Is there any hope?'
'Yes, there is hope, beloved. Now the Otomie are cast down and they
remember that we led the flower of their land to death. But they are
brave and generous at heart, and if I can touch them there, all may yet
be well. Weariness, pain and memory make us weak, who should be full of
courage, having escaped so many ills. Sleep, my husband, and leave me to
think. All shall yet go well, for even misfortune has an end.'
So I slept, and woke in the morning somewhat refreshed and with a
happier mind, for who is there that is not bolder when the light shines
on him and he is renewed by rest?
When I opened my eyes the sun was already high, but Otomie had risen
with the dawn and she had not been idle during those three hours.
For one thing she had contrived to obtain food and fresh raiment more
befitting to our rank than the rags in which we were clothed. Also she
had brought together certain men of condition who were friendly and
loyal to her in misfortune, and these she sent about the city, letting
it be known that she would address the people at mid-day from the steps
of the palace, for as Otomie knew well, the heartstrings of a crowd are
touched more easily than those of cold and ancient counsellors.
'Will they come to listen?' I asked.
'Have no fear,' she answered. 'The desire to look upon us who have
survived the siege, and to know the truth of what has happened, will
bring them.
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