31

The nurse borrowed a carriage and went to the governor's house. The governor's wife was stunned. The whole Nijo~ house would be scandalized —and what of Nakanokimi herself? jealousy favored no particular rank, she knew from her own experience. She rushed off to Nijo~ that night. It was a great relief to find Niou away.

“She is still a child. I thought she would be safe here. But with the cat away, as they say.+ All those silly people at home are at me day and night.”

“Oh, she's not all that much of a child,” laughed Nakanokimi. “The trouble is having you off there watching us, like the cat you say is away.” #

This calm beauty only stirred new doubts. What would she really be thinking? The governor's wife could not of course ask.

“I thought I had finally found what I had been hunting for all these years, and told myself that no one would ever look down on us again.” She was weeping. “I see now that I should not have come to you. I was right the first time. She must go into a nunnery.”

“What is it that worries you so?” Nakanokimi was deeply moved. “You would have cause to object if I seemed not to want her here. Yes, I know there is a man who is not as much in control of himself as he might be and who occasionally misbehaves; but everyone knows about him and keeps watch. I will see to it myself that nothing happens to her. What can have turned you against me?”

“I certainly do not accuse you of behaving as if you did not want her. Why should I hold you responsible for the way your father treated us? No, I turned to you not because of him but because of that other bond between

us.” * There was deep urgency in her voice. “In any case, she must be in retreat tomorrow and the next day. She must see no one. I have a very quiet place in mind for her. I will bring her again one day soon.”

And she took the girl off with her.

All most unfortunate, thought Nakanokimi, seeking to detain her no further.