Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/313

Rh her, though Asaka, it is true, noticed in her features some points of resemblance to Miyuki.

Miyuki was now convinced that the stranger was indeed her nurse, but shame of her wretched condition forbade her to confess the truth. She felt besides, that if she told her name Asaka would insist on her returning home. But how, in such a condition, could she dare to face her parents? The mere thought of such an ordeal made her determine to tell Asaka a falsehood and lead her to abandon her search.

"I am sorry," she said in a husky voice, "but I heard a rumour that the girl you refer to threw herself into a river some days ago and was drowned, though the motive of her act is not known."

The pilgrim, at this sad news, was stupefied with astonishment and broke into bitter wailings. Miyuki attempted to console her with soothing speeches, reminding her that life and death are predetermined by Fate. She ended by kindly advising her to return home, then left her, and groped her way into her wretched shed.

Asaka followed her to the door of the hovel. "Many thanks, my girl," she said, "for your kind advice. I hope that you will take good care of