Arab
ideas are peculiar; and we have to respect them."
"I think my friend and I must talk the whole matter over," said Stephen,
"and then, perhaps, we can make up our minds to a plan of action we
couldn't have taken if it weren't for what you've told us--about the
marabout and his European wife."
"I am glad if I have helped," Sabine answered. "And"--rather
wistfully--"I should like to help further."
XLV
"Oh Lella Saida, there is a message, of which I hardly dare to speak,"
whispered Noura to her mistress, when she brought supper for the two
sisters, the night when the way to the roof had been closed up.
"Tell me what it is, and do not be foolish," Saidee said sharply. Her
nerves were keyed to the breaking point, and she had no patience left.
It was almost a pleasure to visit her misery upon some one else. She
hated everybody and everything, because all hope was gone now. The door
to the roof was nailed shut; and she and Victoria were buried alive.
"But one sends the message who must not be named; and it is not even for
thee, lady. It is for the Little Rose, thy sister."
"If thou dost not speak out instantly, I will strike thee!" Saidee
exclaimed, on the verge of hysterical tears.
"And if I speak, still thou wilt strike! Be this upon thine own head, my
mistress. The Ouled Nail has dared send her woman, saying that if the
Little Rose will visit her house after supper, it will be for the good
of all concerned, since she has a thing to tell of great importance.
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