Evening star., 1928-04-15

sible-she is my daughter" and with
serious expression he added: "Ryonen,
old friend. BaiSen's family is at the
service of the nation"
Meantime, at the court, in Kurondo'S
room, another consultation was being
held between Kurondo and MaSa.
do you hear me, Masa? How could
give you up to Makito. / know he
loves you and that you love him. He is
he is a better character than I am.
Yet wherein lies the difference-for
love you more than anything else in
this world"
Never can you take me from Makito.
and If you are the man YOU say you
should not try"
II am sorry, it is not theoretical
question, but love question. and am
sorry that Makito must go, but II
necessary. every person standing in the
way of our love must 60"
you say it? Kurondo. swear shall
never love a man like you, one willing
to sacrifice another's happiness for his
own-no, even though my life should
have seven rebirths Man. have you
lost your mind? What a fiendiSh plot
Is this. yet you call it love-"
With violence he said: do my bid
ding. Masa--at midnight force wine
down Makito's throat. See to 1t that
he sleeps alone. and leave the rest to
me. BY doing this your fathers life
will be spared"
Father and daughter partook Of their
last supper and MaSa appeared rather
relieved and asked wine Of her father.
This was strange. for MaSa had never
made such request before.
81
ing Spring" and together they partook
of the wine cup.
Say. Masa. are you going to see
Makito this evening""
"YeS. must" and there was much
emotion in her voice.
Well wish you to return early, as
desire to talk over matters with YOU"
After supper. MaSa went to her room
to arrange things and began to dress
her hair. She looked in the glass, and
as her hair fell over her shoulders, she
shook 1t in her hand. The tears rolled
down her cheeks and she said. Good
by, MaSa," to her reflection in the mir
ror She then cut of plentiful sup
ply OF hair. combed what remained in
Samurai fashion. and then dressed in
male attire that she might appear as
n Young Samurai She then gave one
farewell look at her mothers portrait
and quickly left the room. Outside she
looked in the window--a last look at
her father.
Goodnight, father"
Goodnight MaSa. Do not be late"
Baisen betook himself TO his books.
On this night. the moon hid behind
the clouds. "MaSa. what on earth are
you wearing mems clothes for?" Makito
looked astoniShed. And what Is that
IN your hande"
"A drop of wine" was the answer.
Everything was strange for Makito
this evening, but he remained silent
and took seat beneath the cherry
tree. Soon MaSa sat down beside him,
Makito looked into her face, with even
greater seriousness, for he tried 10
search that face. but 1t was calm as
usual,
'MaSa. have brought you good
news. Mother sends her best wishes |
and says there Is nothing against the
bride / select, Isn't IL create III this
my delight knows no bounds, Now |
Masa, We are going 20 live in town, |
Just imgaine how many surprises await |
YOU there, Things YOU have never seen |
before, You viii never be lonely there"
MaSa nodded In silence. for she felt |
sorry on hearing the good news, she |
could not share the Joy With Makito |
And Masa, together we shall visit
this. our memory hill. when the cherry
blossoms are In fun bloom"
You have said II. Makito," but as |
Masa spoke tears were in her eyes,
She added; please do not forget 60
call ON this hill once year when the |
blossoms are In fun bloom" She bit |
her lips 70 keep back the tears. and she |
tried 10 be brave.
II Was now almost midnight, MaSaS |
faee became radiant. She must now /
do daring deed Well, Makito, for /
happiness let us drink" she took the |
WINE cup,
No, Masa, better not" and he !
smiled,
Well, Makite, my good man. il will |
all be over SOON We have had such |
tun ever since We met DO yeu know |.
that l called on Kurondo this after |
noone What manly boy ne is, I |
have turned to him, Xou see ann tired |
Of your sentimentality," Again she |
laughed.
'kuronde" replied Maklto, tMasa,
do YOU really know what you have Saias |
You are not Yourself, Keep calm. and /
let me take YOU home, You evidently /
need rest" F"
Makite reached as II Ia take her
hand but she refused and exclaimed.
Stop viii have none Of your eheek, /
You may 90 II you wish"
With sarTOwIlll heart he Sirennel
his head and rode toward the court.