"That is better, for it has in it the echo of a friendship I do not forget," said he, interrupting her again; "a friendship, the memory of which is very dear to me."
"You are very good, not to have forgotten your little friend after so long a time," she replied. "Since I realize the change which has come to both of us, it seems like a dream to have known you. Hualcoyotl, who stands before me now, is not the Hualcoyotl I remember; he was only a boy. When I saw you enter, confusion came upon me; I knew not whether I should salute you as our prince, or greet you as an old friend."
She had recovered her composure, and spoke with ease.
"Your surprise was not greater than my own when I beheld, not my little girl friend of other years, but a pretty young woman waiting to receive me," was his gallant reply.
"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.