Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/93

Rh "Who are you?"

"It is I, sir," answered the girl, disguising her voice. "Lord Arihira, don't you know your promised wife?"

"Are you Lady Komachi?" asked Kuronushi, in pleased surprise.

"I am," she answered. "It is very cold tonight, so I've brought you some saké. Will you drink it, my dear lord?"

"Many thanks. I cannot tell you how glad I am to meet you, my dearest," returned the other in a feigned voice.

U-noha stepped into the carriage and handed the saké to the supposed Arihira. Both were in an ecstasy of joy, being under the sweet delusion of having each met their lovers. They kissed and fondled each other, and the saké soon after taking effect, they fell asleep.

In the meantime Arihira had as usual stealthily approached the gate, and hearing the sound of whispers in the carriage, paused with bated breath. He feared that the sound of his footsteps might break the spell of some young lovers' secret meeting. At that moment there were sounds of footsteps approaching the gate. Fearing discovery,