Page:Marion Crawford - Khaled.djvu/199

 'I do not care whether they are satisfied or not,' Khaled answered. 'All I desire is to he believed by you, for I cannot bear that you should think me what I am not.'

'What can I do? I cannot say to my intelligence, take this and reject that, any more than I can say to my heart, love or love not. It would indeed have been easier if you had said, "I am a certain Persian, a fugitive, protect me, for my enemies are upon me." I could perhaps give you protection if you require it, as you may. But you come to me with a monstrous tale, and you ask me to love, not a man, but a Jinn or an Afrit, or whatever it pleases you to call yourself. Assuredly this is too hard for me.'

And again Zehowah smiled scornfully, for she was really beginning to think that he might be a Persian disguised as the people said.

'I need no protection from man or woman,' said Khaled, 'for I fear neither the one nor the other. For I am strong, and if I am able to give out of charity I am also able to take by force. My fate is ever with me. I cannot escape it. But neither can others escape theirs. I will fight alone if need be, for if you will not love me I care little how I may end. Moreover, in battle, it is not good to stand in the way of a man who seeks death.'

But Zehowah thought this might be the speech of