Chapters 33-38 Summary

Chapter 33

The four young men hold lengthy discussions about mythology, religion and philosophy—questioning their own and others' beliefs. As they talk, night falls and the brilliance of the heavens seems an appropriate setting for their cosmic dialogue. Earthbound and no doubt thinking of his trip to see Satoko, Kiyoaki interrupts to tell his friends it is time to return for dinner.

Chapter 34

With Honda's assistance, Kiyoaki makes secret trips to Tokyo to see his lover three times a week. Although the wedding is postponed because of the death of the emperor, it does not mean that Satoko cannot marry the young prince. Kiyoaki decides to invite Satoko to come visit him and spend the night in his villa, and to return her home before daybreak. However, this raises the thorny question of just when and how she could travel...