human
The Great Pearl Star, she cried.
gpt
Kaukab el Durri!
human
Yes, the Great Pearl Star, itself!
gpt
Why, you never told me!
human
I had a reason.
gpt
And--through all that inferno, when every ounce had to be considered--
human
I was keeping this for--you.
gpt
For you, he repeated.
human
It was mine, but it is mine no longer. This crown-jewel of Islam is yours, now--if you will have it.
gpt
If I will have it! she whispered.
human
There's only one thing in this whole world I more dearly long for!
gpt
It came to me not sought after and welcomed, but storming over the ramparts of my soul. Yes, I fought love--and lost.
human
I understand that, too,
gpt
I put the Great Pearl Star in my breast, sacred to you. I said to myself: 'If we ever live through this, and I feel worthy to give this gem to her, I'll ask her to complete it.'
human
To complete it?
gpt
Yes. You see, one pearl was missing. The most wonderful of all. Now, as I clasp this necklace round your throat, the Great Pearl Star is completed.
human
I--don't understand--
gpt
Ah, but _I_ do! The missing pearl of great price-you are that pearl. In giving the Great Pearl Star to you, I make it whole.
human
And I give it back to you, completed!
gpt
Completion, he whispered.
human
Peace, to the troubled heart. Peace, after the night that life has been to me. Peace, till the dawn!
gpt
she said, in the line of the ancient Arabic poem.
human
he breathed.