"Thou wilt die before me?"
"So it is written in the book of the Future," said Azrael proudly; "so long as thou seest me alive, have no fear of Death! But the sound of the horn of the Angel of Death which summons me away will also be a signal for thee to make ready."
Hassan, having dried his tears, quitted Azrael's room, and on reaching his own, sank down upon a divan, and was immediately overcome by sleep.
When he had gone, Mariska knelt down before the bed on which her little child was softly sleeping, and drawing a little ivory cross from her breast, began to pray.
Azrael touched her hand.
"Pray not now, thou wilt have time to pray later."
Mariska looked at her in wonder.
"I? Are not the hours of my life numbered?"
"No. Listen to my words and act accordingly. I will free thee."
The Princess was astonished, she fancied she was dreaming.