human
Where am I? he said.
gpt
Surely I heard Meeah's voice? Where has he gone? Bring him to me.
human
You are in the King's palace, said Zóra, throwing her arms around him.
gpt
Be thankful, Abba, that all thy sorrows and trials are over. We are safe in our refuge at last.
human
Yes, he said,
gpt
O, Abba! cried the girl, putting her hand over his mouth,
human
I am again rebuked, Zóra, and will forgive still; but it is hard to forget the past, and the joy with which I came forth from Almella, and within an hour was taken out, blind and bleeding! Forgive me, child! that I am false to thee. And forgive me, O Ibrahim! who hast received me back, that this bitter thought should have come into my mind. Yes, as I entered, I felt I was within the palace. This I am sure, by the turns we took as we entered, was the very apartment which I used to dwell in whenever my visit was prolonged. I even now scent the jessamine and tube roses of the little garden, and I feel as though I were in my old seat, with the soft south wind blowing on me. Methinks I see the blue Damascus tiles which are inlaid round the arches, and the carved window of the Zenana beyond.
gpt
It is even so, Abba, said Zóra, much moved, as her grandfather pointed out the several objects with his finger.
human
Nothing has been changed; everything is as perfect now as it was then, and looks as quiet and peaceful as our little Zenana used to do at Juldroog.
gpt
But it is only a gilded cage, my child; and I shall long to be free again, and to teach and preach, ay, and beg as I used to do even at Juldroog. And here there is more to do, else the Lord had not brought me.
human
But, Abba, dear Abba! began Zóra; and he interrupted her with,
gpt
Be patient, child! Dost thou think I do not welcome this as a place of rest, even as thou dost? And when Meeah comes he may bestow us elsewhere, when we can go and come with freedom. Then we shall have our own house, and our own servants, and palanquin, and bearers; and a sweet garden where I shall love to sit and discourse on the mysteries of holiness with the learned of the city, and on medicine with the physicians; and thou wilt have thy pigeons and flowers, and find out poor people and relieve them.
human
Enough, enough, Abba! cried Zóra, laughing and crying at the same moment.
gpt
Thou wouldst make a princess of me at once, and art tempting me by a hundred delightful anticipations fit but for the noble and great. But I see only my Fakeer's garments, and think of my uncompleted vows. And after all, am I not your humble little Zóra?
human
Thou art my precious treasure, child! replied the old man, with emotion;
gpt
The rooms are occupied by strangers, Maria; we must retire.
human
Maria! Maria! it is only your little Zóra; and Abba is here. Oh, come to us, we are alone.
gpt
Come! come to me, my friends; we are, indeed, with you at last. O Padré Sahib, thank the Lord with me that we are here safely, and in honour, for of a truth we have endured much.
human
Thou art here, Maria, and restored to me. Oh, yes, to me, who in all my troubles and tears have never forgotten thee; and this which thou gavest me, and she drew the little silver cross from her bosom,
gpt
Very happy, my darling, returned her friend,
human
And I would have done so had I heard from Meeah, said the old man;
gpt
Yes, observed the Padré,
human
Yes, and we have seen him, said Zóra;
gpt
I am with both of them, Zóra; but chiefly, by desire of Queen Chand, with the Queen Taj-ool-Nissa, whom my brother hath restored to health, and she is now strong and well. It is such a change, Zóra, and we laugh, and say the King will not know the miserable wife he left. And she has grown very dear to me, and loves to talk of you, who, she says, must be her sister. Come, shall we go to Queen Chand, she will be vexed with me if I take you not?
human
But I must change these clothes, Maria; it is not fitting for me to appear before her with these Fakeer's garments.
gpt
On the contrary, child, she will love thee the more, and honour thee for wearing them. See, Abba, I am carrying off Zóra already, she continued,