She, you must be told, is as poor as I am, but the child of freeborn and noble parents.

Now swear to me, swear--no, do not interrupt me--swear by the head of your father that you will never, abandon her, that you will never behave to her otherwise than as if she were the daughter of your dearest friend or of your own brother." "I swear it and I will keep my oath--by the life of the man whose head is more sacred to me than the names of all the gods.

But now I beseech you, I command you open this door, Klea--that I may not lose you--that I may tell you that my whole heart is yours, and yours alone--that I love you, love you unboundedly." "I have your oath," cried the girl in great excitement, for she could now see a shadow moving backwards and forwards at some distance in the desert.

"You have sworn by the head of your father.

Never let Irene repent having gone with you, and love her always as you fancy now, in this moment, that you love me, your preserver.