"
A horse's hoofs ring out against the pavement of the court-yard
without. A cry resounds from her lips, and she sinks down. "O Allah,
watch over him! Let him return! I love him--I love him so dearly!"
CHAPTER VI
PERSECUTION.
An hour had scarcely elapsed since Youssouf's departure when two of
her maids rushed into Sitta Nefysseh's presence with anxious looks.
She lay on the divan, her countenance entirely concealed, to hide
her tear-stained features. She remained still, endeavoring to
recover her composure. The women came nearer.
"Mistress, some one is here who wishes to speak with Sitta
Nefysseh."
"Well, what is it that alarms you so?" said she, raising her head
slightly, and looking at them. "Who is it that wishes to speak with
me?"
"O mistress," murmured one of them, "it is the cadi with four of the
police."
Sitta Nefysseh sprang to her feet.
"What say you? The chief of the police dares to enter my house! What
does he want ?"
"He says he comes at the instance of his highness the viceroy."
"If that is the case," said Sitta Nefysseh, quietly, "let him
enter." One of the women opened the door, and the cadi, the chief of
police, appeared on the threshold; behind him stood four policement
with pistols and daggers in their belts, their hands on their
swords.
"Were my women right? " asked Sitta Nefysseh, with dignity.
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