istians differ from Mohammedans widely on the point of slavery; and I
am sure," she added playfully, "you will not think me rude when I say
that I mean to take advantage of your laws, and procure the ransom of as
many slaves as possible during my residence here."

"If you had the wealth of a king," said Ashweesha, with a smile, "you
could not ransom the half of them, they are so numerous."

"I am too well aware of that," rejoined the other sadly; "nevertheless,
that does not exempt me from my duty. In the laws of my heavenly King
and Saviour Jesus Christ it is written--`Whatsoever thy hand findeth to
do, do it with thy might.'"

The Sultana bent a keen look of interest on her guest, and was about to
reply, but seemed to change her mind, and said:--

"It was Sidi Hassan, I am told, who brought in this slave-girl; and, by
the way, I hear that he has become your janissary. Do you like him?"

"I have seen so little of him that I can hardly tell.--You have walked
with him in the garden, Agnes, several times; what do _you_ think of
him?"

"I don't like him at _all_!" answered Agnes, with powerful emphasis.

Both ladies laughed, and so did the six little daughters of the Sultana,
who had maintained a dignified silence while their elders were
conversing.

"My little girl is rather given to take hasty prejudices," said Mrs
Langley apologetically.

"Does your husband find him useful?" continued the Sultana, returning to
the charge.

"No doubt he does, but I really cannot say, for my husband has only
mentioned him casually, and I never venture to speak of his business
affairs unless called on to do so. The fact that Sidi Hassan has been
much oftener in town than at our residence since he was sent to us, may
account for my slight knowledge about him."

"Oh! he has been very often in town, has he?" exclaimed Ashweesha.

Before Mrs Langley could reply, an attendant announced that dinner was
served in the adjoining room, whereupon the Georgian slaves were ordered
to pick up the jewels that strewed the carpet. This they did, and,
having locked them in the glass cabinet before mentioned, followed the
party into the dining-room.

It was a somewhat peculiar dinner in many respects. There was great
variety. Meat, poultry, pastry, and sweatmeats of strange kinds and
forms, succeeded each other, and were done full justice to by all
present. It was like a glimpse of paradise to little Agnes; for, having
been brought up