“He watched her continually with his huge eyes, and she did not mind his glance, though she began to feel irritated and restless under the observation of her relations.
“Towards noon Tahar again described mirage. As he pointed it out he stared fixedly at mademoiselle.
“The two other Parisians exclaimed that they saw forest trees, a running stream, a veritable oasis, where they longed to rest and eat their déjeuner.
“‘And mademoiselle?’ said Tahar. ‘What does she see?’
“She was gazing into the distance. Her face was very pale, and for a moment she did not answer. Then she said:
“‘I see again the Arab bearing the burden before him on the saddle. He is much clearer than yesterday. I can almost see his face——’
“She paused. She was trembling.
“‘But I cannot see what he carries. It seems to float on the wind, like a robe, or a woman’s dress. Ah! mon Dieu! how fast he rides!’
“She stared before her as if fascinated, and following with her eyes some rapidly-moving object. Suddenly she shut her eyes.
“‘He’s gone!’ she said.