versed by a winding stream, was faintly distinguishable.
"Deign for one little moment to wait," the child said; "I go to
announce the honorable coming;" and hurried toward the house. It
was a spacious house, but seemed very old, and built in the fashion
of another time. The sliding doors were not closed; but the lighted
interior was concealed by a beautiful bamboo curtain extending
along the gallery front. Behind it shadows were moving--shadows of
women;--and suddenly the music of a _koto_ rippled into the night. So
light and sweet was the playing that It[=o] could scarcely believe the
evidence of his senses. A slumbrous feeling of delight stole over him
as he listened,--a delight strangely mingled with sadness. He wondered
how any woman could have learned to play thus,--wondered whether the
player could be a woman,--wondered even whether he was hearing earthly
music; for enchantment seemed to have entered into his blood with the
sound of it.

* * * * *

The soft music ceased; and almost at the same moment It[=o] found the
little _miya-dzukai_ beside him. "Sir," she said, "it is requested
that you will honorably enter." She conducted him to the entrance,
where he removed his sandals; and an aged woman, whom he thought to be
the _R[=o]jo_, or matron of the household, came to welcome him at the
threshold. The old woman then led him through many apartments to a
large and well-lighted room in the rear of the house, and with many
respectful salutations requested him to take the place of honor
accorded to guests of distinction. He was surprised by the stateliness
of the chamber, and the curious beauty of its decorations. Presently
some maid-servants brought refreshments; and he noticed that the cups
and other vessels set before him were of rare and costly workmanship,
and ornamented with a design indicating the high rank of the
possessor. More and more he wondered what noble person had chosen this
lonely retreat, and what happening could have inspired the wish
for such solitude. But the aged attendant suddenly interrupted his
reflections with the question:

"Am I wrong in supposing that you are It[=o] Sama, of Uji,--It[=o]
Tat['e]waki Norisuk['e]?"

It[=o] bowed in assent. He had not told his name to the little
_miya-dzukai_, and the manner of the inquiry startled him.

"Please do not think my question rude," continued the attendant. "An
old woman like myself may ask questions without impr