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diff --git a/5529-h/5529-h.htm b/5529-h/5529-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..90ffaf8 --- /dev/null +++ b/5529-h/5529-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,26041 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Bride of the Nile, by Georg Ebers + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Project Gutenberg's The Bride of the Nile, Complete, by Georg Ebers + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Bride of the Nile, Complete + +Author: Georg Ebers + +Release Date: October 17, 2006 [EBook #5529] +Last Updated: August 26, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BRIDE OF THE NILE, COMPLETE *** + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + THE BRIDE OF THE NILE + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Georg Ebers + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated from the German by Clara Bell + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a><br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>BOOK 1.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> <b>BOOK 2.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + The “Bride of the Nile” needs no preface. For the professional student I + may observe that I have relied on the authority of de Goeje in adhering to + my own original opinion that the word Mukaukas is not to be regarded as a + name but as a title, since the Arab writers to which I have made reference + apply it to the responsible representatives of the Byzantine Emperor in + antagonism to the Moslem power. I was unfortunately unable to make further + use of Karabacek’s researches as to the Mukaukas. + </p> + <p> + I shall not be held justified in placing the ancient Horus Apollo + (Horapollo) in the seventh century after Christ by any one who regards the + author of the Hieroglyphica as identical with the Egyptian philosopher of + the same name who, according to Suidas, lived under Theodosius, and to + whom Stephanus of Byzantium refers, writing so early as at the end of the + fifth century. But the lexicographer Suidas enumerates the works of + Horapollo, the philologer and commentator on Greek poetry, without naming + the Hieroglyphica, which is the only treatise alluded to by Stephanus. + Besides, all the other ancient writers who mention Horapollo at all leave + us quite free to suppose that there may have been two sages of the same + name—as does C. Leemans, who is most intimately versed in the + Hieroglyphica—and the second certainly cannot have lived earlier + than the VIIth century, since an accurate knowledge of hieroglyphic + writing must have been lost far more completely in his time than we can + suppose possible in the IVth century. It must be remembered that we still + possess well-executed hieroglyphic inscriptions dating from the time of + Decius, 250 years after Christ. Thus the Egyptian commentator on Greek + poetry could hardly have needed a translator, whereas the Hieroglyphica + seems to have been first rendered into Greek by Philippus. The combination + by which the author called in Egyptian Horus (the son of Isis) is supposed + to have been born in Philae, where the cultus of the Egyptian heathen was + longest practised, and where some familiarity with hieroglyphics must have + been preserved to a late date, takes into due account the real state of + affairs at the period I have selected for my story. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + GEORG EBERS. + October 1st, 1886. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + BOOK 1. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + Half a lustrum had elapsed since Egypt had become subject to the youthful + power of the Arabs, which had risen with such unexampled vigor and + rapidity. It had fallen an easy prey, cheaply bought, into the hands of a + small, well-captained troop of Moslem warriors; and the fair province, + which so lately had been a jewel of the Byzantine Empire and the most + faithful foster-mother to Christianity, now owned the sway of the Khalif + Omar and saw the Crescent raised by the side of the Cross. + </p> + <p> + It was long since a hotter season had afflicted the land; and the Nile, + whose rising had been watched for on the Night of Dropping—the 17th + of June—with the usual festive preparations, had cheated the hopes + of the Egyptians, and instead of rising had shrunk narrower and still + narrower in its bed.—It was in this time of sore anxiety, on the + 10th of July, A.D. 643, that a caravan from the North reached Memphis. + </p> + <p> + It was but a small one; but its appearance in the decayed and deserted + city of the Pyramids—which had grown only lengthwise, like a huge + reed-leaf, since its breadth was confined between the Nile and the Libyan + Hills—attracted the gaze of the passers-by, though in former years a + Memphite would scarcely have thought it worth while to turn his head to + gaze at an interminable pile of wagons loaded with merchandise, an + imposing train of vehicles drawn by oxen, the flashing maniples of the + imperial cavalry, or an endless procession wending its way down the five + miles of high street. + </p> + <p> + The merchant who, riding a dromedary of the choicest breed, conducted this + caravan, was a lean Moslem of mature age, robed in soft silk. A vast + turban covered his small head and cast a shadow over his delicate and + venerable features. + </p> + <p> + The Egyptian guide who rode on a brisk little ass by his side, looked up + frequently and with evident pleasure at the merchant’s face—not in + itself a handsome one with its hollow cheeks, meagre beard and large + aquiline nose—for it was lighted up by a pair of bright eyes, full + of attractive thoughtfulness and genuine kindness. But that this + fragile-looking man, in whose benevolent countenance grief and infirmities + had graven many a furrow, could not only command but compel submission was + legible alike in his thin, firmly-closed lips and in the zeal with which + his following of truculent and bearded fighting men, armed to the teeth, + obeyed his slightest sign. + </p> + <p> + His Egyptian attendant, the head of the Hermeneutai—the guild of the + Dragomans of that period—was a swarthy and surly native of Memphis; + whenever he accidentally came too close to the fierce-looking riders of + the dromedaries he shrunk his shoulders as if he expected a blow or a + push, while he poured out question and answer to the Merchant Haschim, the + owner of the caravan, without timidity and with the voluble garrulity of + his tribe. + </p> + <p> + “You seem very much at home here in Memphis,” he observed, when the old + man had expressed his surprise at the decadence and melancholy change in + the city. + </p> + <p> + “Thirty years ago,” replied the merchant, “my business often brought me + hither. How many houses are now empty and in ruins where formerly only + heavy coin could secure admittance! Ruins on all sides!—Who has so + cruelly mutilated that fine church? My fellow-believers left every + Christian fane untouched—that I know from our chief Amru himself.” + </p> + <p> + “It was the principal church of the Melchites, the Emperor’s minions,” + cried the guide, as if that were ample explanation of the fact. The + merchant, however, did not take it so. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said, “and what is there so dreadful in their creed?” + </p> + <p> + “What?” said the Egyptian, and his eye flashed wrathfully. “What?—They + dismember the divine person of the Saviour and attribute to it two + distinct natures. And then!—All the Greeks settled here, and + encouraged by the protection of the emperor, treated us, the owners of the + land, like slaves, till your nation came to put an end to their + oppression. They drove us by force into their churches, and every + true-born Egyptian was punished as a rebel and a leper. They mocked at us + and persecuted us for our faith in the one divine nature of our Lord.” + </p> + <p> + “And so,” interrupted the merchant, “as soon as we drove out the Greeks + you behaved more unmercifully to them and their sanctuaries than we—whom + you scorn as infidels—did to you!” + </p> + <p> + “Mercy?