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Taio Vahiné shook her head slowly. "Mauri, it is a grievous thing you have done. My heart is sore for you both, but what remedy there could now be... Think what it would mean if you were to tell Naia the truth. She looks upon you as her mother, and Vaihiva as her home. Her life is here; her thoughts are those of our people and our ways are her ways."

"Have I not thought of it!" Mauri exclaimed, bitterly. "And yet, she is young..."

"What would you do?"

"You shall tell me, Mama Taio. This matter is too hard for me. I have thought to no purpose. You can see into the future; that is known to all. Many things have you foretold that are hidden from us. I would know where Naia's happiness lies, here or elsewhere."

"And if it should be elsewhere?"

"Then I would tell her--if I can," Mauri replied in an anguished voice. "If it must be, I could, perhaps, for her sake."

Taio Vahiné stared at the small flame of the lamp in silence. At last she rose and laid a hand on Mauri's shoulder.

"Mauri... let this be for now. The time may not be far when you will need to know what I can tell you. Come to me then."