Mohammed unties the silken scarf that binds Butheita's
feet, and assists her to stand up.
He also unties the scarf that binds her hands, and she now stands
before him with her face veiled. He gently removes the cuffei from
her head. Her large black eyes glance around the wide space, and she
sees the tent that looks exactly like her father's. She turns her
eyes on Mohammed with a loving glance. He draws her to his heart.
"Are you still resolved, Butheita, that he only shall kiss you who
leads you to his tent as his wife. And will you only allow him to
kiss you at the door of the tent?"
"I am still so resolved!" she exclaims, but in joyous tones. "I am
still so resolved!"
Mohammed lifts her in his arms and carries her to the tent.
"Butheita, this is my tent! I lead you into it as my wife. Butheita,
may I now kiss you?"
She makes no answer, but, with a loud cry, throws herself upon his
breast, and kisses him passionately. Mohammed encircles Butheita
with his arms, and bears her into his tent.
CHAPTER XVII
CONCLUSION.
THE citadel presents a scene of great animation; its apartments,
especially those in which the viceroy's eons are to reside, are
richly adorned and hung with flowers. All the doors are thrown open,
and a number of richly-attired female slaves are standing in the
hall at the head of the grand stairway which is covered with costly
carpets from Damascus.
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