—for them!” cried the Egyptian indignantly, as he cast an + evil eye on the demolished edifice. “They have reaped what they sowed; and + now every one in Egypt who does not believe in your One God—blessed + be the Saviour!—confesses the one sole nature of our Lord Jesus + Christ. You drove out the Melchite rabble, and then it was our part to + demolish the temples of their wretched Saviour, who lost His divine Unity + at the synod of Chalcedon—damnation wait upon it!” + </p> + <p> + “But still the Melchites are fellow-believers with you—they are + Christians,” said the merchant. + </p> + <p> + “Christians?” echoed the guide with a contemptuous shrug. “They may regard + themselves as Christians; but I, with every one else great and small in + this land, am of opinion that they have no right whatever to call + themselves our fellow-believers and Christians. They all are and shall be + for ever accursed with their hundreds—nay thousands of devilish + heresies, by which they degrade our God and Redeemer to the level of that + idol on the stone pillar. Half a cow and half a man! Why, what rational + being, I ask you, could pray to such a mongrel thing? We Jacobites or + Monophysites or whatever they choose to call us will not yield a jot or + tittle of the divine nature of our Lord and Saviour; and if the old faith + must die out, I will turn Moslem and be converted to your One Omnipotent + God; for before I confess the heresies of the Melchites I will be hewn in + pieces, and my wife and children with me. Who knows what may be coming to + pass? And there are many advantages in going over to your side: for the + power is in your hands, and long may you keep it! We have got to be ruled + by strangers; and who would not rather pay small tribute to the wise and + healthy Khalif at Medina than a heavy one to the sickly imperial brood of + Melchites at Constantinople. The Mukaukas George, to be sure, is not a bad + sort of man, and as he so soon gave up all idea of resisting you he was no + doubt of my opinion. Regarding you as just and pious folks, as our next + neighbors, and perhaps even of our own race and blood, he preferred you—my + brother told me so—to those Byzantine heretics, flayers of men and + thirsting for blood, but yet, the Mukaukas is as good a Christian as + breathes.” + </p> + <p> + The Arab had listened attentively and with a subtle smile to the Memphite, + whose duties as guide now compelled him to break off. The Egyptian made + the whole caravan turn down an alley that led into a street running + parallel to the river, where a few fine houses still stood in the midst of + their gardens. When men and beasts were making their way along a better + pavement the merchant observed: “I knew the father of the man you were + speaking of, very well. He was wealthy and virtuous; of his son too I hear + nothing but good. But is he still allowed to bear the title of governor, + or, what did you call him?—Mukaukas?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Master,” said the guide. “There is no older family than his in + all Egypt, and if old Menas was rich the Mukaukas is richer, both by + inheritance and by his wife’s dower. Nor could we wish for a more sensible + or a juster governor! He keeps his eye on his underlings too; still, + business is not done now as briskly as formerly, for though he is not much + older than I am—and I am not yet sixty—he is always ailing and + has not been seen out of the house for months. Even when your chief wants + to see him he comes over to this side of the river. It is a pity with such + a man as he; and who was it that broke down his stalwart strength? Why, + those Melchite dogs; you may ask all along the Nile, long as it is, who + was at the bottom of any misfortune, and you will always get the same + answer: Wherever the Melchite or the Greek sets foot the grass refuses to + grow.” + </p> + <p> + “But the Mukaukas, the emperor’s representative... the Arab began. The + Egyptian broke in however: + </p> + <p> + “He, you think, must be safe from them? They did not certainly injure his + person; but they did worse, for when the Melchites rose up against our + party—it was at Alexandria, and the late Greek patriarch Cyrus had a + finger in that pie—they killed his two sons, two fine, splendid men—killed + them like dogs; and it crushed him completely.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor man!” sighed the Arab. “And has he no child left?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes. One son, and the widow of his eldest. She went into a convent + after her husband’s death, but she left her child, her little Mary—she + must be ten years old now—to live with her grandparents.” + </p> + <p> + “That is well,” said the old man, “that will bring some sunshine into the + house.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, Master. And just lately they have had some cause for rejoicing. + The only surviving son—Orion is his name—came home only the + day before yesterday from Constantinople where he has been for a long + time. There was a to-do! Half the city went crazy. Thousands went out to + meet him, as though he were the Saviour; they erected triumphal arches, + even folks of my creed—no one thought of hanging back. One and all + wanted to see the son of the great Mukaukas, and the women of course were + first and foremost!” + </p> + <p> + “You speak, however,” said the Arab, “as though the returning hero were + not worthy of so much honor.” + </p> + <p> + “That is as folks think,” replied the Egyptian shrugging his shoulders. + “At any rate he is the only son of the greatest man in the land.” + </p> + <p> + “But he does not promise to be like the old man?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, indeed,” said the guide. “My brother, a priest, and the head of + one of our great schools, was his tutor, and he never met such a clever + head as Orion’s, he tells me. He learnt everything without any trouble and + at the same time worked as hard as a poor man’s son. We may expect him to + win fame and honor—so Marcus says—for his parents and for the + city of Memphis: but for my part, I can see the shady side, and I tell you + the women will turn his head and bring him to a bad end. He is handsome, + taller even than the old man in his best days, and he knows how to make + the most of himself when he meets a pretty face—and pretty faces are + always to be met in his path...” + </p> + <p> + “And the young rascal takes what he finds!” said the Moslem laughing. “If + that is all you are alarmed at I am glad for the youth. He is young and + such things are allowable.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Sir, even my brother—he lives now in Alexandria, and is blind + and foolish enough still in all that concerns his former pupil—and + even he thinks this is a dangerous rock ahead. If he does not change in + this respect he will wander further and further from the law of the Lord, + and imperil his soul, for dangers surround him on all sides like roaring + lions. The noble gifts of a handsome and engaging person will lead him to + his ruin; and though I do not desire it, I suspect....” + </p> + <p> + “You look on the dark side and judge hardly,” replied the old man. “The + young....” + </p> + <p> + “Even the young, or at least the Christian young, ought to control + themselves, though I, if any one, am inclined to make the utmost allowance + for the handsome lad—nay, and I may confess: when he smiles at me I + feel at once as if I had met with some good-luck; and there are a thousand + other men in Memphis who feel the same, and still more the women you may + be sure—but many a one has shed bitter tears on his account for all + that.—But, by all the saints!—Talk of the wolf and you see his + tail! Look, there he is!—Halt! Stop a minute, you men; it is worth + while, Sir, to tarry a moment.