orse
than death.

"The beautiful stranger, preceded by her twenty slaves, and I attended
by the same number, went into the grand apartment prepared for our
nuptials, and there sat down together on the same sofa. The old woman
then appeared at the head of four slaves, and brought us, on golden
plates, different refreshments, exquisite confections, and fruit of
all kinds, which we mutually presented to one another. After this, the
service disappeared, and we remained alone.

"I was almost trembling, when the lovely unknown lady took me by the
hand to encourage me.

"'Halechalbe,' said she, 'since the day when curiosity first led me
into your shop I have loved you; and the same sentiment has frequently
carried me back, under pretence of cheapening and purchasing goods.
The little intercourse we have had together has given me an
opportunity of knowing you; and my liking for you has so much
increased as to make me ambitious of being united to you for life. Can
you think of sacrificing your liberty?'

"'Madam,' answered I, 'from the first moment you appeared in my sight,
your charms failed not to produce their effect. I never saw you
without feeling an unaccountable disorder, mixed, however, with the
sweetest pleasure. You never left me without occasioning the most
lively regret: I expected you every day, and my thoughts were
incessantly occupied about your image. I dared not avow my passion to
myself; but since you have confessed your regard for me, I swear to
you, that nothing can equal the strength of my love, and that the
sacrifice of liberty is nothing to one who would give his life for
your sake.'

"'Halechalbe,' said she, 'truth seems to flow from your lips: spare
your life; it is essential to my happiness; but if we are to be united
for life, attend to the conditions upon which I will yield my heart.
My name and rank must remain unknown to you until the steps I am now
taking shall have enabled me publicly to acknowledge you for my
husband. You shall make no inquiry within this place for the purpose
of getting information, and the door of the house shall be opened only
once a year.'

"'O madam,' said I, 'I will keep silence; I will remain ignorant; I
will never leave the house----

"'Stop,' said she, 'I have a still more severe condition to impose
upon you: as I give myself wholly to you, it is reasonable that you
should be wholly mine. My slaves are become yours, and will obey you
in everything; but you mus