matter like this, there is danger of it becoming known abroad, if an immediate answer is not given. Whether you grant our request or refuse it, you must give us a reply at once. Please do this for us."
"Certainly, madame, I will immediately take Kokusenya's side."
No sooner had he spoken, than Kanki seized his wife with one hand, and drawing his sword with the other, attempted to plunge it into her breast. The old woman, almost overcome with horror and amazement, sprang to her feet, and rushed between them in order to shield her stepdaughter with her own person. Then she demanded in sharp tones: "Are you mad to commit such a wanton outrage? Why do you wish to kill Kinshō before her mother? Don't be afraid, daughter, you shall not die as long as I am here!"
Overwhelmed with her stepmother's kindness, the terror-stricken Kinshō cried, with sobs: "Mother, your kind words touch me to the heart; but you must not be wounded for my sake!"
Kanki sprang back, and, bowing to the old woman, replied: "Pardon me for my mad act, but
