“I know you are young still and know nothing of the world. “Child! Do not presume to question our decision,” said Lady Tsuguko sharply. I have no greater ambition than to serve Her Highness.” The words came tumbling out. Her Highness has always been far kinder to me than I deserve. “Madam… Your ladyship… This is too great an honour. Then, as she began to grasp the full meaning of the words, she gasped with shock. “I am not worthy of such an honour,” she stammered. At His Majesty’s request Her Highness is presenting you to him as her farewell gift, as a concubine for him.”Ī concubine! Sachi bowed her face to the tatami. “You have been promoted to a maid of middle rank. “The innocence of the child,” said Lady Tsuguko, laughing softly. Come to me this evening when the sun begins to set and I will instruct you and prepare you.” The letter will be drafted and sent to His Majesty’s emissary immediately. His Majesty has made his wish known, as you heard, and Her Highness has given her permission. Of course the arrangements must be made in the proper way. “It seems His Majesty has accepted Her Highness’s offer. Quite forgetting her training, Sachi stared at her, dumbfounded. Sachi had never before seen her behave with anything other than grandeur and haughty condescension. “What a lucky girl you are!” She was positively beaming with delight. There she swept Sachi behind the screens and made her kneel, facing her. Lady Tsuguko too kept silence until they reached the princess’s apartments.
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