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The crown prince was impatient to have the princess back at court. There were repeated summonses.

“I quite understand,” said Murasaki. “Such a happy event, and he is being left out of it.” She got the baby ready for a quiet visit to his father.

The princess had hoped for a longer stay at Rokujo~. She was seldom permitted to leave court, and it had been a frightening experience for so young a lady. She was even prettier for the loss of weight.

“You have been kept so busy,” said her mother. “You need a good, quiet rest.”

“But I think he should see her before she begins putting on weight again,” said Genji. “He is sure to like her even better.”