Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/94

44 Arihira softly climbed into a branch of a great pine tree, which was growing near the wall. Soon one of Kuronushi's retainers appeared, and walked up to the carriage.

"My lord! My lord!" he called softly. "Have you killed him already?"

"No, not yet," whispered Kuronushi, waking, "but never mind, the next best thing has happened, for Lady Komachi is in my power. She is now sound asleep in this carriage. It is dark, so if you will help me to carry her to my house, no one will see us."

"Good, my lord! Let us make haste," said the retainer, stepping into the carriage. "Lady Komachi! Lady Komachi! Please wake!"

The girl awoke, and the sleep having sobered her, she was filled with regret at having pretended to be her young mistress. She was overcome with shame at the mean deed she had committed.

"I am ashamed of myself, Lord Arihira!" she stammered. "I am not Lady Komachi. I am U-noha. I have longed for many a day to gain the love of your lordship. Pray forgive me, my dear lord!"

On hearing this confession, both Kuronushi and