"Zara looked to the ground. "'I see it all,' he continued, in frantic accents. 'Zara, you are lost! lost to me forever! I go to my death. Zara, a last farewell!' He was about to leave her, when she caught his arm, and hissed in his ear: "'Is this your love that you once boasted of?' "'Zara, let me go; I am almost mad.' "'And I am _quite_ mad. Listen to me, faithless Christian. I beheld you in the streets when you saw me not, and have risked honor, life, every thing, to come to you, and be your slave. How could I help what has passed? My father--' "'Zara, you should have _died_ first.' "For a time she remained silent, with her head bowed, and then said, in low tones: "'Christian, you are right; I should, indeed, have preferred death to my present fate; but it is too late now. I will return to my _master_; yet do I hope to see you once again. Will you not grant me that favor?' "'Once more,' answered Garstoff mechanically. "'Then come here to-morrow, and you will find a large chest; place yourself in it, and two slaves will bring you to me. Do you promise?' "'I do, Zara,' and, in deep sorrow, Garstoff turned away. "'Base dog!' muttered Zara, as she again muffled her features, 'you have rejected the daughter of Nemyl, and she sleeps not while you press the earth.' "The favorite sped hastily back to the palace, and entered by a secret door, while the Kislar Aga, who had concealed himself near her at the mosque, and witnessed the interview, hastened to the queen mother, and made his report, when she exclaimed: "'Allah be praised! this Circassian will soon be under the Bosphorus; for Zara will meet her gallant, and his serene highness shall behold himself dishonored.' "Knowing the extreme affection entertained for Zara by Soliman, the cautious woman was wary in her communication, and did not reveal the whole matter, until the Sultan's suspicions had been aroused by her hints. He first ridiculed, then listened silently, then believed; and, finally, agreed to conceal himself in the Sultana's apartment, and judge for himself. "He waited until the moment of assignation approached, and was looking upon the unconscious object of his gaze with returning confidence, when a curtain of the apartment was raised, and two negro slaves entered, bearing a large chest between them. "Zara motioned for them to leave it and depart; and then raising the lid, Garstoff stepped forth, and the Sultan uttered an inward groan. "'Drink this, and it will give you strength,' said Zara, presenting a goblet of liquor to the janissary. "Garstoff raised the cup to his lips, and drained it at a draught; on which the fair Circassian burst into a fit of hysterical laughter. "'Is this a moment for merriment?' asked Garstoff, sternly. "'Wine makes me merry!' she answered, drinking from another goblet. 'And now, Christian, do you know what you came here for?' "'To see you for the last time.' "'That is true, follower of Isauri--_you go not hence alive!_'