410 THE LION KILLER. 



love to dine largely, but also to have all the appurtenances 

 of luxury that will satisfy their sensual appetites. 



" The young girl stood trembling, waiting 'for the animal to 

 lead her wherever he might list, but what was her astonish- 

 ment, when she saw him come up to her with the best smile 

 he could bring to his wrinkled face, and make a bow that 

 only lions can make ! She crossed her hands on her breast, 

 and said : 



" ' Seignior, what dost thou command thy humble servant 

 to do V 



" ' When one is as beautiful as you, Aicha, one is no longer 

 a servant, but a queen.' 



" l Aicha was as much astonished at the unaccustomed 

 sweetness of the voice of the speaker, as pleased that so great 

 and beautiful a lion, and one whom she never met before, 

 should be acquainted with her name. 



" * Who told thee that my name was Aicha V inquired the 

 young girl. 



" ' The wind that is in love with you, and that is fragrant 

 of roses after it has toyed with your hair, whispers Aicha ; 

 the water that bathes your feet, and then runs past my grotto, 

 doth murmur Aicha ; the birds that hearing you sing, become 

 jealous, and die of shame, sing all the while, Aicha, Aicha. 



u The young girl, blushing with pleasure, made believe to 

 pull down her haik over her face, but only pushed it further 

 back, that the lion might see the better. 



" He had before hesitated to draw any nearer to her, but 

 now taking a few steps in advance, he saw her face growing 

 white with terror at the approach of his huge lips. 



" ' What is the matter, Aicha V he said, in a voice that 

 was both anxious and fondly caressing in its tone. 



" The maiden wanted to say, I am afraid of thee, sir, but 

 she did not dare to do so, and concealed her feelings by say- 

 ing, ■ the Souaregs are near us, and I am afraid of them.' 



