“Not that—not that!” I protested.
“Without my lord I could not live! If my lord goes from this life, I will follow!”
Her eyes glowed up into mine with that light of utter devotion. If I died, she also would die. There was no hope of dissuading her. I bowed in formal leave. She kowtowed with her ladies. I advanced to Gengo and passed out without a backward glance.
CHAPTER XXIV—Ensnared
In the anteroom my austerity subdued Gengo to his usual obsequiousness. He bowed low before my glance, and ushered me out with the utmost deference. But as we recrossed into the enclosure of the main palace he halted and signed to Yuki and Fujimaro to turn aside.
“Rejoin your fellow-retainers,” he commanded.
“No. Follow me,” I interposed.
“It is not permissible,” stated the chamberlain.