--Ada is conscious that it is the
viceroy, the good friend, who stands before her; but the husband it
is not.
"Welcome, dear Ada!" he says, in kindly tones. Ah! she is familiar
with these loveless tones. "Welcome, dear Ada; I rejoice heartily to
see you again after this long separation."
She takes his hand, presses it in her own, and looks at him
earnestly.
"Yes, after so long a separation; do you know how long we have been
separated? Do you feel it in your heart?"
"I well know bow long, Ada. We have been separated five years," he
replies, with a kindly smile. "You see five years have effected
great changes."
"Yes," murmurs she, releasing his hand. "They have brought about
great changes. I see it, Mohammed."
"But, dear Ada, my heart and my affection for you are unchanged," he
says, gently. "I shall ever honor you, Ada, as my first wife, as the
mother of my first-born sons. Yes, as my first wife."
She bows her head. She understands the tone with which Mohammed had
pronounced that fearful word. Yes, she understands it, and bows her
head in humility. And what would opposition avail her? The law of
the prophet allows the man to have several wives. Love is fleeting,
and its ardor soon passes away after marriage. Friendship is the
successor of love, and men say this is happiness.
The women sigh, and bow their heads in silence.
What would it avail Ada to rise in arms against Mohammed's words,
"My first wife"?
"Yes, Ada, you will ever remain my first wife, the honored mother of
my sons.
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