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Show had packed her things in readiness for the morrow's departure, and was wearing a travelling dress, as the Spahi had noticed. It was insufferably tight and thick, and now, unable to be still, she got up, went to her trunk, and took out a dress of a thinner material and dark red in color. She had not worn it in ElAkbara. Quickly she exchanged the travelling dress for it. Then she looked in the glass. She was surprised by the excited expression on her face. Her shining eyes were full of anticipation. This red gown looked unfinished without any jewels. She had a small jewel- case m her -bag. She opened it, took a long diamond chain, and hung it round her neck. She had heard that the Arabs dein jewels and in all sparkling things, that their women are covered with gold coins and precious amulets. A great wish came to her that the Spahi might see her once, for a moment, in this red gown and with these diamonds. It was the desire of a coquette. After to-morrow they would probably never meet again. No doubt he would quickly forget all about her. She felt as if she would like to leave a last impression that would efface his remembrance of her, sobbing, tear-stained, and-obedient. She sighed, standing still and holding the diamond chain lightly with her two hands. Then she did what she had resolved not to do. She stepped out onto the veranda. ., It was already late; or so the fJ:;;· Frenchman who kept the inn thought.('; I He and his wife and the servants had gone to bed. Deep silence reigned over this cloistered world on the of the world of freedom, broken only by the voice of the river. |