She slowly
raised her eyes, and then gazed at him, long and fixedly.
"Youssouf Bey," said she, "you cannot remain with me, and though it
may seem hard to you to-day, to-morrow you will confess that it is
impossible. Youssouf Bey was not created for such purposes. He is a
hero! Without, your men await you. Return to them. Those who imagine
that peace has entered the city with you are in error. There are
still many laurels to be earned by Youssouf Bey on the battlefield.
Go and gather them!"
"They have no charms for me; I desire only to look on you, to love
you, Sitta Nefysseh! To remain with you and dream of bliss, and
perhaps--"
"Be still!" cried she, interrupting him. "Do you wish my women to
hear what your folly dictates? Mourad's widow commands you to be
silent. Now you have terminated our interview. Go, join your men!"
"Forgive me, Sitta, forgive me! By Allah, I entreat you, do not deal
so severely with your poor Youssouf! You are lustrous, yet also cold
like the diamond! You know no mercy; for, alas, you know not love!
Yet, I conjure you, be merciful; do not drive me from you; and I
swear that I will speak no more of love, but only serve you as your
faithful slave!"
"Let us terminate this interview," said she, in a low voice. "I
shall remain convinced that you should not stay in my house, and you
will therefore go."
"I must go!" cried he, in despairing tones, "yet others may approach
you! The great Bardissi will be welcome, and L'Elfi may also come.
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