This was the manner of their trade. For one hour in the morning, and one
in the afternoon, Asti, heavily veiled, and a woman of the servants whom
they had found in the house, would sit on stools amidst the goods and
traffic with all comers, selling to those who would buy, and taking
payment in gold dust or other articles of value, or buying from those
who would sell. Then when the hour drew towards its close Tua would
sweep her harp behind the screen that hid her and begin to sing, whereon
all would cease from their chaffering and listen, for never before had
they heard so sweet a voice. Indeed, at these times the broad street
in front of their house was packed with people, for the fame of this
singing of hers went through the city and far into the country that
lay beyond. Then the traffic came to an end, with her song, and leaving
their goods in charge of the servants, Tua and Asti departed to the back
rooms of the house, and ate their meals or wandered in the large, walled
garden that lay behind.
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