now in its infancy, has all the force of a love strengthened by a perfect of situation.  I wish your august and most fortunate lover may avenge you of the malice of Zobeide, by calling you back to him; and when you shall be restored to his wishes, that you may remember the unfortunate Ganem, who is no less your conquest than the caliph.  Powerful as that prince is, I flatter myself he will not be able to blot me out of your remembrance.  He cannot love you more passionately than I do; and I shall never cease to love you into whatever part of the world I may go to expire, after having lost you.”

Fetnah perceived that Ganem was under the greatest of afflictions, and his situation affected her; but considering the uneasiness she was likely to bring upon herself, by prosecuting the conversation on that subject, which might insensibly lead her to discover the inclination she felt for him; “I perceive,” said she, “that this conversetion gives you too much uneasiness; let us change the subject, and talk of the infinite obligation I owe you.  I can never sufficiently express my gratitude, when I reflect that, without your assistance, I should never again have beheld the light of the sun.”

It was happy for them both, that somebody just then knocked at the door; Ganem went to see who it was, and found it to be one of his slaves come to acquaint him that the entertainment was ready.  Ganem, who, by way of precaution, would have none of his slaves come into the room where Fetnah was, took what was brought, and served it up himself to his beautiful guest, whose soul was ravished to behold what attention he paid her.

When they had eaten, Ganem took away, as he had covered the table; and having delivered all things at the door of the apartment to his slaves, “Madam,” said he to Fetnah, “you may now perhaps desire to take some rest; I will leave you, and when you have reposed yourself, you shall find me ready to receive your commands.”

Having thus spoken, he left her, and went to purchase two women-slaves.  He also bought two parcels, one of fine linen, and the other of all such things as were proper to make up a toilet fit for the caliph’s favourite.  Having conducted home the two women-slaves, he presented them to Fetnah, saying, “Madam, a person of your quality cannot be without two waiting-maids, at least, to serve you; be pleased to accept of these.”

Fetnah, admiring Ganem’s attention, said, “My lord, I perceive you are not one that will do things by halves:  you add by your courtesy to the obligations I owe you already; but I hope I shall not die ungrateful, and that heaven will soon place me in a condition to requite all your acts of generosity.”