the captain of his guard, and the porter were placed in the middle of the hall, seated upon a carpet before the three ladies, who reclined upon a sofa, while the slaves stood ready to do whatever their mistresses should command.
The porter spoke first, and briefly related the adventures of the morning with Amina, and the kind favors to him of herself and her fair sisters in the evening, which he declared to be the whole of his history.
When the porter had concluded, Zobeide said, “Save thyself and begone, nor ever let us see thee again.” “I beg of you, madam,” replied he, “to let me remain a little longer. It would be unfair that I should not hear their histories, after they have had the pleasure of hearing mine.” Saying this he took his place at the end of the sofa, truly delighted at finding himself free from the danger which so much alarmed him. One of the calenders, addressing himself to Zobeide, next spoke.
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