I knew Hadidje's character too well to place an implicit belief in the whole of this account; still it was important to put an end to such escapades. The happiness of my household, which had hitherto been so peaceful, was endangered if I failed to act like a just but strict husband. After this outrage committed by Kondje-Gul, my houris, in their indignation, insisted upon a signal vengeance, and demanded forthwith that I should deliver her up to the _cadi_. The _cadi!_ that was coming it strong. I had some difficulty, however, in overcoming their persistency; at last they agreed to a less tragic form of punishment, which went no further than the expulsion of this unworthy companion from the harem. Such escapades might, I feared, get wind outside, and cause a scandal. However much allowance I might make for the tempers of my houris in these demands for a somewhat summary punishment, I could not conceal from myself that, taking everything into consideration, it was really necessary for me to punish the offence severely, into whatever difficulties this adventure might lead me. I promised to give satisfaction to their legitimate indignation. Then, leaving Hadidje to the care of Zouhra and Nazli, I proclaimed that I was going at once to subject the culprit to an examination, after which I should pronounce sentence upon her. [Illustration] [Illustration] CHAPTER VI. Kondje-Gul was shut up in her room; I found her sitting on her bed, which was disarranged, and the pillows of which seemed to have been rumpled up in a fit of rage and despair; she appeared like one stupified, with her gloomy looks, and hands clasping her knees. Her face and her neck bore the marks of Hadidje's nails. The _kohl_ from under her eyes had been smeared on her cheeks, which were smudged all over; she looked just like a little savage, with however the gracefulness of a child. She did not stir when I came in; I walked right up to her, and in the solemn tone of a judge, said-- "Wretched girl, do you know what you have done?" She remained silent and motionless, fixing her eyes on the carpet. "After such an act, will you not answer?" I continued. "Why do you love her?" she said at last, in a wild voice. "Say, why should I love _you_?" I replied, "when your bad temper and your jealousy lead you to disobedience, to crime--when you stir up quarrels and discords among us?" At these reproaches Kondje-Gul all at once drew herself up erect before me, and exclaimed passionately-- "Then you do not love me any longer?" My questions had not reached their mark. "This is not the time for me to answer you," I said. "I am now asking you to account for the act which you have just committed."