The veiled virgin now walks through the court-yard to the iron
railing; kneels down upon the mosaic pavement, and, raising her
hands, whispers softly:
"Father, my beloved father, do you hear your daughter's voice?"
Mohammed bows his head, and listens in breathless suspense, his
heart throbbing wildly.
"I hear you, my daughter," replied the sheik, in a quiet tone. "I
expected you, for I know my Masa's heart well."
"Masa," murmured Mohammed; "what a beautiful, glorious name! It
falls like music upon my ear, and makes my heart beat strangely.
What does this mean? Allah, protect thy servant!"
Against his will, he still listens to this heavenly voice that now
entreats her father to yield, to submit to the inevitable. But the
sheik, as she continued her supplications, commanded silence, and
forbade her to burden his heart with her tears.
"Life, my daughter, is but a short span; but eternity is long, and
woe to those who have not done their duty during that short period!
They will suffer for it throughout eternity, for Allah is strong in
his wrath, and just in his punishment. I have sworn that I will
watch over the welfare of my community while I live, and Sheik Alepp
will keep his word to the end of his life."
"But, father, beloved father!" urged the maiden, "you have also
sworn to be a parent and a guardian to me all the days of your life.
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