“When you are old and ugly?” repeated Ajeeb, in surprise.
“Yes; then no one will want to marry me, prince or else.”
“But you should marry the young son of King John.”
“I shall never marry.”
Zulima had kept her feelings from betraying themselves up to this time. Now she burst into a flood of tears.
“My child,” said Ajeeb, in kinder tones than he had yet used, “you have some secret sorrow; let me share it with you.”
“No; it is nothing.”
“Then why do you weep?”
“Because this man is so foolish for himself,” replied Zulima.
Ajeeb frowned. It was plain to him that she had conceived more than a passing affection for the explorer. This was exceedingly displeasing to him, but he judged it better not to speak of it.