Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-24
V V Fiaki's Birthday A TALE OF OLD DAYS
 IN JAPAN.


 the panels of costly wood. carved with art and wealth of detail, had been carefully closed around the prince, making the room in which he sat very small.
 Many beautiful robes lined with warm wool and covered with priceless silk lay crossed in contrasting colors on the daimio's breast, and on one wide sleeve of the outermost garment was embroidered star formed by five balls encircling a sixth. This was the crest of the illustrious Kauga family, which knows no equal throughout all Japan or among the islands of Shen- dai and Satsuma.
 The prince, in spite Of his vassals, his lands and his money, felt never theless that he was very poor and mis- erable. And the reason was that for several days he had tried to think of something for the anniversary of his daugter's birthday and he could think of nothing.
 It was unfortunately true that the princess, who would on the morrow attain the dignity of 16. already pos sessed everything that it was possible for young lady to possess, but this was no consolation to the Gaimio. What was the use of being prince, of having such wealth, if he could not offer her something new and pleasing?
 Presently he arose,
 "I will go to her apartments Per- haps, unconsciously she will tell me what she would like,' he said to him. self, ..o ,,,oo. ii, .u He struck .. bronze gong and imme- diately the carved panels rolled open disclosing endless halls filled with samurais of Eoble birth, pages, guards and menials. The samurais who wore the two swords bowed deep while all the others prostrated themselves on the ground
 'T will visit my daughter" said the daimio.
 Fiaki. or Ray of Sunshine. sat on a pile of cushions In the hall of her own particular palace. The folds of her magnificent robes were arranged sym metrically about her in many colors and shapes. but most abundant was the wonderful kimona of blue satin everywhere embroidered with spider webs in which were caught the many colored petals of summer flowers.
 The young girls face was white as snow. her crimson lips opened slightly to disclose two rows of pearly teeth, and the eyebrows, following the man. ner of princesses. were closely shaven and replaced by two little black patches painted very high on the tue- head
 AS the prince entered. Fiani hid her face for an instant in the long sleeves of her robe, thus greeting her father with a tender and modest salute. The diamio smiled with pleasure at the grace and beauty of the child whcm he adored. He overwhelmed her with caressing names. asking her if she was happy and if there was nothing she desired.
 "Ah! 1lustrious prince AGd faiher." cried Fiah. clasping her hands sor- rowfully, how can I be happy while the earth suffers? How can smile when the skies weep? An. the gods are cruel to have created the winter season! feel like poor little exiled plant, barely alive, and yet unable to die!"
 Tt is certain there is nothing she desires so much as spripgtime,' thought the prince to himseii. once more back in his little room.
 He scowled fercely at the gray clouds outside Suddenly he com- manded the presence of his chief min- ister Nai-da-tsin hastened to learn the wishes of his ilIustrious lord. but the minister's heart sank at the sight of the princes somber face
 Tomorrow is my daughters birth day" he began, coldly. ''I desire. do you understand. desire that by day. UEtdh UO-uluiEoN titsS anu of the park and the entire country surrounding the palace shall be cov- cred with flowers. as in the first months of the springtime- You may go"
 Your will shall be obeyed in all things" murmured the minister. bow ing himself out backward
 Once outside. he clutched his hands in tfe protecting sleeves of his gar ment
 "it is exile. it is death." he thought, bitterly. What can | have done that should disgrace mel"
 He examined his eonscieLce s. verely.
 Nothing he said at last The prince really desires that the spring should come 10 his daughter Well. ! will no; trouble about death But is there no other way"
 A sudden inspiration came to him.