It's
awkward, but there will be compensations. So much the worse for Nahoon,
or for Cetywayo, or for both of them. After all, I can always get rid of
her if she becomes a nuisance."
Then, in a fit of renewed weakness, brought about by the turmoil of his
blood, he lay back upon the pillow of furs, watching Nanea's face while
with a native salve of pounded leaves she busied herself dressing the
wounds that the leopard had made.
It almost seemed as though something of what was passing in his mind
communicated itself to that of the girl. At least, her hand shook a
little at her task, and getting done with it as quickly as she could,
she rose from her knees with a courteous "It is finished, _Inkoos_," and
once more took up her position by the roof-tree.
"I thank you, Lady," he said; "your hand is kind."
"You must not call me lady, _Inkoos_," she answered, "I am no
chieftainess, but only the daughter of a headman, Umgona."
"And named Nanea," he said. "Nay, do not be surprised, I have heard of
you. Well, Nanea, perhaps you will soon become a chieftainess--up at the
king's kraal yonder.
Pages:
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68