"Why these fine phrases, sir? Talk to me in short and terse
language, as you Franks are accustomed to do, and pay no attention
to the flowery words which, with us, the men are in the habit of
mocking instead of flattering us poor creatures."

"I am not mocking you, Sitta Khadra," said the merchant, gravely. "
I esteem you, for you are a good woman, and therefore I addressed
you as I did. I know you well, and I know what you have there hidden
under your veil."

"What have I there, sir?"

"You have brought me back the gold-embroidered goods, and the veil
bordered with golden fringe, which your son Mohammed bought for
you."

"Yes, sir; I have brought them back. They do not become me. I did
not like to tell the boy so, for it pleases him to think I will
array myself in them. I therefore accepted them, hoping you would
take them back."

"I expected you, and see, I have the money ready for you. When I saw
you coming, I took it quickly from my purse. Here, good Sitta
ghadra, are the six ducats which Mohammed gave me."

She shook her head gently.

"You are very kind, sir, and I thank you. Yet, I cannot accept them.
Mohammed would scold me when he learned it. He told me, himself,
that he had given you four ducats and not six. I divined that you