The arbor was open to the air with a low, broad roof of
palm-leaves that overhung it on all sides and left it in deep
shadow. Around it were many strange plants and flowers, some
native to Morocco and some transplanted from their English
home. From where they sat they could see the other guests
moving in and out among the groves of orange and olive trees
and swaying palms, and standing, outlined against the blue
sky, upon the low, flat roof of the farm-house.

"I have dared to ask you to be so good as to give me this
moment," the Prince said humbly, "only because I am going away,
and it may be my last chance to speak with you. You do not
mind? You do not think I presume?"

"No, I do not mind," said the girl, smiling. "In my country
we do not think it a terrible offence to talk to a girl at a
garden-party. But you said there was something of importance
you wanted to say to me. You mean the expedition?"

"Yes," said Kalonay. "We start this evening." The girl
raised her head slightly and stared past him at the burning
white walls and the burning blue sky that lay outside the
circle of shadow in which they sat.

"This evening--" she repeated to herself.

"We reach there in two days," Kalonay continued; "and then
we--then we go on--until we enter the capital."