"Far from it."
"And it would not be right that an innocent woman should atone for what her husband has committed."
"Certainly not."
"Then do you think, my lord, that the Sublime Sultan will be merciful to this woman?"
"What a question! Have no fear for her!"
Apafi was not so simple as not to be struck by this exaggerated indulgence, the more satisfactory were the Beg's replies the keener grew his feeling of anxiety. At last, much perturbed, he ventured to put this question:
"Gracious Beg! will you allow this unfortunate woman to rest in peace at my house, and can you assure me that the Sublime Sultan will espouse her cause?"
"The Holy Book says: 'Be merciful to them that suffer and compassionate them that weep.' Therefore, behold I grant thee thy desire: let this poor innocent woman repose in thy house in peace, let her rest thoroughly from her sufferings and let her enjoy the blessedness of peace till such time as I must take her from thee by the command of the Grand Seignior."
Apafi felt his brain reel, so marvellous, so terrible was this graciousness of the Turk towards him.
"And when think you you will require this woman to be handed over?"