"Not five days—not four—not one day—not an hour!" exclaimed Kéraban.
Ahmet, perceiving that the natural obstinacy of the man was cropping up, signed to Amasia to intercede.
"And our marriage, Monsieur Kéraban?" asked the girl modestly, taking his hand.
"Your marriage, Amasia. That will still be a fixture. It must be accomplished before the end of next month, and so it shall be. My journey will not retard it by a day—if I leave here at once!"
So crumbled the castle in the air which had been erected: the scaffolding of hopes which had been put up on the unexpected arrival of Kéraban fell to the ground. The wedding would not be hastened, but on the other hand it would not be delayed. How could he count upon the accomplishment of the conditions, with a long and toilsome journey in prospect?
Ahmet could not restrain an angry movement, which fortunately his uncle did not observe, any more than he noticed the shade of disappointment on Amasia's brow, or than he heard Nedjeb's whisper of "Oh, the wretch!"
"Besides," continued Kéraban in the tone of a person who makes a proposition to which no possible exception can be taken,—"besides, I count upon Ahmet accompanying me!"
"That is a home-thrust which will be difficult to parry," whispered Van Mitten to Bruno.
"They will not parry it," said the valet.
In fact, Ahmet had received it full in his heart. Amasia also was struck dumb and remained motionless, by the verdict which was to deprive her of her affianced husband. She clung to Nedjeb, who would have liked to tear Kéraban's eyes out!
The captain of the Guidare did not lose a word of the conversation. Things were taking a turn favourable for him.
Selim now thought it time to interpose, though he had no hope of altering Kéraban's determination; so he said,—
"Is it really necessary that your nephew should accompany you on your tour of the Black Sea, Kéraban?"
