Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/177

123 God! Vouchsafe that my desire may be realized"

"Sashirō San, I believe!" cried Kosuké, suddenly laying a hand on his shotdder. "How diligent you are, as usual!"

"Is it you, Kosuké?" said he with a startled look. "When did you come here?"

"I came a little while ago, and heard all your fervent prayer."

"Did you?" said Sashirō, rubbing his head in perplexity. "I am ashamed to hear it!"

"Why should you be ashamed, sir? I have handed O-Somé the letter you gave me the other day, and I have brought her answer—"he smiled mischievously—"Perhaps you will be too ashamed to look at her letter in my presence."

"What! An answer from O-Somé?" cried Sashirō in pleased surprise. "That's good news indeed! Let me see it at once, Kosuké."

So saying, he held out his hand. But the cunning clerk pushed it off, and taking a letter from the bosom of his kimono said:

"You are very impatient, sir. Indeed I have the letter here, but I cannot so readily give it to you. I will read it to you, and you must give