"'And I am quite mad. Listen to me, faithless Christian. I beheld you in the streets when you saw me not, and have risked honor, life, every thing, to come to you, and be your slave. How could I help what has passed? My father—'
"'Zara, you should have died first.'
"For a time she remained silent, with her head bowed, and then said, in low tones:
"'Christian, you are right; I should, indeed, have preferred death to my present fate; but it is too late now. I will return to my master; yet do I hope to see you once again. Will you not grant me that favor?'
"'Once more,' answered Garstoff mechanically.
"'Then come here to-morrow, and you will find a large chest; place yourself in it, and two slaves will bring you to me. Do you promise?'
"'I do, Zara,' and, in deep sorrow, Garstoff turned away.
"'Base dog!' muttered Zara, as she again muffled her features, 'you have rejected the daughter of Nemyl, and she sleeps not while you press the earth.'
"The favorite sped hastily back to the palace, and entered by a secret door, while the Kislar Aga, who had concealed himself near her at the mosque, and witnessed the interview, hastened to the queen mother, and made his report, when she exclaimed:
"'Allah be praised! this Circassian will soon be under the Bosphorus; for Zara will meet her gallant, and his serene highness shall behold himself dishonored.'