"There, now, don't let the breakfast spoil because of too many fine words. Come, sit you down, my son; and you, my daughter, order the chocolate," said the mother, not at all displeased at the gallantry shown her child by the distinguished guest. "Yes, mother," returned Itlza, going to execute the command, at the same time looking very happy. The eyes of the prince followed her admiringly as she left the room, and he remarked: "The years have, indeed, wrought changes in us all, but in Itlza the greater. She has grown into an admirable woman." "Yes," replied the gratified mother. "She has changed much in the last few years." The return to the room, at this moment, of the object of their remarks, cut off further allusion to her. She took her seat at the board, and, after customary formalities, the morning repast was begun. The prince had made no reference to his friend, the tzin; but was, nevertheless, much concerned about him, and, without further delay, inquired: "Teochma, I would hear something of Euetzin. Have you any knowledge of his whereabouts?" "Not of a certainty. He expected to be in Tlacopan about this time, if nothing should occur to occasion delay." "I wish that I might see him; but driven, as I am, to hasten on, I can not hope to be so fortunate." After a short pause he continued: "How long did he stop with you on his way out?" "Only one evening--a brief stay, indeed; too brief to satisfy a mother's heart," answered Teochma. "Yes, the time, no doubt, seemed very short to you," returned Hualcoyotl, "but the errand on which he has gone is of too great importance to admit of delay, and no one realizes it more than he." "We do not underrate his mission, noble friend, yet feel our deprivation none the less," replied the mother. "I believe you, good Teochma; and, be assured, if our cause is triumphant, the reward shall be commensurate." "Why should a reward be looked for by anyone in a revolt against Tepanec oppression, save the deliverance of our people? The hope of freedom for Tezcuco, and the privilege of helping to gain it, ought to be a sufficient reward, and I am sure it would be for my brother Euet," said Itlza with a fervency which was a surprise to the prince. He looked at her well pleased, and said: "You are a true and loyal daughter of Tezcuco, Itlza, and I thank you for your patriotic words. They are as pure gold, and could only emanate from the heart of a child of Zelmozin and Teochma." As he spoke the prince's eyes were fixed upon her with an expression of admiration and deep sincerity. "Hualcoyotl gives me entirely too much credit for my bit of enthusiasm. It is not deserving of so much praise as he has seen fit to bestow upon it," replied she, somewhat confused by the earnestness of his language.