Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/87



prime councillor of Komachi's father, who was named Godai Chikatada, had a sister named U-noha. She was a blooming damsel of sixteen summers, and was noted for her beauty and intelligence. One night she received instructions from her brother to go and pay her respects to Lady Komachi. She obeyed his wishes, and Lady Komachi was very pleased at receiving her call. They both talked unreservedly on various topics.

"By the bye," said U-noha, "as I was walking up to your gate this evening, I was startled to see someone suspiciously concealed in your carriage, which was standing near the entrance. I felt inclined to go up and demand who it was. But I hesitated to do so, because I thought that he must be the lover of one of your maids, and I did not wish to be so cruel as to prevent their secret meeting. I therefore pretended not to see him and walked in,"—as she said this she smiled mischievously,—"I suppose it was one of your maids