"Mourad's widow
is not so proud and not of such high rank as to desire to have a
troop of Mamelukes in her service. You know I liberated all my
Mamelukes at my husband's death; and how could I, who have so few
servants about me, dare to take a Mameluke bey into my service? No,
such honor were too great for me. You, Youssouf Bey, must go out
into the world again. You will still accomplish many great deeds,
and do me honor. For, when your deeds are spoken of, people will
say: 'He was once a Mameluke with Mourad Bey, and afterward the
kachef of Sitta Nefysseh. It was in Mourad's house that he grew up
and became a hero.' That suffices for me, and Sitta Nefysseh will
rejoice in your renown."
"Sitta Nefysseh!" cried he, in tones of anguish, "you drive me from
you! I have done as you commanded. I went out to battle and did not
seek death, because you had forbidden me to do so, but fought like a
lion, and earned a name. Now that I have returned, you refuse to
give me the one reward I desire. While the bullets whistled about
me, amid the din of battle, I thought only of Sitta Nefysseh, who
would bid me welcome when I returned home, and restore to me my
place in her house. This was the only reward I sought. And now you
drive me from you!"
She had listened to him in breathless suspense. It was bliss to hear
his words, yet her countenance must not betray her.
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