Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/199

Rh So saying, the old man took the reluctant girl with him into the sick-room.

No sooner was Hisamatsu left alone, than he rushed down to the door and opened it. O-Somé ran in, and both embraced each other, speechless with emotion. After a brief silence, the girl said: "This morning I was astonished to read in your letter that you were going back to stay for the time being in your village. I was still more astonished, and overcome with sorrow, when at the foot of the letter I read your unkind words: 'Please give me up, and accept Sashirō's proposal.' I was so sorrowful and anxious, that I could no longer remain quiet at home. I keenly wanted to meet you, and sound your mind in order to make my decision. I therefore told them at home that I was going to visit the temple of Kwannon at Nozaki and left the house with a maid. I had great difficulty in finding my way here, but I arrived at last. Have you really made up your mind to give me up? If you have decided to do so, I shall take my life. In that case, I hope that after my death, you will wed that girl, and live thereafter a happy married life." Saying this, she produced a dagger from her kimono, and was