“Stay,” said Malluch. “I left a messenger outside. Will you see him?”
“By the splendor of God! I forgot him.”
Malluch retired, and was succeeded by a lad of gentle manners and delicate appearance, who knelt upon one knee, and said, winningly, “Iras, the daughter of Balthasar, well known to good Sheik Ilderim, hath intrusted me with a message to the sheik, who, she saith, will do her great favor so he receive her congratulations on account of the victory of his four.”
“The daughter of my friend is kind,” said Ilderim, with sparkling eyes. “Do thou give her this jewel, in sign of the pleasure I have from her message.”
He took a ring from his finger as he spoke.
“I will as thou sayest, O sheik,” the lad replied, and continued, “The daughter of the Egyptian charged me further. She prays the good Sheik Ilderim to send word to the youth Ben-Hur that her father hath taken residence for a time in the palace of Idernee, where she will receive the youth after the fourth hour to-morrow. And if, with her congratulations, Sheik Ilderim will accept her gratitude for this other favor done, she will be ever so pleased.”
The sheik looked at Ben-Hur, whose face was suffused with pleasure.
“What will you?” he asked.
“By your leave, O sheik, I will see the fair Egyptian.”
Ilderim laughed, and said, “Shall not a man enjoy his youth?”