Then he went forward, lighted by the torches which were carried before them.
"Poor man!" thought the merchant as he looked after the Mukaukas.

"But to a man who has such a son to carry him the saddest and hardest lot floats by like a cloud before the wind." He was now ready to forgive Orion even the rejected flowers; and when the young girl stepped on shore, the child clinging fondly to her arm, he confessed to himself that Dame Susannah's little daughter would find it hard indeed to hold her own by the side of this tall and royal vision of beauty.

What a form was this maiden's, and what princely bearing; and how sweet and engaging the voice in which she named some of the constellations to her little companion, and pointed out the comet which was just rising! Haschim was sitting in shadow; he could see without being seen, and note all that took place on the bench, which was lighted by one of the barge's lanterns.

The unexpected entertainment gave him pleasure, for everything that affected the governor's son roused his sympathy and interest.

The idea of forming an opinion of this remarkable young man smiled on his fancy, and the sight of the beautiful girl who sat on the bench yonder warmed his old heart.