I will not answer for myself. You have no conception of its all-powerful influence. I could scarcely prevent myself from running off with it, even in the presence of my King and benefactor. What would it be then were he not present to check me by his presence?» " But I might just look at it," said his wife; there can be no harm in that. » No, perhaps not," said Khodadad; for, after all, it does not differ from any other key in appearance, and in that lies the temptation; it looks nothing at first, but when you come to the touch and the sentiment, then, like many other temptations, it becomes irresistible. If you love me, my life, do not ask me to approach nearer to it than we are at present, for, as sure as you do, you will see me flee from your presence, to go, heaven knows whither, conducted by the powers of jins and peris to the realms of mystery and darkness.. But to come back the King!» exclaimed Gulchin, with unwonted animation, at the same time scarcely venturing to trust her lips with the words. «As you love Allah, as you respect yourself, by my soul, and by the King's salt, never repeat such words!" said Khodadad. We poor miserable mortals, yesterday the meanest of the earth, to-day basking in the sunshine of power and royalty, shall we venture to breathe a thought so full of wickedness? Shall we think of becoming King, when but a short time since we looked upon our existence as a misfortune, whilst we now owe all our happiness to him who is the King. Heaven and Allah forbid! » True," said Gulchin, with compunction in the tone of her voice and a downcast eye. Still," she added, << he was like us before he became the Shah. One morning he was perched on a three-legged stool, stitching a shoe; the next he was seated on a golden throne, pronouncing judgment of life and death." " He acted through ignorance,» said Khodadad; « we know all-there is the difference. » « But we intend nothing,» said his wife; «Allah forbid! Could I but see the key, I should be satisfied. » Upon this, the conversation came to an end for the present, but it had laid the foundation of a long train of thought in both their minds, so subversive of their peace and contentment, that they were no longer the same persons. They never met but Gulchin was sure to lead her remarks to the all-engrossing subject, and although Khodadad did all in his power to get rid of it, still there it was, like his shadow, not to be shaken off. : The apartments occupied by Khodadad and Gulchin communicated with those of the Shah by a private door, through which Khodadad had free access, and the closet containing the key was so situated that temptation never ceased its persecutions. Azbeaz was wont, at stated times, to frequent the royal mosque, invariably accompanied by Khodadad indeed, such was the King's love for him, that he was never happy unless so accompanied. On this account, it was difficult to find an opportunity, even should Khodadad have so desired, to satisfy his wife's curiosity, but as, in passing events, there is ever something which seems to shadow the future, it was easy to perceive how the struggle here involved between duty and inclination would terminale. A circumstance soon occurred illustrative of this truth. Sakalchok, the King's brother, having been restored to the full possession of his property, had abandoned the shoemaker's stall in the bazaar, and returned to the enjoyment of his home. In order to celebrate this event, and thereby to make a display of his gratitude, he thought it fitting to invite the King to a grand entertainment. He decorated his house with flowers, spread new carpets where the King was to sit, hired men and women singers and dancers, and ordered fire-works. Every luxury in season was spread on his board; a present of costly stuffs and precious ornaments was prepared, and the ground on which the royal footsteps trod was overlaid with shawls of costly manufacture. All the dignitaries of the court, the chiefs of departments, and those possessing wealth or distinction, not omitting the five old men, were gathered together on the occasion. The King was received at the gate by his brother, who waited upon him as a menial throughout the VOL. I. 52 day, whilst Khodadad, the acknowledged royal favourite, stood pre-eminent near the person, receiving constant marks of confidence and preference. During the course of the entertainment, when it was about drawing to a close, the five old men, having obtained permission, stood forward, making the lowest obeisance by touching their foreheads to the ground. The youngest, being spokesman, said: ་་ May it please the centre of the universe, this humblest of his slaves has a petition to make. » ་ "Speak on," said Azbeaz; «what is there new? » " « This less than the least,» said he, requests permission to address your Majesty without the presence of a witness. » So be it," said the King; let every one go from before me. » All retired out of hearing distance, excepting