The slave was very quick-witted. She was scheming and wicked of heart. In a moment she knew all that the question might mean to her. Forgetting the kindness of her young mistress in redeeming her from the cruel captain and in making of her a beloved companion, rather than a slave, she quickly made this answer:
“There is my slave girl, whom I bought with much money. Only these gold pieces about my neck have I saved. She is now in another room.”
Then the prince took her by the hand and said, “Before Allah do I take thee for my wife.” And he kissed her upon the cheek.
As these words were spoken there came the sound of light footsteps. The young mistress entered.
“Come, girl!” arrogantly called the slave. “Thy master, my husband, hath wakened. He calleth for thy service. Hasten to do his bidding!”
The gentle maiden saw that matters were not as they had been when she began her promenade through the great rooms. But, being obedient of heart, she said to herself: “This, too, comes from Allah. It must be borne patiently.”
At the first opportunity she made haste to count [[53]]the marks upon the marble which she had made every day with the bit of charcoal. They numbered forty. Then she felt that there was no hope for her, and meekly put herself in the place of her own slave, doing every service that was required of her. The real slave was bitterly cruel, and asked the most menial offices of this beautiful girl, although upon the full awakening of the prince the palace had become filled with the usual number of servants.
A little time later on the prince said to the one whom he had taken for his wife: “I am going on a long journey. What is thy wish that I bring thee?”
“Bring me a hundred diamonds and one hundred turquoises,” said the woman.
Then the prince turned to her whom his wife called slave. “And what wouldst thou have, my child?” he asked.