ary punishment, I could not conceal
from myself that, taking everything into consideration, it was really
necessary for me to punish the offence severely, into whatever
difficulties this adventure might lead me. I promised to give
satisfaction to their legitimate indignation. Then, leaving Hadidje to
the care of Zouhra and Nazli, I proclaimed that I was going at once to
subject the culprit to an examination, after which I should pronounce
sentence upon her.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CHAPTER VI.

Kondje-Gul was shut up in her room; I found her sitting on her bed,
which was disarranged, and the pillows of which seemed to have been
rumpled up in a fit of rage and despair; she appeared like one
stupified, with her gloomy looks, and hands clasping her knees. Her face
and her neck bore the marks of Hadidje's nails. The _kohl_ from under
her eyes had been smeared on her cheeks, which were smudged all over;
she looked just like a little savage, with however the gracefulness of a
child.

She did not stir when I came in; I walked right up to her, and in the
solemn tone of a judge, said--

"Wretched girl, do you know what you have done?"

She remained silent and motionless, fixing her eyes on the carpet.

"After such an act, will you not answer?" I continued.

"Why do you love her?" she said at last, in a wild voice.

"Say, why should I love _you_?" I replied, "when your bad temper and
your jealousy lead you to disobedience, to crime--when you stir up
quarrels and discords among us?"

At these reproaches Kondje-Gul all at once drew herself up erect before
me, and exclaimed passionately--

"Then you do not love me any longer?"

My questions had not reached their mark.

"This is not the time for me to answer you," I said. "I am now asking
you to account for the act which you have just committed."

"Very well! If you love me no more, I want you to confess it, and I will
die! What have I done to you, that you should prefer Hadidje to me?
Perhaps she is handsomer than I am, is she? If you think me ugly," she
added, in a tone of concentrated despair, "tell me straight, and I will
go and cast myself into the lake, and you shall see me no more!"

"But no! I did not say that," I replied, trying to cut short this
diversion.

"Then what are you reproaching me for? Hadidje loves you better than I
do, perhaps?"

"Neither Hadidje's sentiments nor mine have anything to do with the
question. I am asking you