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Dona Esperanza exchanged a look with the sachem, and after reflecting a moment, as if recalling her ideas, she said to Dona Marianna, in her gentle, sympathising voice -- "My dear girl, before beginning my narrative, I must inform you that I belong to the Aztec race, and am descended in a direct line from the kings of that people. Hence, the story you are about to hear, though simple in its form, is completely exact, and has dwelt among us intact for generations. I trust," she added, with a stress, "that it will interest you."
Then turning to one of the criados who stood motionless behind the guests, she said -- "The quipos."