"'Forgive my rudeness,' he said, with much earnestness; 'but, Zara, I cannot behold your sacrifice, without endeavoring to avert it. I am a stranger to you; but you are not a stranger to me; for I have seen you, when you thought yourself unobserved, and a fire has been kindled in my breast, which nothing but possession of you can ever abate. Tell me to perform some deed, that I may prove the ardor of my love; let me save you from the fearful doom that threatens you--' "'Stop! Christian,' interrupted the maid; 'I have never seen your face before, and how can I trust a stranger? Go! or Nemyl shall punish you when he awakes. I can hear your words no longer.' "'Think not that I fear your father,' answered Garstoff, 'though I stand in his house; yet I will no longer excite your anger by staying here.' "He arose, and would have departed, had not the daughter of Nemyl placed herself in his way. "'What would you do for me?' she asked hurriedly. "'I would sacrifice my life, if necessary.' "'That would not help me, Christian. Dare you appear in the field as a rival to the sultan, for my favor?' "'As a rival to ten thousand sultans, for such a reward.' "'Why do you not _buy me_, then?' "The Russian staggered back and turned pale at the suggestion; for it reminded him how wholly the woman was beyond his reach, and filled him with despair. "'What sum would do it?' he asked. "'Five thousand doblas,' answered Zara, composedly; 'the great sultan will give _four_ thousand, and if you offer _five_, my father will surely sell me to you.' "'Alas! what a curse is poverty!' exclaimed Garstoff, smiting his forehead. 'I have only my pay, and it would not amount to that sum in three years. What shall I do?' "His sorrow evidently affected Zara, and for some moments they remained silent. At length, her eyes brightened, and she said in peremptory tones; "'You can bear me away to your own country.' "'That is true!' ejaculated the Russian, kissing her willing hand in ecstasy. 'Then indeed have I not suffered in vain. I will take you to a country where the sovereign will smile upon you as my bride, and you shall forget a land where women are sold like dogs. Bless you for the suggestion, dear Zara, I thought of it before; but dared not anticipate so much happiness. When will you fly with me?' "'At this hour, two days hence, I will be in the garden alone!' responded the girl, with a familiar glance. "'It is enough!' said Garstoff. 'I will be here with horses and arms, and morning shall behold you in the camp of my countrymen. Till then, farewell.' "The lovers separated so hastily, because Nemyl had commenced to move; Zara going with the mute attendant to her apartment, and Garstoff departing for his encampment. When both had disappeared, Nemyl arose to his feet, while a dim, but grim smile, played about his lips, and all signs of intoxication vanished.