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that his fine quadriga in front of the high garden gate yonder?” + </p> + <p> + “Those are the Pannonian horses he brought with him, as swift as lightning + and as.... But look! Ah, now they have disappeared behind the hedge; but + you, high up on your dromedary, must be able to see them. The little maid + by his side is the widow Susannah’s daughter. This garden and the + beautiful mansion behind the trees belong to her.” + </p> + <p> + “A very handsome property!” said the Arab. + </p> + <p> + “I should think so indeed!” replied the Memphite. “The garden goes down to + the Nile, and then, what care is taken of it!” + </p> + <p> + “Was it not here that Philommon the corn-merchant lived formerly?” asked + the old man, as though some memories were coming back to him. + </p> + <p> + “To be sure. He was Susannah’s husband and must have been a man of fifty + when he first wooed her. The little girl is their only child and the + richest heiress in the whole province; but she is not altogether grown up + though she is sixteen years old—an old man’s child, you understand, + but a pretty, merry creature, a laughing dove in human form, and so quick + and lively. Her own people call her the little water-wagtail.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!—Good and very appropriate,” said the merchant well pleased. + “She is small too, a child rather than a maiden; but the graceful, + gladsome creature takes my fancy. And the governor’s son—what is his + name?” + </p> + <p> + “Orion, Sir,” replied the guide. + </p> + <p> + “And by my beard,” said the old man smiling. “You have not over-praised + him, man! Such a youth as this Orion is not to be seen every day. What a + tall fellow, and how becoming are those brown curls. Such as he are spoilt + to begin with by their mothers, and then all the other women follow suit. + And he has a frank, shrewd face with something behind it. If only he had + left his purple coat and gold frippery in Constantinople! Such finery is + out of place in this dismal ruinous city.” + </p> + <p> + While he was yet speaking the Memphite urged his ass forward, but the Arab + held him back, for his attention was riveted by what was taking place + within the enclosure. He saw handsome Orion place a small white dog, a + silky creature of great beauty that evidently belonged to him—in the + little maiden’s arms saw her kiss it and then put a blade of grass round + its neck as if to measure its size. The old man watched them as, both + laughing gaily, they looked into each other’s eyes and presently bid each + other farewell. The girl stood on tiptoe in front of some rare shrub to + reach two exquisite purple flowers that blossomed at the top, hastily + plucked them and offered them to him with a deep blush; she pushed away + the hand he had put out to support her as she stretched up for the flowers + with a saucy slap; and a bright glance of happiness lighted up her sweet + face as the young man kissed the place her fingers had hit, and then + pressed the flowers to his lips. The old man looked on with sympathetic + pleasure, as though it roused the sweetest memories in his mind; and his + kind eyes shone as Orion, no less mischievously happy than the young girl, + whispered something in her ear; she drew the long stem of grass out of her + waist-belt to administer immediate and condign punishment withal, struck + it across his face, and then fled over grass-plot and flower-bed, as swift + as a roe, without heeding his repeated shouts of “Katharina! bewitching, + big damsel, Katharina!” till she reached the house. + </p> + <p> + It was a charming little interlude. Old Haschim was still pondering it in + his memory with much satisfaction when he and his caravan had gone some + distance further. He felt obliged to Orion for this pretty scene, and when + he heard the young man’s quadriga approaching at an easy trot behind him, + he turned round to gaze. But the Arab’s face had lost its contentment by + the time the four Pannonians and the chariot, overlaid with silver + ornamentation and forming, with its driver, a picture of rare beauty and + in perfect taste, had slowly driven past, to fly on like the wind as soon + as the road was clear, and to vanish presently in clouds of dust. There + was something of melancholy in his voice as he desired his young + camel-driver to pick up the flowers, which now lay in the dust of the + road, and to bring them to him. He himself had observed the handsome youth + as, with a glance and a gesture of annoyance with himself, he flung the + innocent gift on the hot, sandy highway. + </p> + <p> + “Your brother is right,” cried the old man to the Memphite. “Women are + indeed the rock ahead in this young fellow’s life—and he in theirs, + I fear! Poor little girl!” + </p> + <p> + “The little water-wagtail do you mean? Oh! with her it may perhaps turn to + real earnest. The two mothers have settled the matter already. They are + both rolling in gold, and where doves nest doves resort.—Thank God, + the sun is low down over the Pyramids! Let your people rest at the large + inn yonder; the host is an honest man and lacks nothing, not even shade!” + </p> + <p> + “So far as the beasts and drivers are concerned,” said the merchant, “they + may stop here. But I, and the leader of the caravan, and some of my men + will only take some refreshment, and then you must guide us to the + governor; I have to speak with him. It is growing late...” + </p> + <p> + “That does not matter,” said the Egyptian. “The Mukaukas prefers to see + strangers after sundown on such a scorching day. If you have any dealings + with him I am the very man for you. You have only to make play with a gold + piece and I can obtain you an audience at once through Sebek, the + house-steward he is my cousin. While you are resting here I will ride on + to the governor’s palace and bring you word as to how matters stand.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + The caravansary into which Haschim and his following now turned off stood + on a plot of rising ground surrounded by palm-trees. Before the + destruction of the heathen sanctuaries it had been a temple of Imhotep, + the Egyptian Esculapius, the beneficient god of healing, who had had his + places of special worship even in the city of the dead. It was half + relined, half buried in desert sand when an enterprising inn-keeper had + bought the elegant structure with the adjacent grove for a very moderate + sum. Since then it had passed to various owners, a large wooden building + for the accommodation of travellers had been added to the massive edifice, + and among the palm-trees, which extended as far as the ill-repaired quay, + stables were erected and plots of ground fenced in for beasts of all + kinds. The whole place looked like a cattle-fair, and indeed it was a + great resort of the butchers and horse-dealers of the town, who came there + to purchase. The palm-grove, being one of the few remaining close to the + city, also served the Memphites as a pleasure-ground where they could + “sniff fresh air” and treat themselves in a pleasant shade. ‘Tables and + seats had been set out close to the river, and there were boats on hire in + mine host’s little creek; and those who took their pleasure in coming + thither by water were glad to put in and refresh themselves under the + palms of Nesptah. + </p> + <p> + Two rows of houses had formerly divided this rendezvous for the sober and + the reckless from the highroad, but they had long since been pulled down + and laid level with the ground by successive landlords. Even now some + hundreds of laborers might be seen, in spite of the scorching heat, + toiling under Arab overseers to demolish a vast ruin of the date of the + Ptolemies and transporting the huge blocks of limestone and marble, and + the numberless columns which once had supported the roof of the temple of + Zeus, to the eastern shore of the Nile-loading them on to trucks drawn by + oxen which hauled them down to the quay to cross the river in + flat-bottomed boats. + </p> + <p> + Amru, the Khaliff’s general and representative, was there building his new + capital. For this the temples of the old gods were used as