"Yes, it was that I had in mind; and yet, though it would bring sorrow to many hearts, and possibly to ours, I could not say my people nay should they attempt it, for they are but slaves to the Tepanec king," replied the mother, in accents of sadness.
"You speak truly, mother; for Euet would—" Itlza's half-formed sentence was here suddenly broken off. She was seized from behind and held firmly for a moment, while a hand was placed over her mouth. When she was released, she turned quickly to learn who her assailant was, and met the laughing face of her brother, who saluted her in a most loving manner and completed her unfinished sentence by saying:
"Euet would that you drop so unpleasant a subject—there is only sadness in it."
"A bad brother is Euet, to give his sister such a fright!" exclaimed she, pleasantly.
The tzin answered her badinage with a closer embrace; and, releasing her, saluted his mother in an affectionate manner, who said:
"Euet, my son, you are most welcome after so protracted an absence. Your sister and myself were beginning to wonder at your remaining away so long, and would in a little while have become uneasy about you."
"My mother and sister are very good to remember me so kindly, but they should not forget that Euet is no longer a boy. A man's responsibilities are now his, and he has duties to perform which sometimes interfere very much with his plans for gratifying the cravings of his heart. I am not forgetful of the filial obligations which bind me with golden chords of love to my estimable mother and sweet sister; yet there are times, in the press of worldlier things, when even these most precious of all obligations are neglected."
"You are right, my son; a mother's love is selfish. I had not considered well—but you are tired and need refreshment. Let us go in."
As they moved toward the house the conversation was continued. The mother presently inquired:
"How fares the good prince?"