The Slave Sculptor — page 87: what you’re looking at

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

THAT STRANGE LOCBST. 89 That stranze locket, with its mysterious portrait, so like herself: andthe great interest expressed by Tonatiuh that it should not be lost, appeared to have a meaning which she did not understand. She had seen Tonatiuh’s eyes fill with tears as she examined the locket She had noticed the prophetess tremble with agitation as she viewed the likeness, and'she wondered what it all meant. She had question- ed her, urging am explanation, but was always put off, without being Why did the strange, kind-hearted woman exhibit such deep affec, tion for her? Why wassheso mindfulof her interest? The strange priest, whom she had known from childhood, yet never saw his face; why should Ae manifest such remarkable interest for her and Maxtla ? Why did he use his influence to bring them together? Why did he ever encourage their intimacy? and why was he ever near to warn and defend them from danger? Such were the thoughts which passed through her mind, as she walked slowly forward and back in that lonely chamber, far into the ene! she heard footsteps ascending the stairs. Her heart bound- ed wildly; her limbs trembled violently. The curtain was pushed aside, and Tonatiuh came into the room. She bounded forward with an exclamation of joy Their hearts beat one against the other in a tearful joy. iuh brushed the disheveled hair back from her companion’s trow and looked down into her young eyes with an expression of in- ** Rejoice my child, for Maxtla lives! I saw him to day, before the Spanish garrison. He was with the good priest, and I have hurried te bring you the glad news! ”’ ** Thank God!’’ broke from her lips. *‘ That assurance gives me new life. I now have something to live for; but will he not come _ ** The priest has doubtless told him where are, and ’tis proba- ble that he will come as soon as he can. I see him to-morrow, if »” ” , a . “Do, dear mother, do. I must see him, or my heart will surely break; ”’ and again the tears rolled down her cheeks. Tonatiuh soon prepared to depart again. ‘She first cautioned her charge to remain quiet, and not leave the chambers until she return- ed. They then embraced each other with a fervent kiss and separat- conmicldoolkks.Comn