"My kind friend may well say favorite harp," replied Perreeza, with deep
emotion; "for to me, surely, it is a very precious treasure. For many
years it has been in our family. To me it was left by the dearest of
mothers, and to her it was given by a brother beloved, who found an early
grave."
This was received by the company in silence, but it was noticed that
Joram was deeply affected.
Perreeza took the instrument in her arms, swept her delicate hand over
the well-tuned strings, and, after a moment's pause sang in seraphic
tones a plaintive melody peculiar to her life in Jerusalem.
Profound silence fell on the assembly after her song was finished. The
performance and its effect were such that applause or compliments would
have sounded ill-timed. All gazed with solemn delight on Perreeza as she
laid aside her harp and took her seat beside Jupheena.
Suddenly, the disappearance of Joram was noticed, and Barzello sprang up
in an agitated manner. The merchant was not in the room, and none had
seen him depart.
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