"Ana," said the Prince to me that night, when I was talking with himbefore he went to rest, "I know not why, but I fear that man Laban; hehas an evil eye."
"I too think it would have been better if your Highness had left him tobe dealt with by the soldiers, after which there would have been nothingto fear from him in this world."
"Well, I did not, so there's an end. Ana, she is a fair woman and asweet."
"The fairest and the sweetest that ever I saw, my Prince."
"Be careful, Ana. I pray you be careful, lest you should fall in lovewith one who is already affianced."
I only looked at him in answer, and as I looked I bethought me of thewords of Ki the Magician. So, I think, did the Prince; at least helaughed not unhappily and turned away.
For my part I rested ill that night, and when at last I slept, it was todream of Merapi making her prayer in the rays of the moon.
Moon of Israel: A Tale of the Exodus Page 9
