"Dearest Amasia," said Ahmet, "you would not like this worthy captain to take all this trouble for nothing. Since he has shown you these beautiful things, and there are even more beautiful ones on board, we may, I think pay the vessel a visit."
"Yes, yes!" exclaimed Nedjeb, who could not remain still. She ran down to the edge of the water as she spoke.
"And," continued Ahmet, "we shall no doubt find some silk goods which will satisfy Nedjeb too."
"Well, and must not I have something to do honour to the wedding-day?" retorted Nedjeb, who had overheard him; "something to celebrate my mistress's wedding with the generous Seigneur Ahmet?"
"So good as he is too," added Amasia, extending her hand to her affianced husband.
"That is settled, then, captain," said Ahmet; "you will see us on board your vessel."
"At what hour?" inquired Yarhud, "for I would like to show you all my fine things."
"Say in the afternoon," replied Ahmet.
"Why not at once?" said Nedjeb.
"Oh, the impatient creature!" replied Amasia, laughing. "She is even more anxious than I am to visit this floating bazaar. One might very easily perceive that Ahmet has promised her a present which will make her smarter and more coquettish than ever."
"Coquettish for you alone, my dearest mistress," said Nedjeb in an affectionate manner.
"It only rests with you, Seigneur Ahmet," said Yarhud. "You can go on board at once, if you please. My gig can be brought to the steps, and in a few strokes we shall be on board."
"Let us go, then, captain," said Ahmet.
"Yes, yes, let us go on board!" exclaimed Nedjeb.
"Very well, since Nedjeb wishes it," added Amasia.
Then Captain Yarhud told the sailor to gather up all the samples which he had brought; and while the man was thus occupied, he himself advanced to the edge of the terrace and hailed the Guidare.
Immediately there was a movement on board. The
