Luckily one of the matrons, whom we call _Mama-conas_, knocked
the cup away before she drank, but some of the horrible poison went into
her eyes and blinded her."
"So she lives, Inca."
"Certainly she lives. I have learnt that for myself, because in this
country it is not wise to trust what they tell you. You know as Inca I
have privileges, and although even I do not talk to them, I caused those
Virgins of the Sun to be led in front of me, which in strictness even
I ought not to have done. It was a dreary business, Lord Hurachi, for
though those Virgins may be so holy, some of them are very old and
hideous and of course Quilla as a novice came last in the line conducted
by two _Mama-conas_ who are cousins of my own. The odd thing is that the
poison seems to have made her much more beautiful than before, for her
eyes have grown bigger and are glorious, shining like stars seen when
there is frost. Well, there she is safe from Urco and every other man,
however wicked and impious. But what does this Huaracha want?"
"He wants his blinded daughter back, Inca.
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