"Chance has made me a spectator of the scene which took place before the departure of Seigneur Ahmet."
"Chance?" exclaimed Amasia, who had become distrustful, as if by presentiment of evil.
"Simply chance," repeated Yarhud. "I was in my boat, which is at your disposal."
"What proposition have you to make to us, captains?' inquired Amasia.
"A very natural one," he replied. "I have noticed how the daughter of Selim the banker has been affected by the sudden departure of Seigneur Ahmet, and if she would like to see him again once more—"
"See him once more? What do you mean?" exclaimed Amasia, whose heart was beating tumultuously.
"I mean," said Yarhud, "that in an hour Seigneur Kéraban's carriage will pass along the road which rounds yonder cape."
Amasia stepped forward and gazed at the headland indicated by the wily captain.
"There? Over there?" she said.
"Yes."
"Oh, my dear mistress, if we could only reach that point!"
"Nothing can be more easy," said Yarhud. "Within half an hour, with this breeze, the Guidare could get there; so if you like to come, you can embark at once."
"Yes, yes," exclaimed Nedjeb, who in this excursion only perceived an opportunity for Amasia to see her affianced once again.
But Amasia was more prudent, and reflected upon the suggestion. The captain could scarcely control his impatience at her hesitation, and this anxiety had not escaped the banker's daughter. The appearance of Yarhud was not in his favour either, so she remained uninfluenced by the temptation.
"I await your orders," said the captain.
"No, captain," replied Amasia. "Were I to see my fiancé under such conditions, I believe I should give him more pain than pleasure."
Yarhud, comprehending that he had no hope of altering her determination, retired coldly.
