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Her first disappointment in love was when she saw Koree return without the child; for in this crisis she felt more for her sister than for her lover, the newly lost being ever dearer than the long loved. Koree had failed to meet her expectation, or rather her desire; and in times of disappointment the little that is lacking outweighs all that is not.

“You have failed to bring back Orlee and the tail of the fat baboon,” she said, “Despair of my love till you fetch me both.”

This was spoken in the half-articulate manner already explained, as was the balance of the conversation (which we translate, however, into modern expression).

“What all the race of the Ammi could not do,” he replied, “you ought not to blame your lover for not accomplishing.”

“The love of one,” she retorted, “can do more than the indifference of many. If Orlee is ever found it will be by love, and not by numbers.”

“I will yet fetch her back,” he said; “love’s work is not exhausted in one effort, but requires time for its fruit. She will come in response to your love acting through mine. Neither man nor monkey shall defeat me, or excel me, in this task.”