women; but even this precaution was rarely taken, for Lalla was not
used to it, and the Sultan pressed nothing upon her that he found to
be in any way disagreeable to her feelings. So when the officer
announced a stranger who had shown a purse which bore the Sultan's
arms as his talisman, he was bidden to admit him at once.

The slave turned her back by chance as the stranger entered, and
hearing not his steps she still bent absorbedly over the roll of
engravings while the new comer with profound respect told the Sultan
that until a moment since he had not known that it was his good
fortune to have served his highness, and that perhaps had he
realized this he would not then be before him.--But the monarch
generously re-assured him by his kindness, and repeated his offer of
any service in his power.

"I feel that I am already a heavy pensioner on your bounty,
excellency," he replied.

"Not so; your bravery and prompt assistance stood us in aid at an
important moment.--Speak then, and if there be aught in which we can
further your wishes or good, it will afford us pleasure."

"It is of a matter, which would hardly interest your excellency that
I would speak."

"We are the best judge of that matter."

"Shall I tell my story then, excellency?"

"Ay, speak on," said the monarch, resuming his pipe, and pouring