there was in the eye a doomed darkness of expression that caused the
beautiful creature before him to almost tremble with fear.

"Beautiful, indeed," mused the Sultan, as he gazed upon the slave
with undisguised interest; "and how much did she cost us, good
Mustapha?"

"One thousand piasters, excellency" answered the agent, with
profound respect.

"A thousand piasters," repeated the monarch, again gazing at the
slave.

"Yes, excellency, the bids ran high."

"A goodly sum, truly, Mustapha, but a goodly return," continued the
Sultan.

"There was one fault, excellency," continued the agent, "that I
feared might disappoint you."

"And what is that, good Mustapha?"

"She is both deaf and dumb, excellency."

"A mute?"

"Yes, excellency."

"Both deaf and dumb," repeated the Sultan, rising from his divan and