AGA-SELMAN. Since you depend upon me, I accept the case; but on condition that it is not to turn out a long one, for if it is likely to last for any period, it will not be possible for me to devote myself to it. SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. It is matter for a single day, and in recompense for your trouble I will give you a fee of 500 tomans. AGA-SELMAN. That is scarcely necessary, madame. I engage in this business purely out of regard for you, and without motives of self-interest. SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. I know it, Aga-Selman, but I offer you this sum as pocket-money for your children. AGA-SELMAN. Allow me now to retire, madame; I must go and find the soldiers and ask them to come and testify at the trial. As for you, make out a brief and send it to me. SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. Very good, I will prepare and send it to you. But I would remind you, Aga-Selman, that Aga-Merdan is said to be very crafty; leave nothing undone to defeat his tricks. AGA-SELMAN. Keep your mind easy, madame, his tricks will avail nothing against me. Aziz-Bey, make a note of the names and addresses of these soldiers and send the particulars to me. AZIZ-BEY. Yes, yes; they will be at your house in less than an hour. [_Aga-Selman rises and goes out. Aziz-Bey and Sekiné-Khanoun remain alone._] =Scene XVI= AZIZ-BEY. As for me, I am going to tell the whole story to the Prince Royal. SEKINÉ-KHANOUN. Sit down. First of all write the names and addresses of the soldiers, and send them to Aga-Selman; then you can leave me. [_Aziz-Bey sits down to write._] ACT SECOND =Scene I= _The action passes in the house of Aga-Merdan, son of the confectioner._ AGA-MERDAN [_discovered seated alone_]. I do not know what can have happened that Aga-Kerim is so late in coming. He must have been planning that Aga-Selman may be Sekiné-Khanoun’s advocate, and this is probably what has detained him. If this affair succeeds, as I predict, beside the fact that I shall gain no small sum of money, my reputation will be spread through the whole city and will rise sky high. That is to say, that this lawsuit is an inexhaustible mine of wealth to the man who can direct it and make it turn out aright. Thank God, I am not troubled about that. [_While he speaks the door opens, and Aga-Kerim enters the room._] =Scene II= AGA-KERIM [_gayly._] Good-day. Congratulate me; I have arranged everything. AGA-MERDAN [_with a smile_]. Really? Is it credible?