| New Herbs, Part II |  |
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Losing the will to live, Kashiwagi contracted a fatal disease on returning from the preliminary rehearsal. Though Genji’s manner was jocular, each word seemed to Kashiwagi a sharp blow. Genji fiercely surveyed Kashiwagi. Lamenting his life, which went differently from his wish, he still thought of the Third Princess. In his letter he pleaded to her to write him even one word of pity. Finally, the Kojiju, who was a servant close to his house, delivered an answer. He sent for a lamp and read the princess’s note that said only, "You speak of the smoke that lingers on and yet I wish to go with you."
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