When he had gone I rose, and leaving the gardens I passed into the chamber where it was my custom to give audience to those who wished to look upon the god Tezcat as they called me. Here I sat upon my golden couch, inhaling the fumes of tobacco, and as it chanced I was alone, for none dared to enter that room unless I gave them leave. Presently the chief of my pages announced that one would speak with me, and I bent my head, signifying that the person should enter, for I was weary of my thoughts. The page withdrew, and presently a veiled woman stood before me. I looked at her wondering, and bade her draw her veil and speak. She obeyed, and I saw that my visitor was the princess Otomie. Now I rose amazed, for it was not usual that she should visit me thus alone. I guessed therefore that she had tidings, or was following some custom of which I was ignorant. “I pray you be seated,” she said confusedly; “it is not fitting that you should stand before me.” “Why not, princess?” I answered. “If I had no respect for rank, surely beauty must claim it.” “A truce to words,” she replied with a wave of her slim hand. “I come here, O Tezcat, according to the ancient custom, because I am charged with a message to you. Those whom you shall wed are chosen. I am the bearer of their names.” “Speak on, princess of the Otomie.” “They are”—and she named three ladies whom I knew to be among the loveliest in the land. “I thought that there were four,” I said with a bitter laugh. “Am I to be defrauded of the fourth?” “There is a fourth,” she answered, and was silent. “Give me her name,” I cried. “What other slut has been found to marry a felon doomed to sacrifice?” “One has been found, O Tezcat, who has borne other titles than this you give her.” Now I looked at her questioningly, and she spoke again in a low voice. “I, Otomie, princess of the Otomie, Montezuma’s daughter, am the fourth and the first.” “You!” I said, sinking back upon my cushions. “_You!_”