He smiled at her in silence. Butheita laughed.
"You see my song has gladdened you, and your countentance smiles
again. O joy! See, there in the distance! Yes, there come two
figures. That is my father, that is Sheik Arnhyn. Some one
accompanies him. Rejoice, sarechsme; you will be relieved of your
ennui!"
He laid his band gently on her shoulder, and regarded her with a
long, earnest look, that recalled the roses to her brown cheeks.
"I do not rejoice, Butheita, Queen of the Desert. I have erected a
throne for you in my heart, and my heart spoke to you in the words
of your song--'Throughout the long, long night my sighing ceases
not, my sighing for the dear gazelle that stole away my heart.' Then
speak, gazelle, shall I take you with me? Will you live with me in
the great city? Speak to me, gazelle."
She gazed far out over the yellow sand toward the two specks, in
which her keen eye recognized two human figures, but in which he saw
only two black specks that gradually increased in size.
"Answer me, Butheita. Their coming does not gladden me, and the
thought of leaving you makes me sad. If you fancy I have found it
dull here, you are in error. My heart is only too much occupied.
Butheita, sweetest of maidens, speak to me! Speak to me, gazelle!"
"See, sarechsme--father waves his hand!" cried she. "He already sees
us standing here; his eye is as keen as an eagle's.
Pages:
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495