Bababalouk, who was a thorough adept in coincidences of this nature, and
knew that the worst game should be played with the best face, immediately
made a signal for all to retire; and no sooner did he perceive beneath
the sofa the little one's feet, than he drew him forth without ceremony,
set him upon his shoulders, and lavished on him as he went off a thousand
odious caresses; Gulchenrouz cried out, and resisted till his cheeks
became the colour of the blossom of the pomegranate, and the tears that
started into his eyes shot forth a gleam of indignation; he cast a
significant glance at Nouronihar, which the Caliph noticing, asked: "Is
that then your Gulchenrouz?"
"Sovereign of the world?" answered she, "spare my cousin, whose innocence
and gentleness deserve not your anger."
"Take comfort," said Vathek, with a smile; "he is in good hands.
Bababalouk is fond of children, and never goes without sweetmeats and
comfits."
The daughter of Fakreddin was abashed, and suffered Gulchenrouz to be
borne away without adding a word. The tumult of her bosom betrayed her
confusion; and Vathek, becoming still more impassioned, gave a loose to
his frenzy, which had only not subdued the last faint strugglings of
reluctance, when the Emir, suddenly bursting in, threw his face upon the
ground at the feet of the Caliph, and said:
"Commander of the Faithful! abase not yourself to the meanness of your
slave.
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