While Scheich Ibrahim was gone to fetch something for his own supper, as well as for his guests Noor ad Deen and the fair Persian walked up and down the garden, till at last they came to the pavilion of pictures. They stood awhile to admire its wonderful structure, size, and loftiness; and after taking a full view of it on every side, went up many steps of fine white marble to the hall-door, which they found locked.
They were but just returned to the bottom of the steps, when Scheich Ibrahim arrived, loaded with provisions. "Scheich Ibrahim," said Noor ad Deen, in great surprise, "did you not tell us that this was your garden?" "I did," replied Scheich Ibrahim, "and do so still." "And does this magnificent pavilion also belong to you?" Scheich Ibrahim was staggered at this unexpected question. "If," said he to himself, "I should say it is none of mine, they will ask me how I can be master of the garden and not of the pavilion.' As he had made them believe the garden was his, he said the same of the pavilion. "My son," said he, "the pavilion is not distinct from the garden; but they both belong to me." "If so," said Noor ad Deen, "since you invite us to be your guests to-night, do us the favour to shew us the inside of it; for if we may judge by the outward appearance, it must certainly be extraordinarily magnificent."