"Remain!" I cried, and bolted the door.

"Do you know if he will soon be back?"

"No, madam! He will not return for a long time. He left me alone
with the Salamanders. But I want one only, and that one is you."

I lifted her in my arms, carried her to the sofa, fell down on it
with her, and smothered her with kisses. I was out of my senses. She
screamed, I did not hear her; she pushed me back with outstretched
hands; her fingernails scratched me all over, and her vain defence
only excited my frenzy. I pressed, enlaced her, she fell back worn
out. Her mollified body gave way, she closed her eyes and soon, in
my triumph, her beautiful arms, reconciled, pressed me on her bosom.

Released, alas! from that delicious embrace, we looked at one
another with surprise. Occupied to get up again decently she put her
dress in order and remained silent.

"I love you," I said. "What is your name?"

I did not think her to be a Salamander, and to say the truth never
did think so.

"My name is Jahel," she said.

"What! you're the niece of Mosaide?"

"Yes; but keep quiet. If he should know--"