208 ALI BABA AND

mistress I want to speak with her; and mind
what I have said to you.”

Morgiana went to her mistress, and Ali Baba
followed her. “Well, brother,” said she, with
great impatience, ‘‘what news do you bring me
of my husband? I perceive no comfort in your
countenance.” ‘‘Sister,” answered Ali Baba, “I
cannot satisfy your inquiries unless you hear my
story from the beginning to the end, without
speaking a word; for it is of as great import-
ance to you as to me to keep what has happened
secret.” “Alas!” said she, “this preamble lets
me know that my husband is not to be found; .
but at the same time I know the necessity of
the secrecy you require, and I must constrain
myself: say on, I will hear you.”

Ali Baba then detailed the incidents of his
journey, till he came to the finding of Cassim’s
body. “Now,” said he, “sister, I have some-
thing to relate which will afflict you the more,
because it is perhaps what you so little expect;
but it cannot now be remedied. If my endeavours
can comfort you, I offer to put that which God
hath sent me to what you have, and marry you;
assuring you that my wife will not be jealous,
and that we shall live happily together. If this
proposal is agreeable to you, we must think of