The old lady and Eusebio looked at her and smiled; they were delighted with the enthusiasm of the young girl.
Doña Luz perceived the attention with which they were looking at her. She stopped short in confusion, hung down her head, and blushed more than ever.
"Oh!" said the old lady, taking her hand, "you may go on, my child; I am pleased to hear you speak thus of my son. Yes," she added, in a melancholy tone, and as if talking to herself, "yes; his is a grand and noble character. Like all exalted natures, he is misunderstood: but patience! God is trying him, and the day will come when justice will be rendered him in the face of all men."
"Can he, then, be unhappy?" the young girl ventured to ask, timidly.
"I do not say he is, my child," the good mother answered, with a stifled sigh. "In this world who can flatter himself with being happy? Everyone has his troubles, which he must bear; the Almighty measures the burden according to the strength of every man."
A movement was heard in the grotto; several men entered.
"Here is your son, señora," said Black Elk.
"Thank you, my friend," she replied.
"Oh! I am so glad!" said Doña Luz, springing up joyfully.
But ashamed of this inconsiderate movement, the girl sank back, confused and blushing, into her seat again.