Page 202 - Malay sketches

MALAY SKETCHES

moments when she slowly wended her way from
house to river and back again.
Meanwhile, MaimOnah, suffering from the spretce
and under the of
injuria formce chafing monotony
had heard all about the arrival of Sleman
existence,
and readily listened to the tales of his valorous
deeds. Soon she began to look for him, and as he
was ever watching for her coming it was not long
before their eyes met. He pleased her, and, when
she saw in his face the admiration he had no desire
she would the
to conceal, drop covering that hid all
but her eyes, and what he then beheld only increased
his
passion.
Malay ladies are adepts in speaking the language
of the eyes, the chances of verbal speech are but
few, and so carefully is this art cultivated, so
thoroughly understood, that principals and witnesses
never fail to rightly interpret the signs.
Sleman and Maimunah had already mutually
declared themselves without the exchange of a
and it was with confidence that
syllable, perfect
Sleman sought a closer intimacy by the friendly aid
of a messenger.
Iskander was too much engaged with his opium
and his latest favourite, too generally satisfied with
to notice what was on. Had he
himself, going
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