The cold tone of the answer struck Selim somewhat.
"Thou hast become strange," said he. "I do not know thee for some time—but—"
"Finish."
"But everything is forgiven those who are in love."
"Unless those who cross our path," answered I, with the voice of the stone Comandore.
Selim struck me with a glance as sharp as lightning, and went to the bottom of my soul.
"What dost thou say?"
"I say that I will not go, and, secondly, that one does not forgive everything!"
Had it not been that all were present at this conversation, Selim certainly would have made the whole question clear at once. But I did not wish to make it clear till I had more positive proof. I saw, however, that my last words had disquieted Selim and alarmed Hania. He loitered yet awhile, putting off his departure under trifling pretexts, and then, choosing the moment, said to me in a low voice,—
"Take a horse and conduct me. I wish to speak to thee."