quarries, and + they supplied not only finely-squared blocks of the most durable stone, + but also myriads of Greek columns of every order, which had only to be + ferried over and set up again on the other shore; for the Arabs disdained + nothing in the way of materials, and made indiscriminate use of blocks and + pillars in their own sanctuaries, whether they took them from heathen + temples or Christian churches. + </p> + <p> + The walls of the temple of Imhotep had originally been completely covered + with pictures of the gods, and hieroglyphic inscriptions; but the smoke of + reeking hearths had long since blackened them, fanatical hands had never + been wanting to deface them, and in many places they had been lime-washed + and scrawled with Christian symbols or very unchristian mottoes, in Greek + and the spoken dialect of the Egyptians. The Arab and his men took their + meal in what had been the great hall of the temple—none of them + drinking wine excepting the captain of the caravan, who was no Moslem but + belonged to the Parsee sect of the Masdakites. + </p> + <p> + When the old merchant, sitting at a table by himself, had satisfied his + hunger, he called this chief and desired him to load the bale containing + the hanging on a litter between the two largest baggage camels, and to + fasten it securely but so that it could easily be removed. + </p> + <p> + “It is done,” replied the Persian, as he wiped his thick moustache—he + was a magnificent man as tall and stalwart as an oak, with light flowing + hair like a lion’s mane. + </p> + <p> + “So much the better,” said Haschim. “Then come out with me.” And he led + the way to the palmgrove. + </p> + <p> + The sun had sunk to rest behind the pyramids, the Necropolis, and the + Libyan hills; the eastern sky, and the bare limestone rock of Babylon on + the opposite shore were shining with hues of indescribable diversity and + beauty. It seemed as though every variety of rose reared by the skilled + gardeners of Arsinoe or Naukratis had yielded its hues, from golden buff + to crimson and the deepest wine-tinted violet, to shed their magic glow on + the plains, the peaks and gorges of the hills, with the swiftness of + thought. + </p> + <p> + The old man’s heart beat high as he gazed at the scene; he drew a deep + breath, and laying his slender hand on the Persian’s mighty arm he said: + “Your prophet, Masdak, taught that it was God’s will that no one should + think himself more or less chosen than another, and that there should be + neither rich nor poor on earth, but that every possession should belong to + all in common. Well, look around you here as I do. The man who has not + seen this has seen nothing. There is no fairer scene here below and to + whom does it belong? To poor simple Salech yonder, whom we allowed to + tramp half naked at our camels’ heels out of pity.—It is his as much + as it is yours or mine or the Khaliff’s. God has given us all an equal + share in the glory of his works, as your prophet would have it. How much + beauty is the common possession of our race! Let us be thankful for it, + Rustem, for indeed it is no small matter.—But as to property, such + as man may win or lose, that is quite a different matter. We all start on + the same race-course, and what you Masdakites ask is that lead should be + tied to the feet of the swift so that no one should outstrip another; but + that would be.... Well, well! Let us feast our eyes now on the marvellous + beauty before us. Look: What just now was the purple of this flower is now + deep ruby red; what before was a violet gleam now is the richest amethyst. + Do you see the golden fringe to those clouds? It is like a setting.—And + all this is ours—is yours and mine—so long as we have eyes and + heart to enjoy and be uplifted by it!” + </p> + <p> + The Masdakite laughed, a fresh, sonorous laugh, and said: “Yes, Master, + for those who see as you see. The colors are bright no doubt over the sky + and the hills, and we do not often see such a red as that at home in my + country; but of what use is all that magic show? You see rubies and + amethysts—but as for me! The gems in your hanging stand for + something more than that shining show. I mean no harm, Master, but I would + give all the sunsets that ever glowed on earth for your bales and never + repent of the bargain!” He laughed more heartily than before and added: + “But you, worthy Father, would think twice before you signed it.—As + to what we Masdakites hope for, our time is not yet come.” + </p> + <p> + “And suppose it were, and that the hanging were yours?” + </p> + <p> + “I should sell it and add the price to my savings, and go home and buy + some land, and take a pretty wife, and breed camels and horses.” + </p> + <p> + “And next day would come the poorer men who had laid nothing by, and had + made no bargain over hangings and sunsets; and they would ask for a share + of your land, and a camel and a foal each, and you would not be able ever + to see a sunset again but must wander about the world, and your pretty + wife with you to help you share everything with others.—Let us abide + by the old order, my Rustem, and may the Most High preserve you your good + heart, for you have but a foolish and crotchety head.” + </p> + <p> + The big man bent over his master and gratefully kissed his arm; at this + moment the guide rejoined them, but with a long face for he had promised + more than he could perform. The Mukaukas George had set out—a quite + unheard of event—for an excursion on the river in his barge, with + his son and the ladies of the house just as he was hoping to secure an + audience for the Arab. Orion’s return—the steward had explained—had + made the old man quite young again. Haschim must now wait till the morrow, + and he, the guide, would counsel him to pass the night in the city at an + inn kept by one Moschion, where he would be well cared for. + </p> + <p> + But the merchant preferred to remain where he was. He did not care about + the delay, more particularly as he wished to consult an Egyptian physician + with regard to an old standing complaint he suffered from, and there was + no more skilful or learned leech in the whole land, the Egyptian guide + assured him, than the famous Philip of Memphis. The situation here, + outside the town, was very pleasant, and from the river’s bank he might + observe the comet which had been visible for some nights past—a + portent of evil no doubt. The natives of the city had been paralysed with + terror; that indeed was evident even here in Nesptah’s caravansary, for + usually as the evening grew cool, the tables and benches under the palms + were crowded with guests; but who would care to think of enjoyment in + those days of dread? + </p> + <p> + So he remounted his ass to fetch the physician, while old Haschim, leaning + on the Masdakite’s arm, betook himself to a bench by the river. There he + sat gazing thoughtfully at the starry sky, and his companion dreamed of + home and of buying a meadow, even without the price of the gorgeous + hanging, of building a house, and of choosing a pretty little wife to + manage it. Should she be fair or dark? He would rather she should be fair. + </p> + <p> + But his castle in the air was shattered at this point, for an object was + approaching across the Nile which attracted his attention, and which he + pointed out to his chief. The stream lay before them like a broad belt of + black and silver brocade. The waxing moon was mirrored in the almost + unruffled surface and where a ripple curled it the tiny crest glittered + like white flame. Bats swooped to and fro in the gloom from the city of + the dead to the river, and flitted above it like shadows blown about by + the wind. A few lateen sails moved like pale, gigantic birds over the dark + waters; but now from the north—and from the city—a larger mass + came towards the palm-grove with bright, gleaming eyes of light. + </p> + <p> + “A fine boat,—the governor’s no doubt,” said the merchant, as it + slowly came towards the grove from the middle of the stream. At the same + time the clatter of hoofs became audible from the road behind the inn. + Haschim turned round and was aware of torchbearers running ahead of a + chariot. + </p> + <p> + “The sick man has come so far by water,” said the Arab, “and now, he is to + be driven home.