Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/425

Rh The girl looked at him, and blushed "as red as a maple leaf." She had succumbed to his charms and had fallen in love with him at first sight.

"It is true we have boats," said she, "but these days the villagers keep vigilant watch for refugees, and so we never ferry travellers across after sunset. Furthermore the ferrymen are all away."

"We are pressed for time," said Yoshiminé with a look of perplexity. "There is no inn in these parts it seems, and night is fast falling. So please find some means of taking us over."

"Alas! That is quite impossible. If there is no inn, you can put up at my house to-night, sir."

"Then will you kindly allow us to do so?"

"Certainly, sir."

"Many thanks," said Yoshiminé, bowing to her, and calling to his betrothed to come in.

When O-Funé caught sight of the beautiful woman, she betrayed signs of disappointment.

Utena saluted her politely and O-Funé conducted the pair into the room upstairs.

As she came downstairs, O-Funé thought to herself: "What a splendid, noble-looking man he is! He is just the kind of man I should like to have for a husband. How happy I could be with him!