Daughters of Destiny by L. Frank Baum

"What does it mean? " demanded Maie, stamping her small foot in passion. "Tell me at once, my father -- what does it mean?"

The vizier sat doubled up in his chair a picture of abject humiliation and despair. His chin lay inert against his chest; the white beard streamed to his waist, where long and bony fingers clutched it and dragged at the meshes nervously; his eyes refused to meet the glowing orbs his incensed daughter turned upon him like searchlights baring the soul.