Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/223

Rh your relations with Lady Kikuno-Mayé. If it had not been for the war between the Tairas and the Minamotos, your marriage would have already taken place. My hearty sympathy is with you!"

Shortly afterwards, Tadanori retired into an inner room to rest for the night. When the hours were advanced, a violent storm broke out, in the midst of which was heard a hard knocking at the gate.

Hayashi awoke. "Who is there?" she cried.

"It is I—Kikuno-Mayé, my nurse. Excuse my disturbing your sleep."

When she heard the answer, the old woman leaped down to the courtyard, and opened the door.

"I am glad to see you," she said in tones of wonder. "How is it that you have come here alone through the storm at midnight?"

The girl wept. "Well," she said, "I have walked so far in pursuit of Lord Tadanori. Alas! I have been unable to overtake him. I don't know this neighbourhood well, so I have been wandering here and there in the darkness. It became late, and I had lost my way. However, with great difficulty I at last found my way to