"A great Rajah has come to Sambir--a Son of Heaven," muttered the old woman to herself.

"Go away, girl!" The two women stood close to the curtain, Nina wishing to approach the rent in the stuff, and her mother defending the position with angry obstinacy.

On the other side there was a lull in the conversation, but the breathing of several men, the occasional light tinkling of some ornaments, the clink of metal scabbards, or of brass siri-vessels passed from hand to hand, was audible during the short pause.

The women struggled silently, when there was a shuffling noise and the shadow of Almayer's burly form fell on the curtain.
The women ceased struggling and remained motionless.

Almayer had stood up to answer his guest, turning his back to the doorway, unaware of what was going on on the other side.