Esyo paled at the thought: Jokoin bounded up, proposing: "Shall I shout it aloud, sister?" "Jokoin!" commanded Esyo; how can you so profane things? Yodogima has not yet invoked understanding: neither flesh nor spirit alone satisfies conscience." For the moment Yodogima seemingly forgot the terrible test that raged and calmed alternately within. Facing Esyo, and penetrating with only a glance the thin gauze veiling a sister's underlying purpose, Yodogima said, complacently, though firmly: "One would think this solely a matter of yours, Esyo. Possibly you had best answer instead, that I may learn also your pleasure; and, perchance, the motive." Esyo flushed, and Yodogima read her as written. "Come closer, Jokoin; I want to feel the warmth and cheer of your presence; it is an inspiration, if not a reason: Esyo is so cold; oh, so unsatisfying, yet also inspiring. Between the two of you I am thrust back upon heart, and shall answer neither 'yes' nor 'no.' Let them fight, if they will, but tell them, both alike, that they are men: that Yodogima shall let neither one answer to his God for a mistake of hers. It is a woman's province to bear and not to succor man. Good-bye, and when you have need for comfort and less to know then come again; I love you both." CHAPTER XII The resolving in her own mind of a determination so vital to herself, to her lover, and to others with whom she had to do, had driven Yodogima well nigh unto the brink of distraction. She respected the rights of all, loved as only in truth she could, and held self above the unlettered reach of personal prowess alone; the community had dawned, laid claim to its higher purpose, and held her like a moth lured thither to the candle fire. She would not preach the latter, could not practice the former, hence fell back upon impulse as an only guide. "Let them fight," repeated she, when alone and reflecting, "the one ambitious and the other uncertain; I would be neither, and justice will be done--but, is not he my God? What other hope? Forgive me!" Presently Oyea came to her. "You did right, Yodogima, and he shall understand, if such be meet; and who can better judge than he? What of the fathers, of tradition, of--" "Hush-sh-sh--it seems to me I hear a voice--no, no; it is only he; my God, my Due: I am mindful of--Obedience."