THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA
ears. I am but a poor frail man, Jamshid, but among my sins, which are many, I do not reckon that of having ever deceived any woman who trusted in me. Perhaps the memory of one, whom I loved when I was a boy, has saved me from this." Noren's voice had sunk into a whisper. But he added with a smile: "Thou wilt perhaps comprehend these things when thou art a man. Be a true man whatever thy failings."
The innocent boy looked up to his master in surprise and said, in his innocent way:
"But I do comprehend these things, Master. Men marry women whom they love, do they not? Why did you not marry the girl whom you loved?"
"What an inquisitive boy thou art," said Noren, still smiling. "She was but a girl, Jamshid, and her pure, innocent heart never knew what I felt. She has perhaps married a better and a worthier man; I have never loved any other woman on earth."
The boy rose to trim the lamp, which was burning low. The lamp went out and there was utter darkness in the tent.
There was a long silence, for none spoke. At last the boy said, in a low voice, "The hour of midnight is past, and if Master permits the minstrel boy would retire."
"Go, my child, and take my blessings as thou wouldst accept no other reward. Be happy in thy life."
"A wanderer has no troubles on earth, Master. Many are the places I visit and many are the people I
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