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"I do not doubt it," replied Bardissi, in kindly tones; "I only mean, Youssouf, that you are too young not to wish to wield the sword and join us in the conflict that is soon to be renewed.
"Now you speak of death, Youssouf. No, you shall not die! No, thoughts of death overtake us soon enough! Listen: I wish you to mount your horse and ride to Osman Bey Bardissi's camp." "Now, mistress! No, do not require this of me! " cried he, anxiously. "You are aware an unknown friend has warned us, and said that Sitta should hide her treasure, as danger threatened her.
The kachef chatted gayly with them in the Arabian tongue, and told them of the enemy who was approaching, but who could find no passage over the canal; and Youssouf laughed at and derided the enemy. They quickly observed that he was a faithful servant of the viceroy, and therefore chatted with him unreservedly.
Youssouf hastened to where the slaves were still singing their melancholy song, and sent one of them down into the park to inform her that the Mameluke bey, Osman Bardissi, had come, and desired to see her. The slave advanced timidly to the entrance of the kiosk, and announced the visitor to Sitta Nefysseh, who, awakening from a dream she had dreamed with open eyes, gently inclined her head.
"I have sworn that no other man should cross my threshold; but you, Youssouf, you may come sometimes." He starts, and gazes at her intently. Her voice sounds so sweet, so changed, and his eyes sparkle with delight. She quickly withdraws her hand and looks down.
If the three columns unite, the danger is multiplied; therefore, every thing depends on quick and resolute action. Youssouf Bey, Sheik Arnhyn informs us, is only two days' march distant Mohammed Ali, three. It seems to me, our plan should be to march against Youssouf, and vanquish him before Mohammed Ali can join him; we will then attack Mohammed Ali.
And yet so blissful, so heavenly, to look at you, Youssouf, and read in your eyes the secret of your love. Yet my lips were silent, for, as Mourad's wife, I wished to remain unblamable. You loved me, and I wished to remain free from blame for your sake, too." The tears that pour from her eyes fall upon his face a heavenly dew that gives him new strength, new happiness.
He hastily glanced around the garden, fastening his large, black eyes, on every bush, as if expecting to find an enemy concealed there. No one is to be seen. Only Heaven and the bees in the air see Youssouf as he rushes into the kiosk, picks up the rose, presses it passionately to his lips, and then conceals it in his bosom.
Only a sweet illusion," whispers he, with quivering lips; his eyes close, and he falls back heavily. But she bends over him, strokes his brow and cheek with gentle touch, and calls him loving names. "You live," murmurs she, "oh, feel that you live, dear Youssouf, Feel it in this kiss!" A soft tremor courses through his entire being, and his eyes open. Yes, he lives! He is not dead!
There are still many laurels to be earned by Youssouf Bey on the battlefield. Go and gather them!" "They have no charms for me; I desire only to look on you, to love you, Sitta Nefysseh! To remain with you and dream of bliss, and perhaps " "Be still!" cried she, interrupting him. "Do you wish my women to hear what your folly dictates? Mourad's widow commands you to be silent.