"Please answer my question."
Saidee thought for a moment. "Yes. I would do that. But what's the use
of talking about it? You! A poor little mouse caught in a trap!"
"A mouse once gnawed a net, and set free a whole lion," said Victoria.
"Give me a chance to think, that's all I ask, except--except--that you
love me meanwhile. Oh, darling, don't be angry, will you? I can't bear
it, if you are."
Saidee laid her head on the girl's arm once more, and they kissed each
other.
XXXIX
Maieddine did not try to see Victoria, or send her any message.
In spite of M'Barka's vision in the sand, and his own superstition, he
was sure now that nothing could come between him and his wish. The girl
was safe in the marabout's house, to which he had brought her, and it
was impossible for her to get away without his help, even if she were
willing to go, and leave the sister whom she had come so far to find.
Maieddine knew what he could offer the marabout, and knew that the
marabout would willingly pay even a higher price than he meant to ask.
He lived in the guest-house, and had news sometimes from his cousin
Lella M'Barka in her distant quarters. She was tired, but not ill, and
the two sisters were very kind to her.
So three days passed, and the doves circled and moaned round the minaret
of the Zaouia mosque, and were fed at sunset on the white roof, by hands
hidden from all eyes save eyes of birds.
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