As soon as she reached him, the Duke lifted her down so that now she was beside him.
“What is happening?” he asked.
“Four of the men are preparing food for themselves at the bottom of the staircase and the other – has presumably gone to fetch the Master. But I have an idea! I know how superstitious the Tunisians are and – they are well aware that this is a – sacred place.”
“What do you intend to do?” the Duke asked.
“I am going to try to frighten them,” she answered.
As she spoke, she began to undo her gown, which she fastened down the front.
The Duke could hardly see her in the darkness.
But he was aware of what she was doing and waited in surprise until she slipped her gown off completely.
Underneath it she was wearing a stiff white bust-bodice and it fitted closely over a tightl
