was stone dead.

The Tayu Nishikiyama[34] now knew the cause of the disturbance. To the
frightened page (_kamuro_) who came running to her--"Be quiet child.
This is no time to lose self-control. Aid me in preparation." She
dressed herself with the greatest care; "all in white, as befitted a
lady in attendance on a nobleman." Then she took down her _koto_ and
struck the opening bars of an old and famous song--the "Jinmujo[u]"
(Inexhaustible Happiness)--said to have been sung by the famous Shizuka
Go[u]zen when she danced the Ho[u]raku, or sacred dance, before the
Sho[u]gun Yoritomo at Kamakura Hachimangu[u]. As Kibei turned into the
corridor the voice of the Oiran caught his ear as she sang in
accompaniment to the instrument. She was bending over the _koto_ as the
_sho[u]ji_ were flung apart. Kibei, his hair hanging in disorder and
framing a face ghastly white in contrast to the red streaks splashed
over it and his garments, stood transfixed at the entrance. The Tayu
looked up. With calm pose and courteous salute--"Kibei Dono, what manner
of acting is this! Is not Kibei Dono the _bushi_? Truly madness has
seized you, honoured Sir. This is Nishikiyama.... Deign to be seated.
'Tis Nishikiyama who serves Kibei Dono. What has been done cannot be
undone. The last cup of wine in life is to be drained. Deign to accept
it from these humble hands."

Kibei continued gazing on her. The unhappy man, his mind was opened to
a flood of light. The hurricane of passion was passing. Slowly he
advanced into the room. "Truly the Go Tayu is right. Kibei has gone mad;
mad indeed!" He sank down on the cushion before her. At a sign the page
placed the stand containing the bottle of cold _sake_ before the lady.
Skilfully the slender hands held it, gracefully poured it for the man
doomed to death, taking this final cup served by her. Kibei raised it,
drained it to the last drop. "The Kashiku: she is on this lower floor.
Where lies she?" Nashikiyama noted the wild light returning to his eyes.
She bowed her head before him--"The life of Nishikiyama is at the
command of Kibei Dono. Her lips are sealed. Honoured Sir, how answer
Kibei Dono's question?" For the moment he looked down. Then he
rose--"Whose daughter can the Oiran be! Truly no lady in the land could
show a higher courage, a finer courtesy. The final salute of this Kibei
in life is to the Go Tayu." In grave ceremony it was performed. As he
left the room the woman buried her face in her han