"My name is Omiti," said the young girl; "I can tell you nothing more. Give me the flower that you hold in your hand; it is all I would have from you." Fide-Yori offered her the lemon twig; Omiti seized it, and fled through the grove. The Shogun stood rooted to the spot for some time, lost in thought, gazing at the turf pressed by the light foot of Omiti. [1] Lord of the kingdom. This is the same title as Tycoon, but the latter was not created till 1854. [2] Six hours after noon. [3] Six o'clock in the morning. CHAPTER II. NAGATO'S WOUND. The Prince of Nagato had returned to his palace. He slept stretched out on a pile of fine mats; around him was almost total darkness, for the blinds had been lowered, and large screens spread before the windows. Here and there a black lacquer panel shone in the shadow and reflected dimly, like a dull mirror, the pale face of the Prince as he lay on his cushions. Nagato had not succeeded in seeing Hieyas: he was told that the Regent was engaged with very important business. Pleased at the chance, the young Prince hurried home to rest for a few hours before the council. In the chambers adjoining the one in which he slept servants came and went silently, preparing their master's toilette. They walked cautiously, that the floor might not creak, and talked together in low tones. "Our poor master knows no moderation," said an old woman, scattering drops of perfume over a court cloak. "Continual feasting and nightly revels,--never any rest; he will kill himself." "Oh, no! pleasure does not kill," said an impudent-looking boy, dressed in gay colors. "What do you know about it, imp?" replied the woman. "Wouldn't you think the brat spent his life in enjoyment like a lord? Don't talk so boldly about things you know nothing of!" "Perhaps I know more about them than you do," said the child, making a wry face; "you haven't got married yet, for all your great age and your great beauty." The woman threw the contents of her flask in the boy's face; but he hid behind the silver disk of a mirror which he was polishing, and the perfume fell to the ground. When the danger was over, out popped his head. "Will you have me for a husband?" he cried; "you can spare me a few of your years, and between us we'll make but a young couple." The woman, in her rage, gave a sharp scream. "Will you be quiet?" said another servant, threatening her with his fist. "But who could listen to that young scamp without blushing and losing her temper?" "Blush as much as you like," said the child; "that won't make any noise." "Come, Loo, be quiet!" said the servant. Loo shrugged his shoulders and made a face, then went on listlessly rubbing his mirror. At this instant a man entered the room. "I must speak to Iwakura, Prince of Nagato," he cried aloud.