There was an instant's stillness, then Kaid added with a voice of grief: "Peace be upon thee, Zaida.
Life is but a spark.

If death comes not to-day, it will tomorrow, for thee--for me.

Inshallah, peace be upon thee!" She opened her eyes and looked at him.

Seeing what was in his face, they lighted with a great light for a moment.
"And upon thee peace, O my lord, for ever and for ever!" she said softly, and, turning, left the court-yard, followed at a distance by Mahommed Hassan.
Kaid remained motionless looking after her.
David broke in on his abstraction.

"The army at sunrise--thou wilt speak to it, Effendina ?" Kaid roused himself.