During the meal the host talked a great deal upon all sorts of subjects ; but Neangir did nothing but look at Zelida , as far as he could without being positively rude . The girl blushed and grew uncomfortable , and at last turned to her father . ` The stranger 's eyes never wander from me , ' she said in a low and hesitating voice . ` If Hassan should hear of it , jealousy will make him mad . ' ` No , no , ' replied the father , ` you are certainly not for this young man . Did I not tell you before that I intend him for your sister Argentine . I will at once take measures to fix his heart upon her , ' and he rose and opened a cupboard , from which he took some fruits and a jug of wine , which he put on the table , together with a small silver and mother-of-pearl box . ` Taste this wine , ' he said to the young man , pouring some into a glass . ` Give me a little , too , ' cried Zelida . ` Certainly not , ' answered her father , ` you and Hassan both had as much as was good for you the other day . ' ` Then drink some yourself , ' replied she , ` or this young man will think we mean to poison him . ' ` Well , if you wish , I will do so , ' said the father ; ` this elixir is not dangerous at my age , as it is at yours . ' When Neangir had emptied his glass , his host opened the mother-of-pearl box and held it out to him . Neangir was beside himself with delight at the picture of a young maiden more beautiful than anything he had ever dreamed of . He stood speechless before it , while his breast swelled with a feeling quite new to him . His two companions watched him with amusement , until at last Neangir roused himself . ` Explain to me , I pray you , ' he said , ` the meaning of these mysteries . Why did you ask me here ? Why did you force me to drink this dangerous liquid which has set fire to my blood ? Why have you shown me this picture which has almost deprived me of reason ? ' '
I will answer some of your questions , ' replied his XXXXX , ' but all , I may not .
Taste companions host liquid meal meaning mysteries poison stranger voice