The Slave Sculptor — page 19: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE LOCKET AND ITS CONTENTS. 21 was a mystery. She kissed the bauble and wept over it-—she knew not why. While pondering over the experiences of the few preceding hours, she was summoned to an interview with the old Lord Ahuitzol. Seereting the precious locket beneath her robe, she descended with & faltering step, to the apartments below; == | She was self-possessed and calm — betraying nothing of the try- ing scene through which she had so lately passed. With wonderful power she concealed her emotions, d down in her heart, bound there by a will and purpose unconqu As Mazina entered, the slave girl arose with a smile, advanced, sprinkled a few drops of sweet essence upon her head, and strewed a bouquet of flowers upon the floor, over which she would pass. She then eaught Mazina’s hand, knelt before her with the hand pressed to her lips, then arose, and conducted her to a seat, near the side of the old nobleman. She then returned to her stool, sat down, and commenced arranging another bouquet from a larger quantity of flow- ** Meztli,’’ sternly spoke the noble; ** you can retire. When I ire your services, I will send for you.’’ fferently the slave arose and passed from the room, only to crouch beneath an open casement where she could hear every word that between Lord Abuitzol and his ward. ** Mazina, what about this young sculptor— Maxtla? Strange proceedings between you and him, have been reported to me. What does it all mean ?’’ commenced the old noble, changing his position so as to face his ward. : “IT do not know what you have heard;”’ she replied, timidly. ‘** Was Maxtla in the park, last evening? ”’ : ** He was.’’ ** Did you hold any conversation with him ?’* “«T did.”” ** Of what were you ing?’ Mazina’s face crimsoned, and she hesitated. Pree Sri»? mea mre al ceceaas vor ‘* Tam acquainted with all the proceedings of that occasion, and Ido assure you, it pains me to think that I have a ward thus un- grateful, when all the circumstances are considered.”’ “Indeed, my lord! I donot know what you mean; ”’ and Mazina appeared tly troubled. ** Then I will tell you in as few words as possible; you will then fully understand your position, and my desires. In the first place, ee was ny slave, afterward you became my daughter by adoption. ts step was taken that you might be on a footing equal with my son; and thus an alliance between you and him south te effected. This ultimate event, was the sole object of my desires,” “Tecould not, indeed I could not ever love Toluca. He is so dif- comlicldooks.conn