ary for me to conceal my very
imprudent weakness until their passions had calmed down, or until some
conciliatory advances on the part of Kondje-Gul to Hadidje had led to
the forgiveness of this deplorable folly. But directly I attempted to
appeal to her reason, Kondje-Gul, full of pride at having won me back,
and even making use of my desertion as a weapon in her hands, would not
hear of humiliating herself before a rival. In vain I represented to her
that my own dignity, "the proprieties," and justice were at stake; she
held fast to her victory, and would not forego any of its advantages.

Finally, however, she comprehended the gravity of the situation.

"Well, do you know what we'll do?" she said; "it will be so nice! They
will all believe that you have given me a tremendous scolding. And so
you have, for you _were_ cruel when first you came in!"

"I suppose you did not deserve it then?" I answered.

"Hold your tongue, sir!" she said, putting her finger up to her mouth,
and pouting like a little child. "You're going to begin again! Let me
tell you my plan, which will settle all our difficulties."

"Let me hear your plan."

"Very well; you shall tell them that you have been inexorable, and that
you have treated me as an odious creature. For my part, I shall look
still more angry with you. Before them, we will scowl at each other, and
make them believe that all is quite at an end between us, and that you
have decided to send me away and have me sold."

"What a capital idea!" I said to her.

"Yes, do let us. It will be so delightful, so clandestine! And then I
shall feel that you love me better than them!"

"Because we shall deceive them, I suppose."

"Yes, yes!" she exclaimed, with a laugh; "because we shall deceive them!
Besides," she added in a tone of conviction, "you must know very well
yourself that there is no other rational course for us. In the first
place I swear I will never beg the pardon of this miserable
Hadidje--never!"

For the present it was clearly necessary to agree to this compromise,
which at least provided for the exigencies of decorum. When I left
Kondje-Gul I returned to the chateau from motives of prudence, in order
to avoid rousing the suspicions of my wives.

Nevertheless I must admit it was not without some apprehensions that I
returned the next day to the harem. But I was soon reassured when I saw
the amiable satisfaction which prevailed among my houris. The absence of
Kondje-G