Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/393

Rh cast glances at her, and by means of gestures without words, he bade her yield to Gōsuké's desire. He wished her to set his mind at ease and seize a chance to kill him.

The clever Hatsuhana answered him, also with meaning glances, that she would do her best.

She then said: "Take care of yourselves, my mother and husband, and do not be anxious about me."

She again burst into tears, because she feared that she would never see her beloved mother and husband again.

"Now, Hatsuhana," said Gōsuké triumphantly, "let us spend the first night of our honeymoon by having a pleasant time at the Kikuyakata Hotel at Odawara."

With these words he took the weeping woman by the hand and hurried away, accompanied by his retainers.

Left behind, Sawarabi and Katsugorō were overwhelmed and speechless with emotion.

After a pause, Katsugorō's feelings got the better of him, and he burst forth:

"How can a weak girl kill Gōsuké? Poor girl!