Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/296

226 in Miyuki's eyes. Make your mind easy on that point." And without further words the father retired to the inner room to rest.

Misao had gathered from her maids that Miyuki had been passionately in love with Asojirō, ever since her visit to the Uji River, and in her motherly sympathy had it in mind to do her best to ascertain the lover's whereabouts and bring about his marriage to her daughter. But now that Yuminosuké had formally betrothed his daughter in the presence of his lord, the engagement was too binding to be broken. So Misao came to the conclusion that there was nothing left for her but to break the news of the arrangement to Miyuki and prevail on her to submit. And tell her she did.

"You see," she continued in kind and consoling tones, "our lord himself has condescended to select a bridegroom for you; and I am told that the bridegroom of his choice is a thorough gentleman, an adept in military arts and of very handsome person. With all this you surely ought to give a ready consent. But a little time ago the black-hearted Denzō presented himself here, and insistently urged his suit for your hand and it