Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/327

Rh sing us your favourite song—the 'Moming-glory Song' if I remember aright."

Poor blind Miyuki! Quite ignorant of the presence of her lover, she loosed her instrument from her shoulder and played, singing the while in plaintive tones:

"Well done! Well done, Asagao!" cried Jirōzayémon with enthusiasm. "Your song has moved me to tears."

"Well done, indeed!" echoed Takita, in a mild tone, that contrasted strangely with his former harshness. "You were not born a beggar, girl. Your touch on the koto, your personal beauty, and the grace of your manner are sufficient proof of that. I think a sketch of your personal history would be an interesting tale for us. Please tell it to us minutely."

"Your question, sir, shows me the kindness of