He felt that
he must cry out to relieve his breast. He extends his arms into the
air, as though he saw before him the white dove, and wished to clasp
it to his heart; as though he saw on the murmuring sea at his feet
the swan approaching, singing to him the song of holy virgin purity
and of chaste maidenly love.
"O how beautiful is the world!" he exclaims, exultingly. "How
heavenly to live in it! But then this is not earthly delight, but
the bliss of Paradise. I shall enter Paradise to-day, and be one of
the blessed; I shall revel in heavenly joys already here on earth as
man never did before. Come, Djumeila, and listen to my words. Come
to this spot. See, here she stood this morning; here she exchanged
with me vows of eternal fidelity, and this holy place I have
consecrated with my tears and my despair. I was a fool; oh, forgive,
Masa, forgive me, and I will repay you with life-long devotion. So
long as a drop of blood flows in my veins will I love you and belong
to you alone. Come, seat yourself beside me, Djumeila, and listen
attentively to each word I shall speak to you."
CHAPTER VIII
VANISHED.
The inhabitants of Praousta had insisted on making the release of
the sheik and the ulemas the occasion of general rejoicing, and the
latter were compelled to yield to the general desire and take part
in the festivities.
But it is well that evening is now come, and that the night is
spreading her rest-bringing mantle over the earth.
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