"What didst thou wish to say?" inquired Selim.
"I wished to say to thee that I know all. Thou lovest Hania, and she thee. Selim, thou hast acted dishonorably in ensnaring Hania's heart. I wish to tell thee this, first of all."
Selim grew pale, but every element in him was roused. He rode up to me so closely that our horses almost pushed each other, and asked,—
"Why? why? Reckon with thy words."
"First, because as thou art a Mussulman, and she is a Christian, thou canst not marry her."
"I will change my religion."
"Thy father will not permit that."
"Oh, he will permit it."
"In every case, there are obstacles besides that. Even shouldst thou change thy religion, neither I nor my father will give thee Hania, never and never! Dost understand?"
Selim bent toward me from his saddle, and answered, putting emphasis on every word,—