"'_To the Sultan!_' exclaimed Nemyl; and, as she sank upon her knees at his feet, he added, furiously, 'Base girl, you would have covered me with disgrace by following a Christian dog; but Allah gave me strength, and I slew the barbarian in his toils.' "In silence the girl rose to her feet, and signified her readiness to depart by a low salaam. "At the street door stood the litter prepared for her reception, and Nemyl pushing her into it, drew the curtains, and gave the signal to the drivers, while he mounted his horse and accompanied them. On arriving at the city of the Sultan (which they did after a tedious journey), Nemyl conveyed his daughter to the grand bazaar; for, in fact, he never received an offer from the Sultan, but spread the report that other purchasers might present themselves, whose positions would fail to gratify the desires of his inordinate ambition. Not long had he remained there with the litter, when the Kislar Aga of Soliman entered the bazaar, and made directly towards him, with long strides. "'What animal have you in your litter that you keep it closed like a cage?' asked the Aga. "'Your slave will show you that you may judge of it for yourself,' answered Nemyl, and drawing the curtains, disclosed Zara, with tears upon her cheeks. "The Aga started back in amazement at beholding such a display of beauty, and all his anger vanished like snow beneath a sunbeam. He well knew that the addition of such an ornament to the Sultan's harem, through his instrumentality, would add greatly to his consequence; and his satisfaction was so evident, that Nemyl beheld it with delight, and--profited by it. "'How much gold do you want for the girl?' asked the Aga, endeavoring to appear indifferent. "'Five thousand doblas,' answered Nemyl, composedly. "'Five thousand doblas! _Bismillah!_ dare you laugh at our beards? That money would buy a dozen women.' "'I was offered that by a Russian officer,' said the Circassian, without moving his eyes. "For a moment the Aga hesitated, but the idea of selecting a favorite speedily overcame all his scruples, and bidding Nemyl follow him with the litter, he proceeded to a private door of the imperial seraglio, and gave Zara in charge of two female slaves. "Thus was the fairest flower of Franquistan placed in the imperial garden, and he who had trained it was soon on his way home, with five thousand doblas in his pocket. "What pencil could portray the delight of his sublime highness, or what tongue could repeat the language of his immaculate lips, when he beheld his Aga's new purchase. "'_Barek Allah!_' praise be to God; 'what an hour!' he exclaimed, kissing her passionately. "'She is already a favorite,' said the Aga, and smiled. "'She will be a favorite,' said the queen's mother, and frowned.