It was very different from the sincere sorrow he had felt and still suffered for the death of his master and friend.

That misfortune had not affected him as regarded Nehushta.

But now he had been separated from her during all the week by the exigencies of the funeral ceremonies, and he had looked forward to meeting her this evening as to a great joy after so much mourning, and he was disappointed.

She had affected to be offended with him, yet his reason told him that he had acted naturally and rightly.

Could he, the bearer of the prophet's body, the captain of all the fortress, the man of all others upon whom all eyes were turned, have exchanged love glances or spoken soft words to the princess by his side at such a time?
It was absurd; she had no right to expect such a thing.
However, he reflected that a new kind of life was to begin on the morrow.