“No.”
“You love him?”
“Why should I not? Has he not been more than a father to me?”
“He did not so act when he induced you to leave those to whom you were bound by ties of blood. Zulima, you will never be a singer for the public; I, Ajeeb, have said it.”
The man’s eyes blazed with a strange light, and a thrill seemed to pass through him.
“What do you mean?” cried the girl, greatly frightened.
“My meaning will be made plain in due time,” said Ajeeb.
“You would not harm me.”
He laughed derisively.
“Would I not? You should know I never allow aught to stand in the way of the accomplishment of anything I set about.”