"I do not forget, Laughing-eyes, but only remember my promise now as a thing of the past, and no longer binding upon me. The flower-heart, and the voice of the little love-bird singing through your beautiful eyes, which came to me that day, when Teochma's call so cruelly disturbed us, were the signs which made me free. Is it not so, Laughing-eyes?" Cacami's voice and manner were full of pleading, and Itlza, loving as she did, could not resist their influence, and said: "Yes, Cacami, I may not longer trifle; you have read my thoughts and actions rightly. The flower-heart, in which was entwined my best love, was wrought for you, and made the messenger of release." "I thought as much, and yet there was a doubt, which your blessed words have removed, and I am free to tell you how dear you are to me. From the moment when I first looked into those laughing eyes I have loved them and their adored possessor. You must recall how earnest was my wooing from the very beginning--not a happy wooing either, Itlza, for I thought it was in vain. But now I know it was not, for the love of the Laughing-eyes is mine. When the battle comes my sword shall make me worthy of it. Then you shall pledge yourself to be my wife--not before. Until that hour love alone shall keep us for each other," he spoke with passionate emphasis. "It shall be as you have said--love shall keep us for each other," she replied, looking beseechingly into his face. "My heart is sad, even while it is happy," she continued. "War is ever terrible, but doubly so when those we love are in it--Euetzin, my brother, and you, my new-found love." Here her disengaged hand was laid lovingly on his arm, and her eyes, moist with the dew of affection, looked pleadingly up to him. "Both must go. Will both, or even one, return?" She dropped her head upon his hand and wept. "Be brave, dear heart; those bright, laughing eyes were never made for tears," said he, consoling her tenderly. "The gods, you may be sure, will shield your loved ones in the fight for freedom, and bring them safely back to you." Said encouragingly. A call to the morning meal interrupted further conversation on the subject so near to the hearts of the twain; and they went in, happy now in each other's love, yet sad from the thoughts which had caused the Laughing-eyes to weep. Two hours later Euetzin and Cacami were on the road to Tezcuco. That their stay at the villa had to be so brief was a source of regret to both. The fond associations of a beautiful and attractive home, the dearest of which were found in the presence and love of Teochma and Itlza, were pressing inducements for the tzin to prolong his stay, but there was no time to spare just then for gratifying the tenderer impulses; so, stifling the cry in his heart--the voice of filial love--he went sadly away, in answer to duty's call.