AGA-HASSAM. And pray, madame, why is this? Give me the reason. Let me understand why I am not worthy to offer you my services. SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. The reason I need not explain. All I have to ask of you is to leave me alone. AGA-HASSAM. But really, madame, I must know what fault I have committed which makes you repulse me. SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. You have not committed a single fault, my brother. But I am to-day mistress of my own actions, and I do not desire to become your wife. I do not love you; nothing can force the heart to love. AGA-HASSAM. It is very wrong of you to speak in this strain, madame. Do not repeat such words. SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. I understand what you mean. Well, do your worst. Spare me, or spare me not, it matters not to me, vile wretch! AGA-HASSAM. Ah! you will repent of this later on. But think again for a while, and consider whether you have nothing more to say to me. SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. I have considered the whole question, and I have but one more observation to make. Leave me! and do whatever you will. There is no one more despicable than you are. AGA-HASSAM [_enraged_]. Are you mad? I intend to lead you such a dance that everyone will talk about it; even to the day of your death you will remember it. [_He rises._] SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. Begone! Begone! He who fears you is lower than you are. Do your worst against me. Begone!--What does he say? Does he fancy that anyone is afraid of him? [_Aga-Hassam withdraws, and Aziz-Bey comes back into the room._] =Scene X= SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. Come in and let me think over matters. One stone frightens away a hundred crows. AZIZ-BEY. I am going to tell the whole affair to Chah-Zade, the King’s son, and ask him to settle it offhand. SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. The Prince Royal cannot stop the lawsuit. In any case we must have an advocate. AZIZ-BEY. The Prince Royal cannot stop the lawsuit; but he can defeat the artifices of a rascal like Aga-Hassam. I must inform him of the affair. My father has long been devoted to his service, and he is well disposed toward me; he has promised to give me employment and to establish me in an office, and to give me my father’s fortune. SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. That is all very good, but let us first secure the services of an advocate; afterward you can go and tell the whole story to the Prince Royal, and he will see what is best to be done. AZIZ-BEY. Very good. Whom would you like to have for an advocate? [_At this moment Goul-Sebah enters the room._] =Scene XI= GOUL-SEBAH. Madame, a certain individual who professes to have important business to discuss with you is waiting at the door. He asks if there is anyone who can serve as his representative with you. SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. Certainly, Aziz-Bey is here. Tell the man to come in; we wish to know what he wants. [_Goul-Sebah goes out._] =Scene XII= AZIZ-BEY. Do you think it wise that the newcomer should see me with you?