Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/224

164 your house. Now I cannot hope to overtake Lord Tadanori. What shall I do?"

"Be of good cheer, my lady. Lord Tadanori came here some while ago, and is still within."

"Is that true? I am very glad! Please let me see him quickly."

"Lord Tadanori is resting in the inner room. You can go and see him yourself."

Kikuno-Mayé went joyfully into the room.

Shortly afterwards a noise was heard within, and Kikuno-Mayé rushed out in tears. Hayashi was wonder-struck, and asked the reason. The girl explained that Tadanori had unkindly proposed that she should give him up, and return to her father's house. This filled her with sorrow and anger. The old woman vainly tried to soothe her. She wept unceasingly, and complained that her lover was cold-hearted. At that moment Tadanori came in.

"I fear that I seem unkind," he said, "but I assure you that it is entirely for your sake, and for your father's, dear Kikuno-Mayé. The Tairas are sure to be defeated in the coming battle, and I shall die in the fray. I am, therefore, convinced that you had better give me up, and return to your