“My brothers will be overjoyed,” answered Perreeza, “to learn of the happiness of their sister; and to me, it will afford the greatest pleasure to convey to them the joyful intelligence.”
“If it will please my daughter,” said Barzello, “she may accompany us. What sayest thou, Jupheena?”
“Thy daughter most gratefully accepts thy kind offer.”
“Our young friend, peradventure, will be pleased to see her brothers and cousin without any delay, while Jupheena will accompany her father on an errand of business at the house of an officer nearby. Thou mayest inform thy brothers and cousin that we shall call and see them presently.”
Perreeza embraced the opportunity, and, thanking the officer with one of her peculiar smiles, hurried to their apartment.
“Back again, precious Perreeza!” cried Azariah, hastening to meet her. “And did our sister see the king’s officer and his young daughter, of whom Barzello spoke?”
“I did!” exclaimed his sister, while unusual joy beamed in her countenance.
“And from thy countenance I am prepared to judge that the interview has been a happy one,” said her cousin Daniel.
“Never was there a happier interview, cousin. The noble officer’s kindness is unbounded, and his daughter is one of the loveliest beings I ever beheld.”
“Perreeza, I trust, will not forget the kindness of Barzello, in the warmth of her gratitude to her new friend,” said Azariah.