"But it is so far. And in that Paris there are so many women. I know, because Sara has told me. And all their arms will be stretched out to keep you there."
"No arms have kept me there for longer than three months," he replied.
"And mine! Mine are not strong enough to keep you here?" she sobbed.
He drew the sobbing little beauty into his embrace, and kissed her tear-stained face.
"Tell me, my jewel, what favour can I grant you before I go?"
"I want nothing but just to rest upon your heart for ever."
With a tender hand he stroked her long black hair, and tried to soothe away the tears; flattering tears, resulting from his coming departure.
"Don't go to Paris, Casim, beloved," she whispered. "Stay in El-Ammeh. Paris is so far, and I am so ignorant of all outside of the desert. Ignorant of everything except love and you. Think, my lord, only six weeks have we been together, and now you would go! Only six weeks since my father brought me from the desert to sell me to the Sultan Casim Ammeh. How afraid I was until I saw you. And then I was afraid I might not find favour in your sight. For my heart was yours the moment our eyes met. Only six weeks ago! Casim, don't go," she implored. "Stay with me, for my heart is breaking."
"Little one, there is business as well as love," he said gently.
"I think of nothing but love."