s; not to turn pale, but with the blood mantling
into her brown cheeks. Still she is silent.

"You need neither deny, nor declare it," he continues. "'Tis all known
to me, save one thing. That alone I wish to ask you about. I must have
an answer, and a truthful one. As your brother I demand it, Nacena."

She fixes her eyes upon him, in a look half-frightened, then timidly
asks:

"What thing, Kaolin?"

"Has he deceived you?"

"Deceived!" she echoes, the blush upon her cheeks mounting up to her
brow, and becoming deeper red. "Brother! Had any one but you asked
that question, I would--Deceived! No; your sister would die before that
could have been. As you seem to know all, I will no longer conceal the
truth from you. You speak of Aguara. I loved him; ah! love him still.
And he told me my love was returned; spoke it solemnly; vowed it. Now I
know his words were false, and he was but beguiling me."

"Then he has trifled with you," exclaims the brother, his indignation
now beyond bounds. "You, my sister, the daughter of a Tovas chief, of
birth and blood equal to his own! But he shall repent it, and soon.
The time has not come; it will ere long. Enough now, Nacena. Not a
word to anyone of what has passed between us. Be patient and wait. For
your wrongs, I promise, you snail have revenge."

And with this threat, he turns away; leaving her on the lake's edge, as
he found her.

Soon as he is out of sight, and his footfall beyond hearing, she reseats
herself on the trunk of the palm; and, supporting her head upon her
hands, gives way to weeping--a very cataract of tears.

It seems to relieve her from the tumult of emotions late harassing her
heart, and after a time she looks up with an expression in her eyes
different from all that have preceded. It is of hope; as can be told by
the words which fall in low murmuring from her lips:

"After all I may be mistaken. Can I? If so, and he is still true, then
I am wronging him, and Kaolin may commit a crime that will bring both
punishment and repentance. Oh, that I knew the truth! But surely,
Shebotha knows, and can tell it me. She will, for the reward I shall
offer her. This night she has promised to meet me on the hill, and
then, then--"

She breaks off abruptly, and with countenance again clouding over. For
the words "I shall learn the worst" are on her lips, and the thought in
her mind.

It is hope's last spark, love-lighted from embers nearly