You forget what I am.

What am I?
A victim, and doomed--doomed to a hideous fate--a fate of horror unutterable.
You cannot even begin to imagine the anguish with which I look forward to that fate which impends over me and Almah.

Marriage--idle word! What have I to do with marriage?
What has Almah?
There is only one marriage before us--the dread marriage with death! Why talk of love to the dying?
The tremendous ordeal, the sacrifice, is before us and after that there remains the hideous Mista Kosek!" At this Layelah sprang up, with her whole face and attitude full of life and energy.
"I know, I know," said she, quickly; "I have arranged for all.

Your life shall be saved.

Do you think that I have consented to your death?
Never! You are mine.