The Slave Sculptor — page 76: what you’re looking at

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

78 fHE SLAVE SCULPTOR. n@ was taken by Toluca’s orders. The few days in which they had been together, Mazina had completely exhausted herself in trying to engage her indifferent companion in conversation; but was barely able to obtain replies to her questions. They sat in perfect silence. A deep melancholy rested upon the features of Mazina, while there was 4 marked sadness brooding over the countenance of her strange companion. During the few days of their acquaintance, Mazina had often detected the woman’s at- tention placed upon her, and frequently noticed that she eyed her with a fixed gaze. ** You do not think that I am crazy, do you? ”’ inquired Mazi. na, suddenly arousing herself. ‘How can [ tell?’’ was the answer. The old woman arose and left the room, leaving Mazina amazed at her conduct. The woman had not been gone many minutes, when the door was reopened carefully, and a form glided into the room. Mazina did not look up, supposing, of course, that it was her who left the room a moment before, as no other person, except Lord Ahuitzel and Toluca had entered’ the apartment, since she was imprisoned in it. ** Mazina !”’* She started up with a bound. ““Maxtla!" In an instant they were clasped in each other’s arms. ** Maxtla !’? she cried: How did you reach this, my prison-house, which is guarded day and night? ”’ 2 ** Friends are near you, dear Mazina, and I have come to bid you be of good cheer. Our wrongs shall be carried to the emperor, where they will be redressed, and our enemies punished.’’ **T was just thinking,’’ she remarked, “ and wondering if we should ever again be happy as we used to. I was thinking — » she paused, her eyes filled with tears, her heart swelled, and she nestled close to his side. Arousing herself with a great effort, she added: ** They say that I am crazy. Lord Ahuitzol makes this cruel accu- sation, and does not allow me to leave this room, nor to see any per- son except the old nurse whom he has engaged to wait upon me. Do you think I am insane? ”’ “* No, dear Mazina! but-let them consider you so. Perhaps it will be best for the present, that you do not oppose them im this. A few days more, and this matter will be settled, when we shall be mar- ried and be beyond the reach of our enemies. ”’ “Oh, that we may! *Tis awfal to be thus persecuted.’’ Then seeming suddenly to recollect more forcibly how they were situated, she added: “* We must not remain here a moment. Let us fly instantly. If Lord Ahuitzol should happen to find you here, I fear he would do you harm, in his anger.’ “« Have no fear of that, for he is a coward alone. All his villainy consists in plotting against defenseless women, who can not easily es. cape his machinations, and in coucocting schemes for more daring ences to execute.’’ | ' > oe. comJcbooks.com