The Prince of Nagato was lost in revery; he saw nothing but the reflection of the lights in the water. He seemed to behold the glow of burning coals, of jewels, of flames and of molten metal. But he tore himself from his dream, thinking that the silence had lasted too long, and raised his eyes to the Shogun. Fide-Yori's face expressed a deep melancholy; however, the young man examined every boat that passed, with an eager look. Nagato watched him for some moments. "Whom does he seek?" he wondered. Fide-Yori was evidently looking for some one; he heaved a heavy sigh every time that he was disappointed in his hope. "Master," said Iwakura at last, "the whole nation rejoices to-day. I thought that sorrow found shelter in my heart alone; but I see that you have kept your share of it." "I ought indeed to look happy," said Fide-Yori, "but, to you, I show myself as I am. I have an aching heart, my friend, and nothing can allay my pain. The kingdom is at peace, but I am not?" "What is it, my beloved prince?" said Nagato; "do you not remember that, a few days ago, you promised to confide your grief to me!" "I have long desired to do so. I know not what strange restraint has prevented me. I felt as if the emotion, at once so bitter and so sweet, which I now experience for the first time, should be told to no one until she who inspires it had heard my tale." "You are in love, friend; I suspected it. But why should you suffer from your love?" "The woman I love saved my life. I never saw her but once. Her name is Omiti; that is all I know of her," said the Shogun. "Poor dear Prince!" cried Nagato; "and you were never able to trace her?" "Alas, no!" "Do you know to what class she belongs?" "She is the daughter of a noble," said Fide-Yori; "her language and her dress told me that. But were she the lowest reprobate, if ever Heaven permit me to find her, she shall be my wife." "We will seek her together," said Nagato. "I seek her even now in the midst of this crowd. Every boat that passes, laden with women, quickens the beating of my heart." "Then you think that she lives in Osaka?" said the Prince of Nagato. "I hope and think so," said Fide-Yori. "Then she is certainly at this festival. What young girl would stay at home to-day?" "So I thought, friend," replied the Shogun; "that is why I am here." "Come, give me a hasty sketch of her whom you love," said Nagato, "so that I may help you in your search." "She is full of exquisite grace; small; her eyes are very large; she has a childish air; her smile is a flower wet with dew." "The portrait is somewhat lacking in detail," said Iwakura, smiling. "Never mind; let us look for her; you are here to correct the errors that I make."