After making a deep obeisance, touching his hand to her foot and then to his own forehead and breast, he said, in a language that was neither Spanish nor such as the modern Indians of Mexico use,-- "Welcome, Semitzin! May this night be the beginning of high things!" "I am ready," replied the other, in a soft and low voice, but with a certain stateliness of utterance unlike the usual manner of General Trednoke's daughter: "I was glad to hear you call, and to see again the stars and the earth.

Have you anything to tell ?" "There are events which may turn to our harm, most revered princess.

The master of this house----" "Why do you not call him my father, Kamaiakan ?" interposed the other.
"He is indeed the father of this mortal body which I wear, which (as you tell me) bears the name of Miriam.

Besides, are not Miriam and I united by the thread of descent ?" "Something of the spirit that is you dwells in her also," said the Indian.
"And does she know of it ?" "At times, my princess; but only as one remembers a dream." "I wish I might converse with her and instruct her in the truth," said the princess.

"And she, in turn, might speak to me of things that perplex me.