"But how will the guards allow me to go out?"
"This talisman will induce them."
She thereupon tore her jewelled necklace, and held it before the Prince.
"When the matter will come to light" said he, "you shall come to grief at the hands of your father."
"No great matter."
"No, Aesha, I never will go."
Aesha looked blank.
"Ah, why so?" asked she sadly.
Prince. "I owe you already nothing less than my life,—and I shall never do an action which shall make you miserable."
"Then must you persist in refusing?" asked she in a choked voice.
"Pray, go out alone," said he.
Aesha was again silent,—tears gushed out afresh from her eyes, defying her utmost efforts at restraining them.
"Aesha!" exclaimed the Prince in amazement—"Aesha, why do you weep, maiden."
Aesha was silent.
"Aesha," the Prince went on, "if you can well express to me the cause of your silent weeping, do so I beseech you. I shall lay down my life to remove it. That I have chosen to remain in prison cannot have brought tears to the eyes of Aesha. Have not thousands of prisoners rotten in your father's goal?"
Without returning any answer, Aesha wiped her eyes.
"Prince," said she after a pause, "I shall weep no more."
The Prince was rather sorry for not receiving any reply. Both hung down their heads in silence.
