You must see, therefore, dear Atam-or, that my plan is the very best that can be thought of for all of us, and above all for Almah." This, however, was intolerable; and I could not consent to desert Almah, even if by doing so I should save her life.

My own nature revolted from it.

Still it was not a thing which I could dismiss on the instant.

The safety of Almah's life, indeed, required consideration; but then the thought came of her wonder at my desertion.

Would she not think me false?
Would not the thought of my falsity be worse than death?
"No," said I, "I will not leave her--not even to save her life.