At the table there were four persons, Ashmed, his wife, Fatime, and
their two children, a boy and a girl.

As Ashmed's wife removed the veil which had concealed her face, Antonio
was struck by her exquisite beauty. The children, who were very well
behaved, greeted him in a friendly way and watched him attentively.
Antonio tried to do his best, and felt amply repaid when Ashmed said:
"Your services this day have pleased us. Now you may sing and play for
us."

As Antonio had noticed the affection which existed in this household, he
sang a sweet Italian song of motherly love.

"The song is beautiful," said the girl. And the boy said, "I wish I
could sing like that."

"Very well," said the father, "Antonio shall teach you."

The children were overjoyed, and Antonio assured the father that it
would give him great pleasure to instruct them. The music served as a
bond to draw them closer, and soon the children grew very fond of
Antonio. This pleased the parents, and won for Antonio their full
appreciation.




CHAPTER IV

THE LION