lace they proceeded through a
narrow passage, which ended in a cheerful apartment, the walls of which
were of white polished marble. In its centre was suspended a
chandelier of diamonds, and at the further end a purple curtain,
falling in symmetrical folds, concealed a magnificent couch. On each
side of the couch stood two lions of brass, so naturally formed as to
appear living, had not the brightness of the metal proved the contrary.
"You are now in the haven of your joy and destination," said Lockman.
"Upon this couch slumbers Gulhyndi, whom Heaven has destined for you.
She stretches her arms towards you, and it remains with you to choose
the moment when you will be the happiest of mortals."

When Lockman had said these words, he drew the curtain, and Ali saw his
Gulhyndi sleeping in the most charming attitude on black silk cushions.
Lockman, contemplating Ali, said, as he left the room, "Venture, and be
happy."

Ali stood there, blushing and trembling. The noble beauty of Gulhyndi
inflamed his heart. "Come, my beloved," she cried in her sleep,
stretching out her arms, "come to my heart."

Ah hesitated; he approached her, but suddenly stopped. "No, Gulhyndi,"
he said to himself, "it is not thus we should meet again! Sleep
sweetly! I will go and await the moment when you rise and come towards
me."

With these words he drew the purple curtain, and hastened with quick
steps to the church.

Perfect silence and peace reigned here. The brown porphyry columns
rose majestically, and the light from the moon in the choir played
strangely in the innumerable precious stones which covered the ceiling
like sparkling foliage. Ali knelt down. "Eternal Allah!" he cried, "I
stand far removed from thy bright moon, far from thy genial blooming
forest that adorns the surface of the earth! Anguish and expectation
oppress my bosom in the dark bowels of the earth, where burning lamps
and dead stones are to supply, by their flickering gleam, thy holy
light, thy fresh, young, and ever-changing nature. But where I am,
there thou art also! Thou seest me in the bowels of the earth, as on
the highest rocks. I am in thy power, wherever I go, and resign myself
confidently to thy protection."

He now approached the choir, where the shining crystal globe was slowly
turning on the altar. Curious to know how it was contrived, he went
towards it; but passing an open door which he perceived on his left,
and which seemed to be the en