Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/186

170 had happened to my advantage. But as to the revealing of this mystery, I beg you will not be offended if I remain silent, and that you will be satisfied to know from my own mouth that I am happy and content with my fate. To tell you this, and to relieve your anxiety, was the motive which brought me hither. I must now return, and the only favor I ask is your leave to come occasionally to pay you my duty, and to inquire after your health."

"Son," answered the Sultan of the Indies, "I wish to penetrate no further into your secrets. I can only tell you that your presence has restored to me the joy I have not felt for a long time. You shall always be welcome when you can come to visit me."

Prince Ahmed stayed but three days at his father's court and on the fourth returned to the fairy Perie Banou, who received him with the greater joy, as she did not expect him so soon. At the end of a month after the prince's return, the fairy, no longer doubting his love for her, proposed herself that he should pay his respects to the sultan. "It is a month," she said, "since you have