THE PERSIAN BRIDE
only compromise yourself by such hasty action. Your eunuchs have been arrested, the gate leading to the boat is closed, your fleet horsemen are prisoners by this time. Listen to a woman and take her advice. Explain the mistake to your father to-morrow, and I much misjudge that generous monarch if he does not extend his pardon to you when you seek it. As for me—leave a woman to her own resources; Mihr-un-Nissa will know how to protect herself. I am the guest of Queen Rakiya Begum and the wife of Sher Afghan, and few who know me will care to provoke my enmity or incur my displeasure."
Thus proudly spoke the wife of an, undistinguished and unknown officer. She seemed to be inspired by a consciousness of her resources, her courage, her future greatness. And as Selim gazed on the veiled figure, calm and untroubled in the midst of danger, he felt something of that admiration which baser natures feel for those who are born to rule. His passion for the woman was mingled with his adoration for a queen, and his accents had a ring of sincerity when he spoke again.
"Mihr-un-Nissa! you were born to command, and I to obey, and the time shall come when an Empire will obey your mandates. I will leave you, since you wish it, and I will pursue the path you have indicated. But I ask for one favour, Mihr-un-Nissa, one last act of your kindness, before I part. Queen among the daughters of men! vouchsafe to me one view of your radiant face, one glance from your queenly eye, before I leave this lofty presence. An unhappy prince in his wanderings for years to come will cherish your
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