—Strange! this is the second time to-day that I have + met his much-talked-of son!” + </p> + <p> + The governor’s pleasure-barge was nearing the palm-grove. It was a large + and handsome boat, built of cedar-wood and richly gilt, with an image of + John, the patron-saint of the family, for a figure-head. The nimbus round + the head was a crown of lamps, and large lanterns shone both at the bows + and stern of the vessel. The Mukaukas George was reclining under an + awning, his wife Neforis by his side. Opposite to them sat their son and a + tall young girl, at whose feet a child of ten sat on the ground, leaning + her pretty head against her knees. An older Greek woman, the child’s + governess, had a place by the side of a very tall man, on an ottoman + beyond the verge of the awning. This man was Philip the leech. The + cheerful sound of the lute accompanied the barge, and the performer was + the returned wanderer Orion, who touched the strings with skill and deep + feeling. + </p> + <p> + It was altogether a pleasing scene—a fair picture of a wealthy and + united family. But who was the damsel sitting by Orion’s side? He was + devoting his whole attention to her; as he struck the strings with deeper + emphasis his eyes sought hers, and it seemed as though he were playing for + her alone. Nor did she appear unworthy of such homage, for when the barge + ran into the little haven and Haschim could distinguish her features he + was startled by her noble and purely Greek beauty. + </p> + <p> + A few handsomely-dressed slaves, who must have come with the vehicle by + the road, now went on board the boat to carry their invalid lord to his + chariot; and it then became apparent that the seat in which he reclined + was provided with arms by which it could be lifted and moved. A burly + negro took this at the back, but just as another was stooping to lift it + in front Orion pushed him away and took his place, raised the couch with + his father on it, and carried him across the landing-stage between the + deck and the shore, past Haschim to the chariot. The young man did the + work of bearer with cheerful ease, and looked affectionately at his father + while he shouted to the ladies—for only his mother and the physician + accompanied the invalid after carefully wrapping him in shawls—to + get out of the barge and wait for him. Then he went forward, lighted by + the torches which were carried before them. + </p> + <p> + “Poor man!” thought the merchant as he looked after the Mukaukas. “But to + a man who has such a son to carry him the saddest and hardest lot floats + by like a cloud before the wind.” + </p> + <p> + He was now ready to forgive Orion even the rejected flowers; and when the + young girl stepped on shore, the child clinging fondly to her arm, he + confessed to himself that Dame Susannah’s little daughter would find it + hard indeed to hold her own by the side of this tall and royal vision of + beauty. What a form was this maiden’s, and what princely bearing; and how + sweet and engaging the voice in which she named some of the constellations + to her little companion, and pointed out the comet which was just rising! + </p> + <p> + Haschim was sitting in shadow; he could see without being seen, and note + all that took place on the bench, which was lighted by one of the barge’s + lanterns. The unexpected entertainment gave him pleasure, for everything + that affected the governor’s son roused his sympathy and interest. The + idea of forming an opinion of this remarkable young man smiled on his + fancy, and the sight of the beautiful girl who sat on the bench yonder + warmed his old heart. The child must certainly be Mary, the governor’s + granddaughter. + </p> + <p> + Then the chariot started off, clattering away down the road, and in a few + minutes Orion came back to the rest of the party. + </p> + <p> + Alas! Poor little heiress of Susannah’s wealth! How different was his + demeanor to this beautiful damsel from his treatment of that little thing! + His eyes rested on her face in rapture, his speech failed him now and + again as he addressed her, and what he said must be sometimes grave and + captivating and sometimes witty, for not she alone but the little maid’s + governess listened to him eagerly, and when the fair one laughed it was in + particularly sweet, clear tones. There was something so lofty in her mien + that this frank expression of contentment was almost startling; like a + breath of perfume from some gorgeous flower which seems created to rejoice + the eye only. And she, to whom all that Orion had to say was addressed, + listened to him not only with deep attention, but in a way which showed + the merchant that she cared even more for the speaker than for what he was + so eager in expressing. If this maiden wedded the governor’s son, they + would indeed be a pair! Taus, the innkeeper’s wife, now came out, a buxom + and vigorous Egyptian woman of middle age, carrying some of the puffs for + which she was famous, and which she had just made with her own hands. She + also served them with milk, grapes and other fruit, her eyes sparkling + with delight and gratified ambition; for the son of the great Mukaukas, + the pride of the city, who in former years had often been her visitor, and + not only for the sake of her cakes, in water parties with his gay + companions—mostly Greek officers who now were all dead and gone or + exiles from the country—now did her the honor to come here so soon + after his return. Her facile tongue knew no pause as she told him that she + and her husband had gone forth with the rest to welcome him at the + triumphal arch near Menes’ Gate, and Emau with them, and the little one. + Yes, Emau was married now, and had called her first child Orion. And when + the young man asked Dame Taus whether Emau was as charming as ever and as + like her mother as she used to be, she shook her finger at him and asked + in her turn, as she pointed towards the young lady, whether the fickle + bird at whose departure so many had sighed, was to be caged at last, and + whether yon fair lady.... + </p> + <p> + But Orion cut her short, saying that he was still his own master though he + already felt the noose round his neck; and the fair lady blushed even more + deeply than at the good woman’s first question. He however soon got over + his awkwardness and gaily declared that the worthy Taus’ little daughter + was one of the prettiest girls in Memphis, and had had quite as many + admirers as her excellent mother’s puff-pastry. Taus was to greet her + kindly from him. + </p> + <p> + The landlady departed, much touched and flattered; Orion took up his lute, + and while the ladies refreshed themselves he did the maiden’s bidding and + sang the song by Alcaeus which she asked for, in a rich though subdued + voice to the lute, playing it like a master. The young girl’s eyes were + fixed on his lips, and again, he seemed to be making music for her alone. + When it was time to start homewards, and the ladies returned to the barge, + he went up to the inn to pay the reckoning. As he presently returned alone + the Arab saw him pick up a handkerchief that the young lady had left on + the table, and hastily press it to his lips as he went towards the barge. + </p> + <p> + The gorgeous red blossoms had fared worse in the morning. The young man’s + heart was given to that maiden on the water. She could not be his sister; + what then was the connection between them? + </p> + <p> + The merchant soon gained this information, for the guide on his return + could give it him. She was Paula, the daughter of Thomas, the famous Greek + general who had defended the city of Damascus so long and so bravely + against the armies of Islam. She was Mukaukas George’s niece, but her + fortune was small; she was a poor relation of the family, and after her + father’s disappearance—for his body had never been