"Yeah, I agree, it's a great place they've got there. Do you really think you can get away with it?" We hope so. I'm certainly not going to cause any ...rouble, we're not going to make it at all obvious - which is why I wanted you to take my letters - and their landlady pretty much leaves them alone." Well, the best of luck with that!"We had time for a second mug of tea, and another iced bun each, before the three girls finally arrived. They all kissed both of us, and I ordered them tea and a. ”“She will be just as useful tomorrow. She is not a virgin. I would like to know whether the legends about her have any foundation. Let the women bring her to me at midnight.”“Are you sure, O Ahmed?”“Of course I’m sure. Do it! You are dismissed.”At midnight Anne-Marie was hustled by the group of women into Ahmed’s tent. They forced her to kneel before him. Two women put the battered suitcase of clothing in front of the long mirror.“What is that?” Ahmed asked.“In there are some of the tools of. .." Question?" Yes. One question." What, baby?" I looked at those improbably blue eyes. She could ask me to slit my wrists and I'd do it for her."Are we..."I jumped ahead. "Nina. Will you marry me?" That answers my question." Answer mine." Yes," she said. "I told Grandma last night that if you were okay, I'd ask YOU." You planned to ask ME?" I, well she DID tell me she loved me. But marriage?"Yes. I planned. I mean, it's been a month ... some people wait years. And some people get married after. "She shook her head."It's, overwhelming. So, before I get drawn in any further, I need to know the whole deal. If it's too soon for you, I, I have to back off." Lucky for you, no, lucky for me, you're very special, and you're absolutely captivating. If I wasn't ready to, gee, listen to me. I sound like I'm trying to smooth my way into a business deal. I ought to be grown up enough to tell you I'm falling in love with you." That must be why the Baptists are so against dancing. Look how it sped.