Not only had he carried her away from the horror and the dangers of the Bazaar, but also there was something about his self-confidence and his faith in himself that, while she resented it, gave her a sense of comfort.

She found herself wondering what he would have done if she had called to him when she was being carried away to the Palace from the burning house that had contained her father’s body.

She could imagine his astonishment if she had pulled back the curtains and told the deaf mutes to set down their burden.

They would not have heard her, but Hamid would have made a sign to them, which they would have obeyed.

She could imagine herself stepping from the sedan chair, going to the side of Lord Castleford’s horse.

She would have looked up at him as he sat there, so imposing, so distinguished!

And yet, even though he was English, she felt that he was a man she could trust because he was a gentleman.

‘Save me! Save me!”

She could hear herself saying the words – and yet she had not said them!

She had let herself be carried away to the harem, but never had she anticipated anything so terrifying as what awaited her at this moment.

She could understand the Black Eunuch’s motive for wanting her. She could understand his jealousy of Mihri.

At the same time the odalisques told her that he had favourites among his slaves, women he caressed, women who in some way that was difficult to understand attracted him, even though he was not a man.

Yamina felt herself shudder with an inexpressible disgust and she knew anything was preferable to remaining in the harem and have that horror hanging over her head.

But still she hesitated.

“You are quite sure if I do this it will not hurt you – you will not be punished for my disappearance?” she asked Mihri.

“I have thought of that,” Mihri answered. “Your shoes will be found later tonight beside the water. Sahin will report that he saw a figure in the garden, but, when he reached the edge of the sea, it was too late.”

“Sahin is helping you in this?” Yamina asked unnecessarily.

She knew that the two Circassians, both coming from her home at Balaclava, would contrive together to help her.

It was extraordinary, she thought, that they had never forgotten the happiness they had known there and that to serve her they should be prepared to risk their own lives.

She put her arms round Mihri and kissed her on both cheeks.

“I have no words to thank you.” she said. “I can only say that if I reach safety my thoughts will always be with you. My love is yours already!”

She saw the quick tears come into Mihri’s beautiful blue eyes.

Then the Circassian bent her head and kissed both her hands.

“God be with you, Mistress,” she said, “and keep you safe.”