found—she + had been received into the governor’s house out of pity and charity—she, + a Melchite! The interpreter had little to say in her favor, by reason of + her sect; and though he could find no flaw in her beauty, he insisted on + it that she was proud and ungracious, and incapable of winning any man’s + love; only the child, little Mary—she, to be sure, was very fond of + her. It was no secret that even her uncle’s wife, worthy Neforis, did not + care for her haughty niece and only suffered her to please the invalid. + And what business had a Melchite at Memphis, under the roof of a good + Jacobite? Every word the dragoman spoke breathed the scorn which a mean + and narrow-minded man is always ready to heap on those who share the + kindness of his own benefactors. + </p> + <p> + But this beautiful and lofty-looking daughter of a great man had conquered + the merchant’s old heart, and his opinion of her was quite unmoved by the + Memphite’s strictures. It was ere long confirmed indeed, for Philip, the + leech whom the guide had been to find, and whose dignified personality + inspired the Arab with confidence, was a daily visitor to the governor, + and he spoke of Paula as one of the most perfect creatures that Heaven had + ever formed in a happy hour. But the Almighty seemed to have forgotten to + care for his own masterpiece; for years her life had been indeed a sad + one. + </p> + <p> + The physician could promise the old man some mitigation of his sufferings, + and they liked each other so well that they parted the best of friends, + and not till a late hour. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + The Mukaukas’ barge, urged forward by powerful rowers, made its way + smoothly down the river. On board there was whispering, and now and again + singing. Little Mary had dropped asleep on Paula’s shoulder; the Greek + duenna gazed sometimes at the comet which filled her with terrors, + sometimes at Orion, whose handsome face had bewitched her mature heart, + and sometimes at the young girl whom she was ill-pleased to see thus + preferred by this favorite of the gods. It was a deliciously warm, still + night, and the moon, which makes the ocean swell and flow, stirs the tide + of feeling to rise in the human breast. + </p> + <p> + Whatever Paula asked for Orion sang, as though nothing was unknown to him + that had ever sounded on a Greek lute; and the longer they went on the + clearer and richer his voice grew, the more melting and seductive its + expression, and the more urgently it appealed to the young girl’s heart. + Paula gave herself up to the sweet enchantment, and when he laid down the + lute and asked in low tones if his native land was not lovely on such a + night as this, or which song she liked best, and whether she had any idea + of what it had been to him to find her in his parents’ house, she yielded + to the charm and answered him in whispers like his own. + </p> + <p> + Under the dense foliage of the sleeping garden he pressed her hand to his + lips, and she, tremulous, let him have his way.—Bitter, bitter years + lay behind her. The physician had spoken only too truly. The hardest blows + of fate had brought her—the proud daughter of a noble father—to + a course of cruel humiliations. The life of a friendless though not + penniless relation, taken into a wealthy house out of charity, had proved + a thorny path to tread, but now-since the day before yesterday—all + was changed. Orion had come. His home and the city had held high festival + on his return, as at some gift of Fortune, in which she too had a goodly + share. He had met her, not as the dependent relative, but as a beautiful + and high-born woman. There was sunshine in his presence which warmed her + very heart, and made her raise her head once more like a flower that is + brought out under the open sky after long privation of light and air. His + bright spirit and gladness of life refreshed her heart and brain; the + respect he paid her revived her crushed self-confidence and filled her + soul with fervent gratitude. Ah! and how delightful it was to feel that + she might be grateful, devotedly grateful.—And then, then this + evening had been hers, the sweetest, most blessed that she had known for + years. He had reminded her of what she had almost forgotten: that she was + still young, that she was still lovely, that she had a right to be happy, + to enchant and be enchanted—perhaps even to love and to be loved. + </p> + <p> + Her hand was still conscious of his burning kiss as she entered the cool + room where the Lady Neforis sat awaiting the return of the party, turning + her spinning-wheel by the couch of her invalid husband who always went to + rest at late hours. It was with an overflowing heart that Paula raised her + uncle’s hand to her lips—Orion’s father, might she not say HER + Orion’s?—Then she kissed her aunt—his mother, and it was long + since she had done so—as she and little Mary bid her good-night. + Neforis accepted the kiss coolly but with some surprise, and looked up + enquiringly at the girl and at her son. No doubt she thought many things, + but deemed it prudent to give them no utterance for the present. She + allowed the girl to retire as though nothing unusual had occurred, + superintended the servants who came to carry her husband into his bedroom, + gave him the white globule which was to secure him sleep, and with + indefatigable patience turned and moved his pillows till his couch was to + his mind. Not till then, nor till she was satisfied that a servant was + keeping watch in the adjoining room, did she leave him; and then—for + there was danger in delay—she went to seek her son. + </p> + <p> + This tall, large and rather too portly woman had been in her youth a + slender and elegant girl; a graceful creature though her calm and + expressionless features had never been strikingly beautiful. Age had + altered them but little; her face was now that of a good-looking, plump, + easy-going matron, which had lost its freshness through long and devoted + attendance on the sick man. Her birth and position gave her confidence and + self-reliance, but there was nothing gracious or captivating in her + individuality. The joys and woes of others were not hers; still she could + be moved and stirred by them, even to self-denial, and was very capable of + feeling quite a passionate interest for others; only, those others must be + her own immediate belongings and no one else. Thus a more devoted and + anxious wife, or a more loving mother would have been hard to find; but, + if we compare her faculty for loving with a star, its rays were too short + to reach further than to those nearest to her, and these regarded it as an + exceptional state of grace to be included within the narrow circle of + those beloved by her somewhat grudging soul. + </p> + <p> + She knocked at Orion’s sitting-room, and he hailed her late visit with + surprise and pleasure. She had come to speak of a matter of importance, + and had done so promptly, for her son’s and Paula’s conduct just now urged + her to lose no time. Something was going on between these two and her + husband’s niece was far outside the narrow limits of her loving kindness. + </p> + <p> + This, she began by saying, would not allow her to sleep. She had but one + heart’s desire and his father shared it: Orion must know full well what + she meant; she had spoken to him about it only yesterday. His father had + received him with warm affection, had paid his debts unhesitatingly and + without a word of reproach, and now it was his part to turn over a new + leaf: to break with his former reckless life and set up a home of his own. + The bride, as he knew, was chosen for him. “Susannah was here just now,” + she said. “You scapegrace, she confessed that you had quite turned her + Katharina’s little head this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for it,” he interrupted in a tone of annoyance. “These ways + with women have grown upon me as a habit; but I have done with them + henceforth. They are unworthy of me now, and I feel, my dear Mother....” + </p> + <p> + “That life is beginning in earnest,” Neforis threw in. “The wish which + brings me to you now entirely accords with that. You know what it is, and + I cannot imagine what you can have to say against it. In short, you must + let me settle the matter to-morrow with Dame Susannah. You are sure of her + daughter’s affection, she is the richest heiress in the country, well + brought up, and as I said before, she has quite lost her little heart to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “And she had better have kept it!” said Orion with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + Then his mother waxed wroth and exclaimed: “I must beg you to reserve your + mirth for a more fitting season and for laughable things. I am very much + in earnest when I say: The girl is a sweet, good little creature and will + be a faithful and loving wife to you, under God. Or have you left your + heart in Constantinople? Has the Senator Justinus’ fair relation.