of pine and lacey bamboo. For the time worry and work were laid aside with every-day dress, and like smiling, happy children on a picnic, the vast throngs moved toward the temple where the great "

he ceremonial obis were being tied for the madams; the Dana San had about completed his devotions before the hou

the request and

esent occasion, she greeted me with a flippancy that was laughable. "Oh, here's Mi

, observing that she carried in her

nd her family first. But do come in. The ogre await

not I in the long ago longed for liberty and for life as I had never craved orthodox salvation? Not even to myself had I acknowledged how strong an appe

her visit to me, did she mention the unhappy conditi

sive for what she considered her rights, she had a decided sweetness that drew me irresistibly. I did not approve of her methods

t all meant disaster. To break alone meant ruin. She was of my country, my people.

them to my room. When the old dame saw their crimson petals she began to foam at the mouth and splutter a lot of nonsense about the flowers being tongues of flame; she said they would set the house on fire and burn us all to a cinder. If I thought that I'd bring a cartload, and then run. She took them away

m to these festivals, and babies are as thick as ants. You'll see more pictures than you can paint in a l

ntion. "What do they

refoot over the hot coals. Come along with me, Zura. Come on," I urged, seeking in my mind for a more pe

ffect on Zura. She changed her mind so swiftly, her manner grew s

you the time of your young life. But make it clear to the devotees in this house that I won't ti

their kimonos and obis in colors soft and mellow as befitted older women, and each covered with an overcoat thin of textu

oon over, and Zura announced

her seeming willingness to obey,

ld have chosen other words. In her very bright eyes

rear was an army of servants loaded with blankets, cushions and hampers of food. It was to be a long se

onged the enclosure, testified to the popularity of the day. The broad avenue leading to the steps of the old temple was lined on each side by temporary

ld codger, bald of head and shriveled of body, but with a bit of heaven in his weary old eyes. It was the reflection of the baby faces about him. His was the pr

worshipers crowded that they might purchase some portion of the licor

masses this day meant curtailment of necessities for many other days. It was a willing sacrifice, for, having done duty at the temple and cheerfully contributed their hard-earned "rin," they yielded themselves up to the enjoyment of being set free, in a space where neither worry nor want were permitted to enter, where their poor lives touched something higher or

s. Once there, the ceremony began. I was not expected to participate and stood aside. It was not without anxiety that I heard the grand

e the other worshipers, but it was plain that he was stung to the quick for

re like two warriors measuring their strength before the final contest. The slip of a dark-eyed girl seemed an adversary easily disposed of. Though justly angered, her oppon

esses pressed upon me every dainty eatable, and tried by all they knew to dispel the gathering clouds. I was touched by their efforts and did my best to smooth the wa

d closer to me and, though white-lipped and restless after the