For she always wanted to lead me on and on, and whenever I paused she would return to show herself, or to chide or encourage me in her mysterious language.

All her pretty little arts were now practiced in vain: with cheek resting on my hand, I still sat.
So my eyes fixed on that patch of yellow sand at my feet, watching how the small particles glinted like diamond dust when the sunlight touched them.

A full hour passed in this way, during which I encouraged myself by saying mentally: "This is a contest between us, and the most patient and the strongest of will, which should be the man, must conquer.

And if I win on this occasion, it will be easier for me in the future--easier to discover those things which I am resolved to know, and the girl must reveal to me, since the old man has proved impracticable." Meanwhile she came and went and came again; and at last, finding that I was not to be moved, she approached and stood near me.

Her face, when I glanced at it, had a somewhat troubled look--both troubled and curious.
"Come here, Rima," I said, "and stay with me for a little while--I cannot follow you now." She took one or two hesitating steps, then stood still again; and at length, slowly and reluctantly, advanced to within a yard of me.