Page:Here and there in Yucatan - miscellanies (IA herethereinyucat00lepl 0).djvu/139



N the famous city of Chichen Itza there is much rejoicing and great preparation, for Chanbel, the valiant and noble young lord, is to be united to the beautiful Lilá (dew-drop).

And she? Alas! the tears fall thick and fast from her dark lashes when her hand-maids are not by; she loves not Chanbel. He is good and devoted, but her heart is given to another whom she has been forbidden to see, even to think of, because when yet a babe she was betrothed to the one who will soon so gladly claim her as his bride! For she is beautiful as the loveliest flower; with eyes bright as the glorious sun they worship; gentle as the placid water of the lakelet; pure as the mountain air;—so says Chanbel, and he is happy.

Lilá wanders amid the flowers on the broad terraces surrounding her childhood's home; her maids marvel at her down-cast looks. Is she ill? Have they displeased her? No, but she wishes to be alone.