forget it and to recover her former energy and diligence.
And she did in fact manage to recover something of her vitality, her freshness, and her diligence; and on holidays she tried to fill her time by visiting her friends and relatives. Hayfa had a friend, a relative called Samira, who studied law at the university; she visited her constantly and tried to lighten her pains by pouring out her complaints to her. One day Hayfa went to spend the week's holiday at this relative's house, and in the course of conversation Samira told her that Sabah, her cousin, had visited them the day before, and she began singing his qualities and his good looks; and Hayfa listened in distress and heartache, while Samira remained oblivious to the sorrows welling up in Hayfa's heart..
And the days passed, and Hayfa had almost triumphed over
her weakness, had almost forgotten Sabah. But she did not know what fate was hiding for her; and one day, while she was visiting Samira, the latter told her with feeling that Sabah had broken off his engagement to Layla.
Samira thought Hayfa would be grieved at the news, but presently she saw that glow upon Hayfa's face, and that agitation which was like the agitation of joy... and she fell silent, happy in her feeling. Samira was astonished and asked her the meaning of this behavior of hers. At that point — I could not believe she had gone before I hurried to my room and shut the door. Who, I wonder, cares for me?
xxxx
Hayfa was able to acquaint her with the truth of her situation. Samira was silent for a while, then rose and said: Do not despair, Hayfa — would that you
had told me from the beginning. You have my pledge that I shall bring your dreams and your wishes to pass. I shall tell Sabah the plain truth of the matter, and, God willing, I shall succeed in joining two hearts never again to part. Sabah is dear to me, and I shall know how to open the matter to him..
xxxx
On a quiet hilltop there now
stands a beautiful house, shaded by sweet trees, with happiness and gladness fluttering above it. It is the house of Hayfa and Sabah. Samira had taken a vow upon herself to join these two hearts, and she succeeded in her mission. And on the balcony, every day, Sabah seizes a few minutes to read Hayfa's memoirs — and on his lashes glistens a tear!
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