She walked straight up to them.
"Let's be friends," she said. "We're all in the same boat, and must work together. In fact, you are worse off than I am, for I am younger and better looking than either of you!"
This was not conciliatory language, but it accorded so well with what the two women had just been saying to each other, that they could make no reply. Each looked inquiringly at the other for a moment, and then Souleima asked:
"Do you think he is in earnest?"
"Absolutely. He would have no reason to parley with the girl, else. She is in his power."
"We shall all be turned into the street," said Ayesha.
"He would never dare," cried Souleima. "He has nothing against us. We are faithful, honest wives. It would make too great a scandal."
"He will find a way," replied Ferende, coolly.
"What shall we do? O, what shall we do?" sobbed the two elder wives. Poor things! They had no Virgin to take refuge with.
"If she should fall ill and die!" suggested Souleima.