"And we are wasting our opportunities," answered Tetsutaisho.
"We have no cause to move; we do not recognise the combination," said Daikomitsu.
"The resignation will test their purpose. I say let us send it forthwith," said Okotsuba, recognising the force of Daikomitsu's argument.
"I recommend it," said Daikomitsu, earnestly.
"I do not approve of it," answered Tetsutaisho resolutely.
Upon the theory that his resignation would not in fact be accepted, Hitotsubashi finally signed the letter of resignation; whereupon, without any serious dissension, it was forwarded to Kyoto, and Daikomitsu felt relieved, though puzzled as to what the next move would be.
Tetsutaisho, not at all pleased with the result of the conference nor convinced of the wisdom of Daikomitsu's diplomacy, had been persuaded quietly to acquiesce, at least for the time being; and going home settled down, probably for the first time in his life, to a calm and deliberate consideration for the future. Presently he became uneasy and, with unsettled thoughts, said to himself:
"Pshaw! Why this worry? Let others stew and fuss: I am a soldier, and have a better business at hand. I shall seek Kinsan and let her sing to me--it is soothing, and more to the purpose of a gentleman."
He did so, and she impressed him more than ever with the melody of her song. Probably it was because of the clear, crisp air of a winter's night's inspiration; more likely it had been a consciousness of her master's growing gentleness, or the hope within that some day her heart would soften and her mind cease its vigil. Whatever it may have been, she poured out that lofty sentiment that ever eases a lonely, earnest soul. She sang sweetly, and the rising notes wafted out upon the still air, reaching and piercing another who had grown to hate with the vengeance and covet with the fury of a maddened fiend.
Nehachibana listened. She could bear it no longer, and with bated breath and snapping fingers stole upon them. There in the bright light she saw them, and stopped as if drunk with envy. He sat with his face upturned; Kinsan stood at one side, looking far, far away, and her voice trembled with a pathos that stayed even her destroyer. Nehachibana crouched, then sprang at her, shrieking: