"I don't think she has shed a tear since her father died. It is extraordinary. She startles me, almost frightens me. Either she is a girl of astonishing character, or else——"
"She has had a great shock, poor child. Only yesterday at this hour her father was with her, and now——"
"True—quite true!"
A hush fell upon all. Even Fatimah's comb was quiet. It was almost as if a spirit were passing through the room. At length the old lady said—
"Any news of——"
"None."
"Would you tell me if there were?"
"If you asked me—yes."
"My poor boy!"
"Hafiz has inquired everywhere. Nobody knows anything about him."