CHAPTER XXVI
After that interview with her captor Pansy's life rapidly developed into one long struggle between inclination and upbringing.
She knew she loved the Sultan, but all her standards revolted against marrying him. She could not bear to think about the wild past that was his, but she equally could not bear to think that he might fall into sin again when hers was the power to prevent him.
What was more, she knew he had guessed her love for him, and was doing his best to make her succumb to his attractions.
After that one interview she was not allowed out of the sensual, scented precincts of the harem. She had no occupation, no amusements, no books even. Nothing to do all day except just think about her lover and fight her battle.
And he made the battle all the harder. Never a day passed but what he was there, big and handsome and fascinating. He would come upon her in the little walled garden, and linger with her among the roses. By the hour he would sit with her in the wide gallery overlooking the desert. Very often he dined with her in the gilded chamber, and stayed on afterwards in the dim light of the shaded lamps, watching her with soft, mocking eyes.
And very often he would say:
"Well, Pansy, have you made up your mind whether you are going to marry me or not?"
It seemed to the girl that the whole world was combining to drive her into the arms of a man she ought to turn from with contempt and disgust.