" But
she replied, "O my lady, I am fasting. As for thee, thou art but
a girl and it befits thee to eat and drink and make merry. May
God be indulgent to thee! Quoth the Most High, '(None shall be
saved) except those that repent and believe and work the works of
righteousness.'"[FN#80] Num sat awhile, conversing with the old
woman, and presently said to Nimeh, "O my lord, conjure this old
woman to sojourn with us awhile, for piety is imprinted on her
face." Quoth he, "Set apart for her a chamber, where she may do
her devotions, and let none go in to her: peradventure God
(glorified and exalted be He!) shall prosper us by the blessing
of her presence and part us not." The old woman passed the night
in prayer and recitation,[FN#81] till daybreak, when she went in
to Nimeh and Num and giving them good morning, said to them, "I
pray God to have you in His holy keeping!" "Whither away, O my
mother?" said Num. "My lord hath bidden me set apart for thee a
chamber, where thou mayst retire for thy devotions." "God give
him long life," replied the old woman, "and continue His favour
to you both! I would have you charge the doorkeeper not to stay
my coming in to you, and (God willing) I will go the round of the
Holy Places and pray for you at the end of my devotions every day
and night.
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