"The young Pale chief will be uncomfortable, for he is accustomed to the immense huts of the whites."
"That is possible; but I shall be more uncomfortable if my comrades do not remain with me, in order to keep me company."
"The hospitality of the Kenhas is great. They are rich, and could give each a private cabin, even if their guests were more numerous."
"I am convinced of it, and thank them for their attention, by which, however, I decline to profit. Solitude frightens me. I should be worried to death had I not with me someone to talk with."
"Be it then as the young Pale chief desires. Guests have a right to command. Their requests are orders."
"I thank you for your condescension, and am ready to follow you."
"Come."
With that rapidity of resolution which the Indians possess in so eminent a degree, Natah Otann shut up his vexation in his heart, and not a trace of emotion again appeared on his stoical countenance. The three men followed him, after exchanging a meaning glance. A handsome, lofty cabin had been built in the square itself, near the hut of the first man, a species of cylinder formed in the earth, and surrounded with creeping plants. To this cabin the chief now led his guests. A woman was standing silently in the doorway, fixing on the newcomers a glance in which admiration and astonishment were blended. But was it a woman? this angelic creature, with her vague outline, whose delicious face, blushing with modesty and simple curiosity, turned towards the Count with anxious timidity. The young man asked himself this very question on contemplating this charming apparition, which resembled one of those divine virgins in the mythology of the ancient Sclavons. On seeing her, Natah Otann paused.
"What is my sister doing here?" he asked her, roughly.
The girl, startled from her silent contemplation by this brusque address, shuddered, and let her eyes fall.