Fatoum. Is it possible?—It is magic!
Zoraya. No!—It is one of the mysterious laws of Nature that one will can fasten upon another, as mine has upon this child’s, and cause it to submit. It is so, Fatoum, for good or bad. If my power over this weaker creature were better established, and not so recent, I could say to her at this moment: “On such a day, at such an hour, you shall sleep this same sleep.” And unless she guarded herself while asleep, the least remembrance of that order on the stated day and hour would cause her to sleep unexpectedly in spite of her will, completely enslaved by mine. It is time to awaken her.
Fatoum. Not yet, I pray you!—Your will is so powerful. Can you not give her some protection against this disease tonight?
Zoraya. I can attempt it with great hope of success.
Fatoum. Oh! do it, Zoraya!—Do it! I shall forever bless you!
Zoraya. Joana! I tell you not to have the least fear that your trouble will return tonight. I have protected you. Do you understand?
Joana. (Feebly) Yes!—Yes!
Fatoum. May Allah reward you!
Zoraya. I tell you to awaken.
She draws Joana to her, leans over her shoulder, places her hand on the top of her head, breathes on her eyes and opens her eyelids. Joana sighs, rouses herself, awakens and looks astonished.