Then the Magician rose, paying no attention to the reproachful glances which the poor Vizier cast upon his son, and crossing the room, he stopped at Hassan's side.
'If you like to come with me on a short visit, you may do so,' he said.
'I shouldn't like it at all,' said Hassan. 'I think it would be horrid.'
'But,' exclaimed the Vizier angrily, 'you said you would like to go.'
'Not for a short visit,' answered Hassan. 'What's the use of a short visit?'
'Very well,' said the Magician, smiling agreeably; 'you may stay as long as you please. And you shall have everything you see.'
'Thank you,' answered Hassan, though he did not look very thankful, 'I don't want anything.'
'Then, come along,' cried the Magician, stepping towards the door.
'But I am not going,' answered Hassan. 'I shan't go. I don't want to go.'
'Come along,' said the Magician cheerfully, and he fixed his small bright eyes on Hassan's face as he spoke. Although the Magician was some yards away, Hassan felt obliged to rise from his chair, and to follow him out into the corridor. Hassan would far sooner have stayed where he was, yet he knew he could not stay even to say good-bye to his father, and he began to feel fonder of the Vizier than he had ever felt before.