It has always been the custom for the Asika to do as I did at feasts and sacrifices, but perhaps that is not the fashion among your women; perhaps they always remain veiled, as I have heard the worshippers of the Prophet do, and therefore you thought me immodest.

I am very, very sorry, Vernoon.

I pray you to forgive me who am ignorant and only do what I have been taught." "Yes, they always remain veiled," stammered Alan, though he was not referring to their faces, and as the words passed his lips he wondered what the Asika would think if she could see a ballet at a London music-hall.
"Is there anything else wrong ?" she went on gently.

"If so, tell me that I may set it right." "I do not like cruelty or sacrifices, O Asika.

I have told you that bloodshed is _orunda_ to me, and at the feast those men were poisoned and you mocked them in their pain; also many others were taken away to be killed for no crime." She opened her beautiful eyes and stared at him, answering: "But, Vernoon, all this is not my fault; they were sacrifices to the gods, and if I did not sacrifice, I should be sacrificed by the priests and wizards who live to sacrifice.