We must not
think!'
'No, love, we'll only hope,' replied Schirene; and they passed through
the gates.
The night was beautiful, the air was still warm and sweet. Schirene
gazed upon the luminous heavens. 'We thought not of these skies when
we were at Bagdad,' she exclaimed; 'and yet, my life, what was the
brightness of our palaces compared to these? All is left to us that man
should covet, freedom, beauty, and youth. I do believe, ere long, Alroy,
we shall look back upon the wondrous past as on another and a lower
world. Would that this were Egypt! Tis my only wish.'
'And it shall soon be gratified. All will soon be arranged. A few brief
days, and then Schirene will mount her camel for a longer ride than just
to gather dates. You'll make a sorry traveller, I fear!'
'Not I; I'll tire you all.'
They reached the circus, and seated themselves round the blazing fire.
Seldom had Alroy, since his fall, appeared more cheerful. Schirene sang
an Arab air to the band, who joined in joyous chorus. It was late
ere they sought repose; and they retired to their rest, sanguine and
contented.
A few hours afterwards, at the break of dawn, Alroy was roused from
his slumbers by a rude pressure on his breast.
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