"I don't know," said Tika.
"I made you a confession the other day which I should have withheld," said the Prince; "did you repeat it to your mistress?"
"I never hide anything from her, sir."
"Ah!" eagerly exclaimed the Prince, "what did she say when she learned of my love for her?"
"She said nothing, but hid her face in her hands."
The Prince sighed.
"I must see her at any cost!" he cried. "For three days I have deprived myself of that pleasure, and I am worn out; I forget that I am her master."
"I will announce your visit to her," said Tika, going hastily back into the house.
A moment later, Tosa stood before Fatkoura. He thought her even more lovely than the last time that he saw her. Sorrow had ennobled her beauty; her complexion, free from cosmetics, revealed its feverish pallor, and her eyes wore an expression of proud resignation which was most touching.
The Prince was agitated, and could not utter a sound. She saluted him by raising her sleeve to her mouth. She was first to speak.