Genji could not forget Utsusemi. With Kokimi as guide, he returned to the governor's mansion. It was a hot summer night. Genji made his way through the door and blinds. Utsusemi had been playing Go with another lady. One panel of a screen just inside had been folded back, and the curtains thrown over their frames, because of the heat. The view was unobstructed. Utsusemi was a small and rather ordinary woman. But the other was very handsome and tall.

Her Go partner stayed overnight with Utsusemi. When everyone went to sleep Genji entered into the room. Detecting an unusual perfume, Utsusemi got up and slipped out of the room leaving her summer robe. Genji was delighted to see that there was only one lady asleep. [However, it was not the one he sought.] He guessed what had happened and felt ridiculous. His heart was resentfully on the other. But the girl beside him had a certain young charm of her own, and presently he was deep in vows of love.

Resumed by Mary Nagase. Published by UNESCO.© UNESCO 2000