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Even the Franks bowed humbly before her grace and dignity, and the scha-er sings and relates, on the street-corners, of the French general, Kleber, who loved Mourad's beautiful wife, and who often, in the stillness of the evening, haunted the vicinity of his palace, awaiting, perhaps, an opportunity to invade the harem in which the Rose of Cairo dwelt.
L'Elfi Bey, his friend and companion-in- arms; what brings him here to Mourad's widow? Sitta Nefysseh sends word that the bey is welcome, and the slave departs on her errand. "L'Elfi Bey is permitted to come to you!" "And why not?" asked she proudly. "Was not Osman Bey permitted to visit me, and was not L'Elfi also my husband's friend?"
Mourad's widow can be alone with the man whom her deceased husband called his dear friend." He waved his hand imperiously, and all the servants with drew from the tent, closing the gold-embroidered curtains behind them. "Speak!" said the bey, in deferential tones. "Your servant hears, and is ready to obey your commands." "I have not come to command," replied she; "I have come to warn you, Osman."
Thus spoke both, and then bowed profoundly before Mourad's widow. "And now you may go," said she, gently. "Walk arm-in-arm through the Muskj Street, that all the world may see that the two greatest Mameluke beys are friends. If these are united, then will the struggle soon terminate. Now go and show the people that you are friends."
For, when your deeds are spoken of, people will say: 'He was once a Mameluke with Mourad Bey, and afterward the kachef of Sitta Nefysseh. It was in Mourad's house that he grew up and became a hero. That suffices for me, and Sitta Nefysseh will rejoice in your renown." "Sitta Nefysseh!" cried he, in tones of anguish, "you drive me from you! I have done as you commanded.
He is conducted to the upper chambers of the citadel; there let his thoughts prey on the memory of her he murdered, and of him who avenges her! The houses of Cairo are adorned with carpets and flowers, and laughter and merry-making are the order of the day. The house of Mourad's widow also shows signs of life with-in, to- day.
"Mourad's widow has the right to be the friend of both of you; she may hold out her hands to you and say: `Be my friends, my brothers, and, as you love me, also love one another. For the second time I entreat you, grasp each other's hands and be friends. For both let there be one common enemy the enemy who confronts you on the field of battle the Turk! Grasp hands in love and friendship!"
Mourad's widow, and those who accompanied her, entered this tent. He lay on the divan, smoking his chibouque. But upon her appearance at the entrance to the tent, he sprang to his feet. "You here, Sitta-you in the camp at Aboukir?" "I have come to speak with you," she replied, earnestly. "Let the rest leave the tent.
"There is Mourad's banner!" the sheik exclaimed; "they are making for Gizeh, but surely all cannot be there there are not more than 2000 with him." Then another body of about equal strength broke out from the dust of the battle, and went towards the entrenchments. "Let us join them there," the Arab shouted; and at full gallop they rode across and joined the Mamelukes.
Yet, with the day came cold, calm reason, exhorting Mourad's widow to be firm and proud. And, alas! I was firm. You knew not what it cost me. Then, Youssouf, a new period came. The beys Bardissi and L'Elfi addressed me, covetous not only of the possession of the woman, but also of her wealth.
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