Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/323

 VII

, in leaving Jirōzayémon's apartment met Takita on his way in. The two samurai had talked for some time together when the chamber-maid appeared and said: "Asagao has just come, sir."

"Asagao!" exclaimed Takita, with a look of wonder. "Who is this Asagao, my friend?"

"The name, I am told," answered Jiroōzayémon "is that of a blind girl who goes about begging in this neighbourhood, and playing on the koto or the samisen. As I feel lonely to-night I have sent for her. I wish to listen to her music"

"A blind woman—and a beggar!" broke in Takita, with a forbidding expression. "But, my dear sir, you cannot admit a stroller of that sort into your room. You had better make her perform in the garden, and send her about her business as soon as she has played a tune."

Jirōzayémon in his gentle manner ordered the maid to bring Asagao inmiediately before the verandah. 251