“Hath the Rajah seen it?”
“Yes, and suffered it to remain with me for the sake of my people.”
“How, then, shall I take it from thee?”
“Because I give it—freely.”
Churi’s hand closed slowly on the stone. His eyes were glittering as he rose at last. “Come, then, to the antechamber, to-night,” he murmured.
Fidá’s face grew radiant. “Wilt thou tell her?”
“I will tell her.”
“At midnight to-night—oh, my beloved!”
Churi stared at him still. “Truly thou aspirest greatly,” he said, with envy in his heart.