` My lord , ' replied the Cadi , ` your wisdom is greater than mine . Give judgment I pray you in the matter . ' So the Bassa desired them all to accompany him to his house , and commanded his slaves not to lose sight of the three Jewish brothers . When they arrived at the door of his dwelling , he noticed two women sitting on a bench close by , thickly veiled and beautifully dressed . Their wide satin trousers were embroidered in silver , and their muslin robes were of the finest texture . In the hand of one was a bag of pink silk tied with green ribbons , containing something that seemed to move . At the approach of the Bassa both ladies rose , and came towards him . Then the one who held the bag addressed him saying , ` Noble lord , buy , I pray you , this bag , without asking to see what it contains . ' ` How much do you want for it ? ' asked the Bassa . ` Three hundred sequins , ' replied the unknown . At these words the Bassa laughed contemptuously , and passed on without speaking . -LSB- Illustration : The BASSA laughs at the CIRCASSIANS -RSB- ` You will not repent of your bargain , ' went on the woman . ` Perhaps if we come back to-morrow you will be glad to give us the four hundred sequins we shall then ask . And the next day the price will be five hundred . ' ` Come away , ' said her companion , taking hold of her sleeve . ` Do not let us stay here any longer . It may cry , and then our secret will be discovered . ' And so saying , the two young women disappeared . The Jews were left in the front hall under the care of the slaves , and Neangir and Sumi followed the Bassa inside the house , which was magnificently furnished .
XXXXX one end of a large , brilliantly-lighted room a lady of about thirty-five years old reclined on a couch , still beautiful in spite of the sad expression of her face .
At by if in on than to towards under without