They may speak to you of their love and adoration, but me you
command to depart!"
"No, Youssouf," cried she, "to them I shall say, depart also! I
swear by Allah and by my--"
She stopped, she had almost pronounced the word that trembled on her
lips. "By my love," she had almost said, yet, with quick command of
herself, she added:
"By my honor, Bardissi and L'Elfi shall visit me no more! From this
day the doors of my house are closed against all men; this I swear
to you, Youssouf!"
"I cannot thank you for doing so," said Youssouf, sadly. "If no man
is to cross your threshold, I also am banished from your presence,
and I therefore rather entreat you to let others visit you, in order
that I too may come to you sometimes."
There was something so humble, so imploring in his voice and look,
that Sitta Nefysseh's heart was touched against her will. She could
not do otherwise, she held out her hand and gave him a kindly look.
"I have sworn that no other man should cross my threshold; but you,
Youssouf, you may come sometimes."
He starts, and gazes at her intently. Her voice sounds so sweet, so
changed, and his eyes sparkle with delight.
She quickly withdraws her hand and looks down. She feels that she
has betrayed herself for a moment, she feels the ardent gaze that is
fastened on her, and dares not look up, for fear that he may read
the love that is reflected in her eyes.
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