Evening star., 1909-05-15


fore her and saw that few turns more
would bring her in sight of the empty
cottage and Of that new, silent dwelling
place under the pines where no ministra-l
tions of hers would ever be needed. And
she turned very pale and sat down on a
stone to recover her strength and to
cease trembling before she encountered
the sight.
She went and stood there for a mo-
ment and, kneeling down. touched her
forehead on the ground in silent greet
ing. Then she rose quickly and returned
to the house. for her heart was aching
and her fortitude scarcely full-grown as
yet
Grandfather. dear. grandfather" she
cried, II am all alone, there is no one to
tell me what to do. Show me the safe
road-'
Was this the answer? A sound OF
many feet coming down the pass. litters
and porters defiling out on the broad
ening path that led to her own door?
Hama rose in perturbation. for they were
pausing now; then some order from one
Of the litters sent them directly toward
her. Travellers, today of all days! Then
a pretty face was smiling at her and
Princess Chiye descended from her pal
anquin and beckoned to Hama to ap-
proach. Two ladies accompanied her and
one of them came quickly forward and
said, "The Miyasama wishes to speak to
you. Musume. come"'
Hama obeyed, trembling a little. It
was all so sudden and her thoughts had
been Of far other things than princesses
and ladies' in-waiting. She came and
bowed her head to the ground and waited
for the great visitor to speak.
'Is It well with you. Musume?" asked
the princess. land have you any pretty
baskets to sell me today?"
Hama looked up and answered. as pe-
likeness commanded.
'It is well. Condescension. My stupidity
rejoices at your nobility's coming"
The princess asked Hama to accompany
her to her palace. Hama gladly accepted.
When all was done she slipped away
and knelt moment by her grandfather's
grave. "You sent the Princess Oil San."
she murmured. land I obey you in going
with her. Take care of me always!'
Then she looked up into the great tree
whose branches waved far up In the SUM-
shine. and in her misty pantheism recon-
mended the dear grave to its care.
AS she came toward the house. calm
and hopeful. Kamoyo's brown face met
her coming round a corner under the
spreading caves. Her eyes were wide
with delight and wonder as Hama told
her story.
"And will you close the house. Kamoyo |
San. and take my futons for the baby?
o Sci San says 1 shall not need them in
the palace. And oh, please come up
sometimes and see to my grandfather's
grave. He wishes me to go. think"
"Of course. Of course! What golden 1
fortune you have. Hama San. That beau
tiful rich Miyasama will certainly be-
kind to you. will take care OF every !
thing till you come back"
o Sci San was receiving New. Year
visitors In her own pretty rooms andi
Hama had to wait until they were gone.
She had just managed to explain herr
wish when the returning carriages -.yere
heard In the courtyard and 0 Sci San
had to hurry away to receive the princess;
and assist her to unrobe. She nodded
her head to Hama as she ran off. and told,
her that she should certainly have the!
permission she desired. but it was a sur
prise to Hama to be called suddenly into,
the princess presence a few minutes
later. Surely there would not yet have
been time for her message to be deliv-
cred!
No, the princess had taken matters into
her own hands. She was radiant with
pleasure The emperor had graciously
signified his wish that her husband, the
prince (whom Hama had seen but few
times and then in fear and trembling),
should make a journey to Europe to at
tend a royal jubilee, and his wife was to
go with him. They would have to start
in a few days and-oh. yes, o Sci San
was to come in attendance. 0 Sci San
became speechless with delight at this
news and quite forgot her humble rival
But the princess never forgot anybody.
"I will find you another place. Mu-
sume." she said kindly to Hama. 'or per-
haps you would like so go home for
while You look pale, and the city does
not always suit you mountain children"
Hama bowed her head to the ground.
with your augustness' permission" she
murmured, 81 will go home for while
to mediate on your benefits and pray
for your safe return"
At last the train set her down at
wayside station, where she engaged
iinrikisha coolie to carry her and her
posessions over the ten miles that sepa-
rated her from the village by the lake.!
He was a good-natured. sturdy fellow.
and raced along the country road SO fast
that it still wanted an hour OF sunset
when the gray temple roof came In sight.
She called halt and Jumped nimbly out.
Of the little vehicle.
Here is your money. Kurumaya San,"
she said, holding out the fare; now will
you please take those things to the house
OF Kamoyo San, who keeps the shop op,
posite the bath? And tell her that l.
Hama, her unworthy friend. will come onl
foot little later" It would never have
struck her to doubt his honesty.
'.But this is love!' cried Hama, with
great happy tears in her eyes: sWhoi