This morning I gave you certain tidings which proved both true and useful, and for those tidings you promised a reward." "It is so," she said, and going to a chest she drew from it an ivory casket full of ornaments of gold and among them necklaces and other objects set with uncut precious stones.

"Take them," she said, "they are yours; that is, save this gold chain alone, for it is vowed to Baaltis." "But lady," he asked, "how can you appear before Ithobal the king thus robbed of all your ornaments ?" "I shall not appear before Ithobal the king," she answered sharply.
"You say so! Then what will the prince Aziel think of you when he sees you thus unadorned ?" "My beauty is my adornment," she replied, "not these gems and gold.
Moreover, it is nought to me what he thinks, for he hates me, and has reviled me." Metem lifted his eyebrows incredulously and went on: "Still, I will not deprive you of this woman's gear.

Look now, I value it, and at no high figure," and drawing out his writer's palette and a slip of papyrus, he wrote upon it an acknowledgment of debt, which he asked her to sign.
"This document, lady," he said, "I will present to your father--or your husband--at a convenient season, nor do I fear that either of them will refuse to honour it.

And now I take my leave, for you--have an appointment to keep--and," he added with emphasis, "the time of moonrise is at hand." "Your meaning, I pray you ?" she asked.

"I have no appointment at moonrise, or at any other hour." Metem bowed politely, but in a fashion which showed that he put no faith in her words.
"Again I ask your meaning, merchant," she said, "for your dark hintings are scarcely to be borne." The Phoenician looked at her; there was a ring of truth in her voice.
"Lady," he said, "will you indeed deny, after I have seen it written by yourself, that within some few minutes you meet the prince Aziel beneath a great tree in the palace gardens, there--so said the scroll--to ask his aid in this matter of the suit of Ithobal ?" "Written by myself ?" she said wonderingly.