.”
“Fault?”
“And I believe that if we were to go to him, and tell him the honorable truth, he would gladly assist us.”
“Not if he knew all,” said Keiki, sadly. “No, he must know nothing yet.”
“Indeed,” said Wistaria, “I did not know the feeling of the Mori was so bitter against us, and I do assure you that in Catzu the prejudice exists not so much against your clan, as against your lord and prince.”
“Alas, that is too true!” answered Keiki, half under his breath.
“Well, a courtier’s loyalty to his Prince need not at all be shaken if he marry the insignificant niece of a rival clan. My own honorable father was of that very clan himself. Know you not that, my lord?”