"'Why do you not buy me, then?'
"The Russian staggered back and turned pale at the suggestion; for it reminded him how wholly the woman was beyond his reach, and filled him with despair.
"'What sum would do it?' he asked.
"'Five thousand doblas,' answered Zara, composedly; 'the great sultan will give four thousand, and if you offer five, my father will surely sell me to you.'
"'Alas! what a curse is poverty!' exclaimed Garstoff, smiting his forehead. 'I have only my pay, and it would not amount to that sum in three years. What shall I do?'
"His sorrow evidently affected Zara, and for some moments they remained silent. At length, her eyes brightened, and she said in peremptory tones;
"'You can bear me away to your own country.'
"'That is true!' ejaculated the Russian, kissing her willing hand in ecstasy. 'Then indeed have I not suffered in vain. I will take you to a country where the sovereign will smile upon you as my bride, and you shall forget a land where women are sold like dogs. Bless you for the suggestion, dear Zara, I thought of it before; but dared not anticipate so much happiness. When will you fly with me?'
"'At this hour, two days hence, I will be in the garden alone!' responded the girl, with a familiar glance.