11

“What a way to live.” Genji was sorry he had so neglected his saf-flower. “What shall I do? It has been a very long time. These secret travels are not easy for me, and if I let this opportunity pass there is not likely to be another. If she hasn't changed-?”

It seemed rather inelegant just to walk in. He would have liked to send in a clever note. But he remembered how slow she was with her answers. Unless she had gained momentum Koremitsu might expect to be kept waiting all night.

“It is very wet, sir. Suppose you wait until I have shaken a little of it away.”

“Myself will I break a path through towering weeds

And ask: does a constant spirit dwell within?”

Genji spoke as if to himself, and despite Koremitsu's warnings got from his carriage.

Koremitsu beat at the grass with a horsewhip. The drops from the trees were like a chilly autumn shower.

“I have an umbrella,” said Koremitsu. “Tbese groves shed the most fearful torrents.” *

Genji's feet and ankles were soaking. Even in the old days the passage through the south gallery had been more obstacle than passage. Now the gallery had caved in, and Genji's entry was a most ungraceful one. He was glad there were no witnesses.