Heart of the World (1895) by H. Rider Haggard

Author:H. Rider Haggard [Haggard, H. Rider]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Delphi Main Series
Publisher: Delphi Classics
Published: 2020-12-20T15:00:00+00:00

“Remember that I am but an Indian girl,” she murmured presently, “and you are one of the white lords of the earth. Is it well that you should love me?”

“It is well,” he answered, “for you are the noblest woman that I have known, and you have saved my life.”

Zibalbay did not return till past midday, when he appeared with the water, leading the mule, which had set its foot upon a sharp stone in the desert and gone lame.

“Does he still live?” he asked of Maya.

“Yes, father.”

“He must be strong, then,” he whispered; “I thought that thirst would have killed him ere now.”

“He has had water, father. I descended the cueva and fetched it,” she added, after a moment’s pause.

The old man looked at her amazed.

“How came it that you found courage to go down that place, daughter?” he asked at length.

“The desire to save a friend gave me courage,” she answered, letting her eyes fall beneath his gaze. “I knew that you could not be back in time, so I went.”

Zibalbay pondered awhile, then said:

“I think that you would have done better to let him die, daughter, for I believe that this white man will bring trouble upon us. It has pleased the gods to preserve you alive; remember, then, that your life belongs to them, and that you must follow the path which they have chosen, not that which you would choose for yourself. Remember also that one waits you in the city yonder who may have a word to say as to your friendship with this wanderer.” And he passed on with the mule.

That same evening Maya told me of her father’s words and said:

“I think that before all is done I shall need the help that you have sworn to give me, señor, for I can see well that my father will be against me unless my wish runs with his purpose. Of one thing I am sure, that my life is my own and not a possession of the gods; for in such gods as my father worships and I was brought up to serve, I have lost faith, if indeed I ever had any.”

“You speak rashly,” I answered, “and if you are wise you will not let your father hear such words.”

“Lest by and by my life should be forfeit to the gods whom I blaspheme!” she broke in. “Say, then, do you believe in these gods, Don Ignatio?”

“No, Lady, I am a Christian and have no part with idols or those who worship them.”

“I understand; it is only in their wealth that you would have part. Well, and why should I not become a Christian also? I have learned something of your faith from the señor yonder, and see that it is great and pure, and full of comfort for us mortals.”

“May grace be given to you to follow in that road, Lady, but it is not Christian to taunt me about the wealth which I come to seek for the advantage of our race, seeing that you know I ask nothing for myself.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.