ed in his mind, was greatly astonished to find himself in his
company at the foot of the Caliph's throne, and still more to see
Halechalbe treated by Haroun with the kindest attention.

Upon the first proposal of a reconciliation made by the Grand Vizier,
the father stretched out his arms to receive his son. Measures were
then agreed upon for unravelling the adventure, and Halechalbe's
father promised to execute with fidelity the orders which he received.
The father and son returned to their house, after having received two
rich robes from the munificent Caliph; and next day Halechalbe was
re-established in his shop, which was as richly furnished as before.

The young man endeavoured, by submission, kindness, and attention, to
make his parents forget the cause of complaint which he had given
them. Though still inflamed by love, he strove to conceal from them
its effects, and to get the better of his melancholy. He yielded to it
only when free from every other business, and when left to himself in
solitude and retirement.

Halechalbe's wife did not long enjoy the satisfaction of her revenge.
Having come to serious reflection on her conduct, she blamed herself
for the excess of her cruelty, and at length became uneasy about the
fate of the husband whom she had treated with too much severity,
though she still supposed him criminal and ungrateful. Love soon
regained the empire of her heart; and though she struggled for some
days against a feeling which she durst not avow, silence at length
became burdensome to her, and she ordered the old woman, as if solely
through compassion, to make inquiry about the situation of her
unfortunate husband.

"Alas, madam!" answered she, "my pity for him led me to his father's
house, and I there learned from the inhabitants of that quarter, that
the poor young man's life was in danger."

"His life in danger!" replied the lady. "Ah! unfortunate that I am! I
have killed the only man in the world I ever loved, or can love! Can I
not inform him that my life depends upon his? but everything prevents
me from doing so. Go, however, and speedily get information concerning
him, as far as you can, consistently with the safety of my honour."

The old woman received the order with great pleasure, and for some
time was able to give her mistress good hopes of the recovery of her
husband's health. But her inquiries soon became fruitless, for the
neighbours were altogether silent concerning Halechalbe