28

“Are you feeling a little better?” he asked the next morning. “Let me talk to you, please, even as briefly as yesterday.”

“I am afraid that time has only made things worse, and I really am very unwell. But do come in anyway.”

He went to her bedside, in great apprehension. This unwonted docility had the effect of making the worst seem at hand. He spoke of this and that trifling matter.

“I am so unwell, I am afraid, that I cannot really talk to you. Perhaps after I have rested.” The sound of her voice, scarcely more than a whisper, only added to his anguish. But he had work to do, and could stay no longer. With the darkest forebodings, he started back for the city.

“Uji is not good for her,” he said to the old woman. “Don't you suppose we could make this our excuse to find a more hospitable spot?” He left instructions for the abbot to conduct intensive and careful services.