“Then are they like us now?” she asked.
“Yes, child,” replied the teacher softly, for he, too, was a Samurai and knew what was in the heart of his little questioner, “and because it is the Emperor’s will they must no longer be treated as they were.”
“I am glad,” said O-Mitsu shortly, and went out into the yard to join the game in which Soichi had a part.
But when school was over and Soichi was walking toward home with her she kept silent for a long time. At length, raising her eyes and looking at him, she said:
“I know why now, Soichi.”
At once the boy stopped. The training of bitter experience prepared him to hear her proudly scornful decision. But when she was silent he dared at length to ask:
“Why do you not say it?”
But she smiled and answered:
“I do not care, and I will not tell. Teacher says it is right because the Emperor did it. Come, let us go home.”