She now comes to say that the men of Praousta are really not able to
pay the double tax. You know that, although I would now gladly
abandon the collection of the tax, I have sworn to Mohammed Ali that
he alone should settle the matter. This tender-hearted maiden has
now thought of a means of solving this difficulty. She brings these
jewels, inherited from her mother, and asks me to give her their
value, a sum sufficient to pay the second tax. I, however, am a poor
man, and have not the hundred sequins to give her for her jewelry,
in order that she may take them to the people of Praousta, for from
them only will Mohammed accept payment of the tax. Therefore, pardon
my importunity. You are rich and mighty; when your purse is empty
you can easily refill it. You are noble and generous, and will
perhaps be disposed to take the jewelry, and let the loving daughter
have the money wherewith to obtain the deliverance of her father."
"Where are the jewels?" asked the pacha, gazing with impassioned
eyes upon the veiled figure of the maiden of whose countenance the
eyes alone were visible. But they were so beautiful, and rested upon
him with such an expression of tender entreaty, that he was moved to
the depths of his soul. "Where are the jewels?" repeated he,
slightly bending down over her.
She raised her hand and gave him the casket. "Here they are, noble
master.
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