"At last two men made their appearance and eagerly glanced around the mart. Both wore turbans and full Turkish dress. Their faces were shrouded with heavy beards, and there was an indescribable something about them that stamped them as personages of exalted rank.
"They paused a short distance from me, and one of them said, addressing Ali Pasha:
"'What is the name of yonder slave?'
"'Zuleika,' answered the obsequious and unscrupulous slave-dealer.
"'From what country is she and how did you obtain possession of her?' asked the second visitor, who had not yet spoken. His voice was subdued and evidently disguised; nevertheless there was something familiar in its tone that strangely stirred me and filled me with hope.
"Ali Pasha replied to his inquiry with unblushing effrontery:
"'The slave is from Circassia, and was sold to me by her parents.'
"I know not how I obtained the courage to do so, but instantly I cried out:
"'All that vile wretch has said is false! My name is Haydée, and I am the wife of the Count of Monte-Cristo! Ali Pasha forcibly abducted me from my husband's yacht that now lies in the harbor of Constantinople!'