Look! it was wringing its padded hands as in an excess of woe.

Now it would seem that Leo began to feel its influence also, for he stirred and spoke in his sleep, so low at first that I could only distinguish the tongue he used, which was Arabic.

Presently I caught a few words.
"Ayesha," he said, "_Ayesha!_" The figure glided towards him and stopped.

He sat up in the bed still fast asleep, for his eyes were shut.

He stretched out his arms, as though seeking one whom he would embrace, and spoke again in a low and passionate voice--"Ayesha, through life and death I have sought thee long.