That is why in old days it was called the Sultana's Chamber, for there at the end of it was where she bathed in the summer season.

What say you of spies?
Oh! yes, in the palace there are many, but to look towards this place, even for the Guardian of the Women, was always death.

Here there are no witnesses, save the flowers and the birds." As she spoke thus they reached the central path, and passed up it slowly, Peter's hand still upon the shoulder of Inez, and her white arm about him, while she looked up into his eyes.
"Bend closer over me," she whispered, "for truly your face is like that of a wooden saint," and he bent.

"Now," she went on, "listen.

Your lady lives, and is well--kiss me on the lips, please, that news is worth it.
If you shut your eyes you can imagine that I am she." Again Peter obeyed, and with a better grace than might have been expected.
"She is a prisoner in this same palace," she went on, "and the marquis, who is mad for love of her, seeks by all means, fair or foul, to make her his wife!" "Curse him!" exclaimed Peter with another embrace.
"Till a few days ago she thought you dead; but now she knows that you are alive and recovering.