—But + nonsense! You can hardly suppose that that volatile Greek girl....” + </p> + <p> + Orion clasped her in his arms, and said tenderly, “No, dearest mother, no. + Constantinople lies far, far behind me, in grey mist beyond the farthest + Thule; and here, close here, under my father’s roof, I have found + something far more lovely and more perfect than has ever been beheld by + the dwellers on the Bosphorus. That little girl is no match for a son of + our stalwart and broad-shouldered race. Our future generations must still + tower proudly above the common herd in every respect; I want no plaything + for a wife, but a woman, such as you yourself were in youth—tall, + dignified and handsome. My heart goes forth to no gold-crested wren but to + a really royal maiden.—Of what use to waste words! Paula, the noble + daughter of a glorious father, is my choice. It came upon me just now like + a revelation; I ask your blessing on my union with her!” + </p> + <p> + So far had Neforis allowed her son to speak. He had frankly and boldly + uttered what she had indeed feared to hear. And so long she had succeeded + in keeping silence!—But now her patience gave way. Trembling with + anger she abruptly broke in, exclaiming, as her face grew crimson: + </p> + <p> + “No more, no more! Heaven grant that this which I have been compelled to + hear may be no more than a fleeting and foolish whim! Have you quite + forgotten who and what we are? Have you forgotten that those were + Melchites who slew your two dear brothers—our two noble sons? Of + what account are we among the orthodox Greeks? While among the Egyptians + and all who confess the saving doctrine of Eutyches, among the + Monophysites we are the chief, and we will remain so, and close our ears + and hearts against all heretics and their superstitions. What! A grandson + of Menas, the brother of two martyrs for our glorious faith, married to a + Melchite! The mere idea is sacrilege, is blasphemy; I can give it no + milder name! I and your father will die childless before we consent! And + it is for the love of this woman, whose heart is so cold that I shiver + only to think of it—for this waif and stray, who has nothing but her + ragged pride and the mere scrapings of a lost fortune, which never could + compare with ours—for this thankless creature, who can hardly bring + herself to bid me, your mother, such a civil good-morning—by Heaven + it is the truth—as I can say to a slave—for her that I, that + your parents are to be bereft of their son, the only child that a gracious + Providence has left to be their joy and comfort? No, no, never! Far be it + from me! You, Orion, my heart’s darling, you have been a wilful fellow all + your life, but you cannot have such a perverse heart as to bring your old + mother, who has kept you in her heart these four and twenty years, in + sorrow to the grave and embitter your father’s few remaining days—for + his hours are numbered!—And all for the sake of this cold beauty, + whom you have seen for a few hours these last two days. You cannot have + the heart to do this, my heart’s treasure, no, you cannot!—But if + you should in some accursed hour, I tell you—and I have been a + tender mother to you all your life-but as surely as God shall be my stay + and your father’s in our last hour, I will tear all love for you out of my + heart like a poisonous weed—I will, though that heart should break!” + </p> + <p> + Orion put his arms round the excited woman, who lead freed herself from + his embrace, laid his hand lightly on her lips and kissed her eyes, + whispering in her ear: + </p> + <p> + “I have not the heart indeed, and could scarcely find it.” Then, taking + both her hands, he looked straight into her face. + </p> + <p> + “Brrr!” he exclaimed, “your daredevil son was never so much frightened in + his life as by your threats. What dreadful words are these—and even + worse were at the tip of your tongue! Mother—Mother Neforis! Your + name means kindness, but you can be cruel, bitterly cruel!” + </p> + <p> + Still he drew her fondly to him, and kissed her hair and brow and cheeks + with eager haste, in a vehemence of feeling which came over him like a + revulsion after the shock he had gone through; and when they parted he had + given her leave to negotiate for little Katharina’s hand on his behalf, + and she had promised in return that it should be not on the morrow but the + day after at soonest. This delay seemed to him a sort of victory and when + he found himself alone and reflected on what he had done in yielding to + his mother, though his heart bled from the wounds of which he himself knew + not the depth, he rejoiced that he had not bound Paula by any closer tie. + His eyes had indeed told her much, but the word “Love” had not passed his + lips—and yet that was what it came to.—But surely a cousin + might be allowed to kiss the hand of a lovely relation. She was a + desirable woman—ah, how desirable!—and must ever be: but to + quarrel with his parents for the sake of a girl, were she Aphrodite + herself, or one of the Muses or the Graces—that was impossible! + There were thousands of pretty women in the world, but only one mother; + and how often had his heart beat high and won another heart, taken all it + had to give, and then easily and quickly recovered its balance. + </p> + <p> + This time however, it seemed more deeply hit than on former occasions; + even the lovely Persian slave for whose sake he had committed the wildest + follies while yet scarcely more than a school-boy—even the + bewitching Heliodora at Constantinople for whom he still had a tender + thought, had not agitated him so strongly. It was hard to give up this + Paula; but there was no help for it. To-morrow he must do his best to + establish their intercourse on a friendly and fraternal footing; for he + could have no hope that she would be content to accept his love only, like + the gentle Heliodora, who was quite her equal in birth. Life would have + been fair, unutterably fair, with this splendid creature by his side! If + only he could take her to the Capital he felt sure that all the world + would stand still to turn round and gaze at her. And if she loved him—if + she met him open-armed.... Oh, why had spiteful fate made her a Melchite? + But then, alas, alas! There must surely be something wrong with her nature + and temper; would she not otherwise have been able in two years to gain + the love, instead of the dislike, of his excellent and fond mother?