Chapter 1

between life and death--“Your baby is in heaven”--A brief retrospect--A marriage for social position--An ambitious wife and a disappointed husband--The young daughter--The matrimonial market--The Circassian slaves of modern society--The highest bidder--Disappearance--The old sad story--Secret marriage--The letters--Disappointed ambition--Interview between the parents--The mother's purpose--“Baffled, but not defeated”--The father's surprise--The returned daughter--Forgiven--“I am not going away again, father dear”--Insecurity and distrust