None else but
the man who loved her as she has told me my father did would have
thought first of her."
"For long years, my son, I can scarce recall a moment that the
radiant vision of your mother's face has not been ever before me.
Tell me of her."
"Those who have known her longest say that she has not changed,
unless it be to grow more beautiful--were that possible. Only,
when she thinks I am not about to see her, her face grows very
sad, and, oh, so wistful. She thinks ever of you, my father, and
all Helium mourns with her and for her. Her grandfather's people
love her. They loved you also, and fairly worship your memory as
the saviour of Barsoom.
"Each year that brings its anniversary of the day that saw you
racing across a near dead world to unlock the secret of that awful
portal behind which lay the mighty power of life for countless
millions a great festival is held in your honour; but there are
tears mingled with the thanksgiving--tears of real regret that the
author of the happiness is not with them to share the joy of living
he died to give them. Upon all Barsoom there is no greater name
than John Carter."
"And by what name has your mother called you, my boy?" I asked.
"The people of Helium asked that I be named with my father's name,
but my mother said no, that you and she had chosen a name for me
together, and that your wish must be honoured before all others,
so the name that she called me is the one that you desired, a
combination of hers and yours--Carthoris.
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