For
example, I believe I see one in the instance of this lady Quilla. But
before we waste more time in talking--tell me, White Lord, do you desire
her, and if so, are you ready to pay me my price? It is that you shall
assure to me the friendship of the prince Kari, should he become Inca,
and the continuance of my power and office."
"My answer is that I do desire this lady, O High-priest, and that if I
can I will obtain from Kari the promise of what you seek. And now where
is the loophole?"
"I seem to remember, Lord, that there is an ancient law which says--that
none who are maimed may be the wives of the Sun. It is true that this
law applies to them _before_ they contract the holy marriage. Still, if
the point came up before me as high-priest, I might perhaps find that
it applied also to those who were maimed _after_ marriage. The case is
rare, for which precedents cannot be found if the search be thorough.
Now through the wickedness of Urco, as it happens, this lady Quilla has
been blinded, and therefore is no longer perfect in her body. Do you
understand?"
"Quite.
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