At length he reached it, and thrusting his fingers through the openings in the pierced woodwork, rested his weight upon it like a man who is faint, as perhaps he was with the sweetness of that music.

Then of a sudden, by craft or chance, he swung himself backward, and with him came the frail screen.

Down it clattered to the floor, and lo! beyond it, unveiled, but clad in rich attire, stood Tua sweeping her harp of ivory and gold.

Like sunlight from a cloud the bright vision of her beauty struck the eyes of the people gathered there, and seemed to dazzle them, since for a while they were silent.

Then one said: "Surely this woman is a queen," and another answered: "Nay, she is a goddess," but ere the words had left his lips Tua was gone.
As for Janees the King, he stared at her open-mouthed, reeling a little upon his feet, then, as she fled, turned to Asti, saying: "Is this Lady your slave ?" "Nay, King, my daughter, whom you have done ill to spy upon." "Then," said Janees slowly, "I who might do less, desire to make this daughter of yours my Queen--do you understand, Merchant of Pearls--my Queen, and as a gift you shall have as much gold again as I have promised for your gems." "Other kings have desired as much and offered more, but she is not for you or any of them," answered Asti, looking him in the face.
Now Janees made a movement as though he would strike her, then seemed to change his mind, for he replied only: "A rough answer to a fair offer, seeing that none know who you are or whence you come.