"Masa, daughter of the Sheik of Praousta, confess that you are
rightfully and according to the law my slave. I paid you the
purchase-money, and you accepted it. I was gracious, and granted
your request that you might pass the day with your father. I was a
fool, and trusted to human faith. Because you swore by the spirit of
your mother and by Allah, and all you held sacred, that you would
return to me in the evening. as it beseemed a purchased slave, to my
harem, where the eunuchs awaited you. I granted you this delay out
of kindness. You mocked at my mercy and scorned my kindness. You
broke your oath. And you fled from your master with this boy in
shameless infidelity."
He paused and looked down at the white figure, as if expecting an
answer, although he knew that Masa, too, had been gagged in order
that no cry for help might escape her pale lips. They are both
bound. The same fate has overtaken both, and they must bear it in
silence. Their fearful anguish can find no utterance.
"Masa, I repeat what I said before. Repent and attempt to repair the
wrong you have done; show your master that you will belong to him in
love; show this, as he requires it of you. Go with me voluntarily to
the sheik, your father, tomorrow, and say to him: 'Cousrouf Pacha
has purchased me, and I will follow him out into the world, of my
own free will and love.' Say this to the boy, too, who lies there;
tell him that henceforth you will be your master's faithful slave,
and will serve him in love and joyousness.
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