When the women-slaves were withdrawn into a chamber adjoining, he sat down on the sofa, but at some distance from Fetnah, in token of respect.  He then began to discourse of his passion.  “I dare not so much as hope,” said he, “to excite the least sensibility in a heart like yours, destined for the greatest prince in the world.  Alas! it would be a comfort to me in my misfortune, if I could but flatter myself, that you have not looked upon the excess of my love with indifference.”  “My lord,” answered Fetnah “Alas! madam,” said Ganem, interrupting her at the word lord, “this is the second time you have done me the honour to call me lord; the presence of the women-slaves hindered me the first time from taking notice of it to you:  in the name of God, madam, do not give me this title of honour; it does not belong to me; treat me, I beseech you, as your slave:  I am, and shall never cease to be so.”

“No, no,” replied Fetnah, interrupting him in her turn, “I shall be cautious how I treat with such disrespect a man to whom I owe my life.  I should be ungrateful, could I say or do any thing that did not become you.  Leave me, therefore, to follow the dictates of my gratitude, and do not require of me, that I should misbehave myself towards you, in return for the benefits I have received.  I shall never be guilty of such conduct; I am too sensible of your respectful behaviour to abuse it; and I will not hesitate to own, that I do not regard your care with indifference.  You know the reasons that condemn me to silence.”

Ganem was enraptured at this declaration; he wept for joy, and not being able to find expressions significant enough, in his own opinion, to return Fetnah thanks, was satisfied with telling her, that as she knew what she owed to the caliph, he, on his part, was not ignorant “that what belongs to the master is forbidden to the slave.”

Night drawing on, he rose up to fetch a light, which he brought in himself, as also a collation.

They both sat down at table, and at first complimented each other on the fruit as they presented it reciprocally.  The excellence of the wine insensibly drew them both to drink; and having drunk two or three glasses, they agreed that neither should take another glass without first singing some air.  Ganem sung verses ex tempore, expressive of the vehemence of his passion; and Fetnah, encouraged by his example, composed and sung verses relating to her adventure, and always containing something which Ganem might take in a sense favourable to himself; except in this, she most exactly observed the fidelity due to the caliph.  The collation continued till very late, and the night was far advanced before they thought of parting.  Ganem then withdrew to another apartment, leaving Fetnah where she was, the women slaves he had bought coming in to wait upon her.