She was praying to her mother in heaven; and while Nuflo listened absorbed, his mouth open, his eyes fixed on her, the hand that clutched the knife dropped to his side.

I also heard with the greatest wonder and admiration.

For she had been shy and reticent with me, and now, as if oblivious of my presence, she was telling aloud the secrets of her inmost heart.
"O mother, mother, listen to me, to Rima, your beloved child!" she began.

"All these years I have been wickedly deceived by grandfather--Nuflo--the old man that found you.

Often have I spoken to him of Riolama, where you once were, and your people are, and he denied all knowledge of such a place.