Part 95 (1/2)

No, not I.

I'll act this farce no more. He must know soon.

SALADIN.

Who? what?

SITTAH.

Al-Hafi! say, is this your promise?

Is't thus you keep your word?

AL-HAFI.

Could I foresee That it would come to this?

SALADIN.

Well, tell me all.

SITTAH.

Al-Hafi! I implore you, be discreet.

SALADIN.

'Tis very strange; and what can Sittah have So earnestly to sue for, from a stranger-- A Dervise--rather than from me, her brother?

Al-Hafi, I command you. Dervise, speak.

SITTAH.

Let not a trifle touch my brother nearer Than is becoming, for you know that I Have often won as much from you at chess.

But as I stand in little need of gold, I've left the money in Al-Hafi's chest, Which is not over full; but never fear, It is not my intention to bestow My wealth on either of you.

AL-HAFI.

Were this all!

SITTAH.

Some more such trifles are perhaps unclaimed: My own allowance, which you set apart Has lain some months untouched.

AL-HAFI.

Nor is this all.

SALADIN.

Then tell the whole.

AL-HAFI.

Whilst we've been waiting for The gold from Egypt, she----