The Venetian woman rushed back into Zulfa’s room and said it was all over, that Ferdinando was being consumed by an inner fire and was ready to die at her door, but had steadfastly refused to be leave her behind. Abubaker was preparing to take the boy out of Benghazi by boat that night. The Venetian said they only had a single day left, and that while she wouldn’t help Zulfa meet Ferdinando, as she’d never consent to betraying her master like that, she would however help Zulfa flee. She cursed fate for having forced her into servility, and complained of how everyone defrauded her of her rightful dues. Zulfa comforted her, even while sobbing, swearing she would be forever grateful, and begging the Venetian to speak to Ferdinando and convince him to leave and take Zulfa’s pledge of love alon
