Thousand & One Nights: 196th Night: The Wealthy Man & The Slave Girl -26

The following night Shahrazad said:

I heard, O happy King, that the jeweler said:
The girl in the service of Shams al-Nahar said, "Wait here until I come back." Then she hurried off, and returned carrying a heavy bag, and handing it to me, said, "Here is the money, take it and go, and may God protect you.  Where shall we meet?"
I said, "Come to my house.  I will find out Ali ibn Bakkar, and arrange for you to meet him."

I carried the heavy bag and walked forward. I knew it was money, but I did not know how much it comes.
"Look!"  She called out from behind, "I am afraid you may not be able to find him out.  I too may not be able to find you."
I replied, "Better come to my other house, I am straightway going there to replace the door and secure the place." 
I reached home and counted the money.  Two thousand dinars.  I gave a part of it to my family, and another part to my creditors.  Then I took my servants and went to my other house.  The servants summoned the workmen, who restored doors and windows.  Then I left two maids there to keep an eye on the house and two others to act as servants.  Having forgotten my mishap, and regained my confidence, I headed to Ali ibn Bakkar's house.

Ali ibn Bakkar's servants bade me welcome, and one of them came forward and kissed my hand. Then he ushered me into the house.  I found Ali ibn Bakkar in his bed, unable to speak.  I sat down at his side, and held his hand.  He opened his eyes and said, "Welcome!", and forcing himself to sit up, added, "I thank God to see you again."  Little by little, I helped him to stand up and take a few steps. Then he changed his clothes and drank some wine.  All this he did to please me.  I talked him about the current situation.  I found that he was beginning to feel better.
I said, "I know your aspirations.  Be cheerful!  Nothing has happened in this regard, recently.  What will comfort you and please you?". He signalled to the servants, who withdrew. "Have you forgotten what happened to Shams al-Nahar?"  I told him all that had happened to me after I left him, and all that had happened to Shams al-Nahar.  He thanked God, and said, "What a wonderful woman and what perfect generosity!"

But morning overtook and Shahrazad lapsed into silence.
, 

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