"Here's news for you, young ladies, from the camp," she exclaimed. "Ah, Zara, my pretty maid, you'll not have to sigh much longer, I am thinking, for the young Alp. Now, girls, what would you give to have the information? Your best earrings, I warrant; but I am not cruel, and will keep you no longer in suspense," she added, as eager to communicate the news, as the fair inmates of the harem were to hear it. "Know then, my pretty Zara, that our noble chief, your grandfather, has given his sanction for your marriage with young Alp Beg, and in a short time, he will be here to bear you from us." "Speak you the words of truth, Kahija?" exclaimed Zara, blushing, but looking perfectly happy, as she threw herself upon Ina's neck. "Oh, say when he will come?" "He has sent some one to deliver a message to you; therefore wrap your features closely in a veil, and go out to the gate of the anderoon. And that reminds me there is some one to see you, Conrin, from your master." "Ah!" exclaimed the page, hastening to the door. "What joy to hear of him." "A messenger from my brother!" cried Ina. "I too, must learn what news he brings." At the gates of the anderoon, Conrin found Javis waiting his coming. "I bring news from our master, for his sister," said the squire. "In a few days he will be here, and then I must quit his service, if I can return to Russia. I have fulfilled my oath, I have obeyed your wish; no mortal, with a spirit that could feel, would do more." "Javis, I owe you much;" exclaimed the page. "I would repay you with my life; but the only reward you prize, alas! I cannot give." "I ask for no reward," answered Javis; "the only one I prize, alas! I cannot gain; and after that, death will be the most welcome. But I would see my people first, and breathe my spirit out amongst them. I have done your bidding. I vowed to do what you wished, nor stipulated for reward. I rescued the young chief from the power of the Russians; I have striven to wash away my thought of crime almost perpetrated; I saw him safely landed on his native shores; I have seen him take his place among his people, as a chieftain of Circassia: I even learned to love him for himself, but more I cannot do. I could not bear to see him again at your side; I must go even from you." The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Ina and Zara. "Say, when will my brother come?" exclaimed Ina. "Oh, 'twill be joy to see him." "In three days hence, if the Russians move not from their encampments," answered Javis. "Bring you any message for me?" said Zara, timidly addressing a young warrior, who respectfully saluted her at her approach. "Yes, lady, I bear a message from my friend, the gallant Alp Beg. Before two days have passed, and ere the shade of yonder lofty tree has reached the stream which flows a short distance from its base, he will be here." "You bring me grateful news, indeed. Oh, many thanks!" returned Zara. "Say, is your friend well?"