“Surely this woman is a queen,” and another answered:
“Nay, she is a goddess,” but ere the words had left his lips Tua was gone.
As for Janees the King, he stared at her open-mouthed, reeling a little upon his feet, then, as she fled, turned to Asti, saying:
“Is this Lady your slave?”
“Nay, King, my daughter, whom you have done ill to spy upon.”
“Then,” said Janees slowly, “I who might do less, desire to make this daughter of yours my Queen—do you understand, Merchant of Pearls—my Queen, and as a gift you shall have as much gold again as I have promised for your gems.”
“Other kings have desired as much and offered more, but she is not for you or any of them,” answered Asti, looking him in the face.
Now Janees made a movement as though he would strike her, then seemed to change his mind, for he replied only:
“A rough answer to a fair offer, seeing that none know who you are or whence you come. But there are eyes upon us. I will talk with you again to-morrow; till then, rest in peace.”
“It is useless,” began Asti, but he was already gone.