Khodadad. We are not alone,» said the youngest old man. This is my second self," said the King, pointing to the favourite; fear not. » " «Your slave must be silent, if such be your royal pleasure; but, as Allah is Allah, the matter is of great importance." «Light of my eyes, retire!» exclaimed the Shah to Khodadad, who forthwith retreated, although he kept his attention anxiously fixed upon the scene that was enacting before him. As soon as the King was thus left, the youngest old man, kneeling down, said in an under tone: May it please the asylum of the world, and as I am your sacrifice, my petition principally relates to Khodadad Khan. Your Majesty is aware of the current report, that when an infant he was found on a dunghill among a litter of puppies near the walls of the royal palace, by a negress, then slave to our deceased brother the money-changer. It is but this morning that I received a message from that same negress, now on her death-bed, asserting that she possesses a secret of great importance relating to Khodadad Khan, but which she can and will only divulge to your Majesty in person. Your humble slave, therefore, entreats your Majesty to accede to her wish, and, if it so pleases your Majesty, he will conduct you to her -bedside. ". " There is no harm in her demand," said Azbeaz. will go; where does she live? » As I am your sacrifice,» said the other, she resides in a poor village in the mountains, some five parasangs distant. » There will be no difficulty, said the king; we will go to-morrow. » «Your slave has still one more petition to make. » Speak on, said the King. « It is that Khodadad Khan do not accompany your Majesty. » « So be it," said the King; I will see to that. » " During this conference the eyes of all were fixed upon the King and the youngest old man, great curiosity having been excited; but principally was that feeling aroused in the breast of Khodadad, for he could plainly perceive by the looks and gesticulations of the parties in conversation, that frequent allusion was made to him. His astonishment was still more awakened when he heard the Shah announce pnblicly that he should hunt on the following morning. ་་ «Hunt!» exclaimed Khodadad; the King can scarcely sit on a horse, how can he hunt? There is something more in this than meets the eye. » As soon as he again stood before his royal master, he exclaimed: "Mashallah! your slave is made happy. We hear your Majesty rides out hunting to-morrow. » " «So it is," said Azbeaz, a slight tint of confusion giving colour to his cheek. You are surprised because you presume I cannot ride; no more I can, and what is there extraordinary in that, when you know that I have bestrode nothing but a cobbler's stool all my life? Still I hunt to-mor row. » " What steed is your slave to prepare for your Majesty's convenience?» said Khodadad. You are to prepare nothing," said the King; and, what is more, you are not to accompany me.» At these words the favourite was almost struck dumb with astonishment. « Not accompany you!» he exclaimed ; "what fault have I committed? Has your Majesty spoken your real mind, or has your slave not understood aright ? » "Whatever I have said-I have said, answered the King. "You do not go." Khodadad left the presence for the first time displeased. Although the King had given no reason why he was not allowed to go, and although his manner was unchanged in kindness, still he was overwhelmed by this evident want of confidence, and in his gloom contemplated it as the beginning of his downfall. He had received no intimation of what the youngest old man had communicated, a slight which the King had never before cast upon him, and he was left to ruminate upon this new position which his affairs had assumed, without the hope of any immediate redress. In this frame of mind, wounded both in pride and in spirits, he returned to his wife, who soon perceived the change which had been effected in his demeanour. « What has happened, light of my eyes?» exclaimed the affectionate Gulchin. Your countenance is turned upside down. >> " In truth it is," said Khodadad; I am full of astonishment and vexation. Upon which he related all that had occurred. " « Ah! is it so ? » exclaimed Gulchin ; this is my uncle's work; let me go seek him and make him explain. Can those five wretched old men have laid their heads together to plot our destruction? This cannot be, for by so doing they will take the caps from off their own heads. Is it a little thing to have a niece at court, who can create a good shade for them to sit under? This passes comprehension." Being late in the day when this took place, Gulchin deferred going to seek her uncle until the following morning; having done so, she found that he had accompanied the Shah in his hunting excursion, and she returned home almost as much vexed and mortified as Khodadad had been. They sat in deep consultation what was to be done. 募 I wonder," said Khodadad, whether the Shah has taken |