It would be the beginning of war. She did not know what he would do
but she knew that she would endure it.

And the gossip of the harems would be her protection. Her
opposition, bruited through those feminine channels, would not be
long in reaching Hamdi Bey.... And no man could to-day be so callous
of his pride or the world's opinion that he would be willing to
receive such a revolting bride.

Did her father think of that, that poor, pale power of hers? He
stood irresolute, as if meditating a last exhortation, and then
suddenly turned on her the haggard face of a violent despair.

"Would you see me ruined?" he said passionately.

Sharply he glanced about the room, at the far, closed doors where it
was not inconceivable that old Miriam was lurking, and strode over
to her and began talking very jerkily and huskily, over her bent
head.

"I tell you that Hamdi is making this a condition--it is the price
of silence, of those papers back.... He came to me to-night. I knew
that hound of Satan had been smelling about, but I could not
imagine--as if, between gentlemen--"

At that, she lifted her stupefied head.... Her father, with the face
of a cornered fox!... She caught her breath with the shock of it.
Her lips parted, but only her mute eyes asked their startled
questions.