Page:The Way of a Virgin.djvu/125

Rh "If I refuse I'm lost; and if I obey I'm shamed. But I am now Queen of all the Ebony Islands and they are under my rule, nor shall I ever again meet my Kamar al-Zaman save in this place; for there is no way for him to his native land but through the Ebony Islands. Verily, I know not what to do in my present case, but I commit my care to Allah who directed all for the best, for I am no man that I should arise and open this virgin girl."

Then quoth Queen Budur to Hayat al-Nufus:

"O my beloved, that I have neglected thee and abstained from thee is in my own despite."

And she told her her whole story from beginning to end and showed her person to her, saying:

"I conjure you by Allah to keep my counsel, for I have concealed my case only that Allah may re-unite me with my beloved Kamar al-Zaman and then comewhat may."

...The Princess heard her with extreme wonderment and was moved to pity and prayed Allah to re-unite her with her beloved, saying:

"Fear nothing, O my sister; but have patience till Allah bring to pass that which must come to pass. ...O my sister, verily the breasts of the noble and brave are of secrets the grave; and I will not discover thine."

Then they toyed and embraced and kissed and slept till near the Mu'ezzin's call to dawn-prayer, when Hayat al-Nufus arose and took a pigeon-poult, and cut its throat over her smock and