It was a supreme moment to the very much enthralled Cacami; the culmination of his most cherished desires were reached when he beheld the idol of his thoughts advancing toward him. Nothing could have happened so perfectly in accord with the conditions--his feelings, the hour and its alluring train of exquisite delights--as Itlza's unexpected but longed for advent upon the scene. He waited her approach with a pleased sense of expectation, for he saw in her coming the opportunity he had only just been wishing for. He greeted her with a delight to which he gave full expression, both in manner and voice. He said:
"You come, O Laughing-eyes, to add by your presence the crowning joy to a splendid morning stroll, which I have had."
"I shall be pleased if my coming out will add to the pleasure of your ramblings, which are just a little too early to agree with my habits," she answered, with a sparkling eye and smiling face. He looked admiringly at her and said:
"The air at such a time and in such a place is always delightfully fragrant. To drink of its sweetness is a pleasure no one should fail to enjoy, not excepting the leisured Laughing-eyes."
"Yes, it is a pleasure; but what an effort some of us would have to make to gain it. Then, oft repeated, it loses much of its charm," she replied, and, continuing, inquired: "How long have you been out in the park?"
"For more than an hour I have been strolling among the shrubs and flowers; but, delightful as the beautiful park is, there was one thing wanting to make it perfect: one flower which I did not find--the loveliest that blooms at Zelmonco; it was not there," he said, fixing on her a look which plainly revealed his meaning. She returned the look with one expressing comprehension, and answered, jestingly:
"You came out too soon to find the flower you are pleased to think so lovely; it does not bloom so early."
"It has bloomed but now; and I am more than happy to find it here," he said, taking her hand and leading her to a seat at the foot of the oak tree. With her hand still resting in his he continued: "Do you remember, Laughing-eyes, our tryst on this love-inspiring spot, which seems to me so very long ago, and like a dream?"
"Yes, I remember; and more," she answered, looking up at him archly, while she continued: "I remember that you gave me a promise, Cacami, which I fear you are about to forget." This rejoinder was uttered insinuatingly, and accompanied by a coquettish side glance. Cacami, believing that the words were intended to be convertible, put his own construction on them, and said: