death! What have I to do with love or marriage? I who in some few short
weeks must grace an altar? Ah! Guatemoc, you say you love me, and once I
saved you. Did you love me, surely you would save me now as you swore to
do.'

'I swore that I would give my life for yours, Teule, if it lay in my
power, and that oath I would keep, for all do not set so high a store on
life as you, my friend. But I cannot help you; you are dedicated to the
gods, and did I die a hundred times, it would not save you from your
fate. Nothing can save you except the hand of heaven if it wills.
Therefore, Teule, make merry while you may, and die bravely when you
must. Your case is no worse than mine and that of many others, for death
awaits us all. Farewell.'

When he had gone I rose, and leaving the gardens I passed into the
chamber where it was my custom to give audience to those who wished to
look upon the god Tezcat as they called me. Here I sat upon my golden
couch, inhaling the fumes of tobacco, and as it chanced I was alone, for
none dared to enter that room unless I gave them leave. Presently the
chief of my pages announced that one would speak with me, and I bent
my head, signifying that the person should enter, for I was weary of my
thoughts. The page withdrew, and presently a veiled woman stood before
me. I looked at her wondering, and bade her draw her veil and speak. She
obeyed, and I saw that my visitor was the princess Otomie. Now I rose
amazed, for it was not usual that she should visit me thus alone. I
guessed therefore that she had tidings, or was following some custom of
which I was ignorant.

'I pray you be seated,' she said confusedly; 'it is not fitting that you
should stand before me.'