ectly asked, from a
man whom reverence and humility kept silent before him, except when
something was said which amounted to a command to speak. At length,
however, he said, not without some hesitation, 'Is there no one,
Abdallah, who will thank me for the preservation of thy daughter, with a
zeal equal to thy own?' 'Yes,' replied Abdallah, 'that daughter whom
thou hast preserved.' This reply, though it was unexpected was pleasing:
for HAMET was not only gratified to hear, that ALMEIDA had expressed
herself warmly in his behalf, at least as a benefactor; but he judged,
that if any man had been interested in her life as a lover, the answer
which Abdallah had given him would not so readily have occurred to his
mind.

As this reflection kept HAMET a few moments silent, Abdallah withdrew;
and HAMET, as he observed some marks of haste and confusion in his
countenance, was unwilling longer to continue him in a situation, which
he had now reason to think gave him pain. But Abdallah, who had
conceived a sudden thought that HAMET'S question was an indirect
reproach of ALMEIDA, for not having herself solicited admission to his
presence; went in haste to her apartment, and ordered her immediately
to make ready to attend him to the king.

ALMEIDA, from whose mind the image of HAMET had not been absent a moment
since she first saw him, received this order with a mixture of pain and
pleasure; of wishes, hopes, and apprehensions, that filled her bosom
with emotion, and covered her face with blushes. She had not courage to
ask the reason of the command, which she instantly prepared to obey; but
the tenderness of Abdallah, who perceived and pitied her distress,
anticipated her wish. In a short time, therefore, he returned to the
chamber of presence, and having received permission, he entered with
ALMEIDA in his hand. HAMET rose in haste to receive her, with a glow of
pleasure and impatience in his countenance; and having raised her from
the ground, supported her in his arms, waiting to hear her voice; but
though she made many attempts, she could not speak. HAMET, who knew not
to what he owed this sudden and unexpected interview, which, though he
wished, he could contrive no means to obtain; imagined that ALMEIDA had
some request, and therefore urged her tenderly to make it: but as she
still remained silent, he looked at Abdallah, as expecting to hear it
from him. 'We have no wish,' said Abdallah, 'but to atone for our
offence; nor any