She neither weeps nor laments. Her lips are mute, and her eyes shed
nq tsars. Is this a time to weep, when Youssouf Bey is suffering and
needs her care and attention? No, at such a time a woman must be
strong. She will have time enough for tears and lamentation in her
after-life.
The fearful gash on his forehead bears silent evidence of this. She
has often seen similar wounds, and bound them up herself.
She well knows that Youssouf Bey is wounded unto death--that there
is no hope of recovery: Yet she does not weep. With Allah all is
possible, and he may be gracious. A miracle may occur; Youssouf's
youthful vigor and his heroic nature may yet vanquish Death. Perhaps
her love may preserve him. Grant, merciful Allah, that it be so!
Her women now come with other injured Mamelukes, who are placed on
the mats Sitta Nefysseh had caused to be spread out for them in the
adjoining room.
Sitta Nefysseh forbids any one to enter the room where Youssouf
lies.
"He needs repose," said she, stepping into the adjoining room to see
that the other wounded were being well cared for. "Youssouf Bey
needs repose. Be still, move noiselessly, and do not disturb his
sleep! It may be the sleep of death. Be still, close the doors and
draw the curtains, that no noise may reach him!"
It is perfectly quiet in the room where Youssouf Bey lies. Sitta
Nefysseh kneels beside him.
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