consequence; and his satisfaction was so evident, that Nemyl beheld it with delight, and—profited by it.
"'How much gold do you want for the girl?' asked the Aga, endeavoring to appear indifferent.
"'Five thousand doblas,' answered Nemyl, composedly.
"'Five thousand doblas! Bismillah! dare you laugh at our beards? That money would buy a dozen women.'
"'I was offered that by a Russian officer,' said the Circassian, without moving his eyes.
"For a moment the Aga hesitated, but the idea of selecting a favorite speedily overcame all his scruples, and bidding Nemyl follow him with the litter, he proceeded to a private door of the imperial seraglio, and gave Zara in charge of two female slaves.
"Thus was the fairest flower of Franquistan placed in the imperial garden, and he who had trained it was soon on his way home, with five thousand doblas in his pocket.
"What pencil could portray the delight of his sublime highness, or what tongue could repeat the language of his immaculate lips, when he beheld his Aga's new purchase.
"'Barek Allah!' praise be to God; 'what an hour!' he exclaimed, kissing her passionately.
"'She is already a favorite,' said the Aga, and smiled.