"That is exactly the case," she answered from her bed. "Also I cough a little."
"But what has caused this illness?"
As the girl did not answer, this wise old visitor turned to the mother and the attendant, and signed them to go away. They dared not refuse, and left the room.
"Now we are going to cure you. The illness lies in your heart, and nowhere else."
"In my heart?" questioned the sick girl.
"You have seen a handsome young man, and he pleases you. Your suffering rises from that; is it not so?"
"There is nothing of the sort," denied the other.
"Come, come! Tell me the truth, and I will soon find a means to save your life."
Seeing a chance to reach to her desire, little Victorious-Immortal decided to tell everything. When she had finished, the very old woman said:
"Do not be troubled. I know one of his relations who has spoken to me of him. He is intelligent and level-headed. I shall go and see his brother, to make arrangements for your marriage, if you finally wish to marry him."