Yuki San drew her hand across her mouth, and lightly answered that
maybe a robin had tried to steal a cherry. But to herself she
murmured:

"My heart bleed for lonely. He _never_ come back."




CHAPTER V


The following day a host of accumulated duties and various
preparations for the first ceremonious visit of the groom-elect kept
Yuki San's hands and mind busy, and if sometimes a sob rose in her
throat, or her eyes strayed wistfully from her task, she resolutely
refused to let herself dwell upon the past.

The marriage, which had been dutifully accepted as a matter of course
and looked forward to as a financial relief to the entire family, had
never held any particular interest for her, but now even the
preparations, which had hitherto excited her interest and enthusiasm,
found her listless and indifferent.

She would be mistress over a great mansion and many servants, and her
days were to be spent in arranging for the physical comfort of Saito
and the entertainment of his friends.

The arrangement had seemed so simple, and so right, and she had been
gratified that a desirable husband had been found. But now she could