Nedjeb approached her young mistress, and, taking her by the hand, led her to the sofa, whereon she forced her to repose; then, taking a stool, she seated herself by her mistress.
"In your place," said Nedjeb, "instead of thinking of Seigneur Ahmet, and lamenting his absence, I would think of Seigneur Kéraban and abuse him roundly."
"What good would that do?" said Amasia listlessly.
"I fancy we should be less sad," replied Nedjeb. "If you like, we will heap a series of maledictions upon this uncle's head. He deserves them all, and I assure you I will give him full measure."
"No, Nedjeb," replied Amasia. "Let us rather speak of Ahmet. Of him alone ought I to think, and I only think of him."
"Let us then speak of him," said Nedjeb. "In truth, dear mistress, he is the most charming fiancé ever girl possessed; but what an uncle he has! That despot, that selfish wretch, who had only a word to say and did not say it—who refused to remain here for the few days he might have given us. Indeed, he deserves—"
"Let us talk of Ahmet," said Amasia.
"Yes. Ah! how he adores you! How happy you will be with him! He would be perfection if he had not such a man for his uncle. Of what can he be made, I wonder? Do you know, I think he has done wisely not to marry. Against such a disposition as his even the very slaves of the harem would have rebelled."
"There, you are speaking again of him," said Amasia, whose thoughts were running on Ahmet.
"No, no; I was talking of Seigneur Ahmet—I am, like yourself, thinking only of Ahmet. Yes, in his place I would not have given way. I would have insisted. I really thought he had more determination!"
"People would tell you, Nedjeb, that Ahmet has displayed more energy in yielding to, than he would have done if resisting his uncle's commands. Do not you perceive that, though it causes me anxiety, it is better he should go and thus endeavour to hasten the journey by all possible means, and