—Well, + after all, it was best so; but Paula’s image haunted him nevertheless and + spoilt his sleep, and his longing for her was not to be stilled. + </p> + <p> + Neforis, meanwhile, did not return at once to her husband but went to find + Paula. This business must be settled on all sides and at once. If she + could have believed that her victory would give the invalid unqualified + pleasure she would have hastened to him with the good news, for she knew + no higher joy than to procure him a moment’s happiness; but the Mukaukas + had agreed to her choice very reluctantly. Katharina seemed to him too + small and childish for his noble son, whose mental superiority had been + revealed to him unmistakably and undeniably, in many long discussions + since his return, to the delight of his father’s heart. “The + water-wagtail,” though he wished her every happiness, did not satisfy him + for Orion. To him, the father, Paula would have been a well-beloved + daughter-in-law, and he had often found pleasure in picturing her by + Orion’s side. But she was a Melchite; he knew too how ill-affected his + wife was towards her, so he kept his wish locked in his own breast in + order not to vex the faithful companion who lived, thought, and felt for + him alone; and Dame Neforis knew or guessed all this, and said to herself + that it would cost him his night’s rest if he were to be told at once what + a concession Orion had made. + </p> + <p> + With Paula it was different. The sooner she learnt that she had nothing to + expect from their son, the better for her. + </p> + <p> + That very morning she and Orion had greeted each other like a couple of + lovers and just now they had parted like a promised bride and bridegroom. + She would not again be witness to such vexatious doings; so she went to + the young girl’s room and confided to her with much satisfaction the happy + prospects her son had promised them,—only Paula must say nothing + about it till the day after to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + The moment she entered the room Paula inferred from her beaming expression + that she had something to say unpleasant to herself, so she preserved due + composure. Her face wore a look of unmoved indifference while she + submitted to the overflow of a too-happy mother’s heart; and she wished + the betrothed couple joy: but she did so with a smile that infuriated + Neforis. + </p> + <p> + She was not on the whole spiteful; but face to face with this girl, her + nature was transformed, and she rather liked the idea of showing her, once + more in her life, that in her place humility would beseem her. All this + she said to herself as she quitted Paula’s room; but perhaps this woman, + who had much that was good in her, might have felt some ruth, if in the + course of the next few hours she could but have looked into the heart of + the orphan entrusted to her protection. Only once did Paula sob aloud; + then she indignantly dried her tears, and sat for a long time gazing at + the floor, shaking her pretty head again and again as though something + unheard-of and incredible had befallen her. + </p> + <p> + At last, with a bitter sigh, she went to bed; and while she vainly strove + for sleep, and for strength to pray and be silently resigned, Time seemed + to her a wild-beast chase, Fate a relentless hunter, and the quarry he was + pursuing was herself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + On the following evening Haschim, the merchant, came to the governor’s + house with a small part of his caravan. A stranger might have taken the + mansion for the home of a wealthy country-gentleman rather than the + official residence of a high official; for at this hour, after sunset, + large herds of beasts and sheep were being driven into the vast court-yard + behind the house, surrounded on three sides by out-buildings; half a + hundred horses of choice breed came, tied in couples, from the + watering-place; and in a well-sanded paddock enclosed by hurdles, slaves, + brown and black, were bringing fodder to a large troop of camels. + </p> + <p> + The house itself was well-fitted by its unusually palatial size and + antique splendor to be the residence of the emperor’s viceroy, and the + Mukaukas, to whom it all belonged, had in fact held the office for a long + time. After the conquest of the country by the Arabs they had left him in + possession, and at the present date he managed the affairs of his Egyptian + fellow-countrymen, no more in the name of the emperor at Byzantium, but + under the authority of the Khaliff at Medina and his great general, Amru. + The Moslem conquerors had found him a ready and judicious mediator; while + his fellow-Christians and country-men obeyed him as being the noblest and + wealthiest of their race and the descendant of ancestors who had enjoyed + high distinction even under the Pharaohs. + </p> + <p> + Only the governor’s residence was Greek—or rather Alexandrian-in + style; the court-yards and out-buildings on the contrary, looked as though + they belonged to some Oriental magnate-to some Erpaha (or prince of a + province) as the Mukaukas’ forefathers had been called, a rank which + commanded respect both at court and among the populace. + </p> + <p> + The dragoman had not told the merchant too much beforehand of the + governor’s possessions: he had vast estates, in both Upper and Lower + Egypt, tilled by thousands of slaves under numerous overseers. Here in + Memphis was the centre of administration of his property, and besides the + offices for his private affairs were those he needed as a state official. + </p> + <p> + Well-kept quays, and the wide road running along the harbor side, divided + his large domain from the river, and a street ran along the wall which + enclosed it on the north. On this side was the great gate, always wide + open by day, by which servants or persons on business-errands made their + entrance; the other gate, a handsome portal with Corinthian columns + opening from the Nile-quay, was that by which the waterparty had returned + the evening before. This was kept closed, and only opened for the family, + or for guests and distinguished visitors. There was a guardhouse at the + north gate with a small detachment of Egyptian soldiers, who were + entrusted with the protection of the Mukaukas’ person. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the refreshing evening breeze came up from the river after the + heat of the day there was a stir in the great court-yard. Men, women and + girls came trooping out of the retainers’ dwellings to breathe the cooler + air. Waiting-maids and slaves dipped for water into enormous earthen + vessels and carried it away in graceful jars; the free-men of the + household rested in groups after the fatigues of the day, chatting, + playing and singing. From the slaves’ quarters in another court-yard came + confused sounds of singing hymns, with the shrill tones of the double pipe + and duller noise of the tabor—an invitation to dance; scolding and + laughter; the jubilant shouts of a girl led out to dance, and the shrieks + of a victim to the overseer’s rod. + </p> + <p> + The servant’s gateway, still hung with flowers and wreaths in honor of + Orion’s recent return, was wide open for the coming and going of the + accountants and scribes, or of such citizens as came very willingly to pay + an evening call on their friends in the governor’s household; for there + were always some officials near the Mukaukas’ person who knew more than + other folks of the latest events in Church and State. + </p> + <p> + Ere long a considerable number of men had assembled to sit under the deep + wooden porch of the head-steward’s dwelling, all taking eager part in the + conversation, which they would have found very enjoyable even without the + beer which their host offered them in honor of the great event of his + young lord’s return; for what was ever dearer to Egyptians than a brisk + exchange of talk, at the same time heaping ridicule or scorn on their + unapproachable superiors in rank, and on all they deem enemies to their + creed or their country. + </p> + <p> + Many a trenchant word and many a witty jest must have been uttered this + evening, for hearty laughter and loud applause were incessant in the head + steward’s porch; the captain of the guard at the gate cast envious and + impatient glances at the merry band, which he would gladly have joined; + but he could not yet leave his post. The messengers’ horses were standing + saddled while their riders awaited their orders, there were supplicants + and traders to be admitted or turned away, and there were still a number + of persons lingering in the large vestibule of the governor’s palace and + craving to speak with him, for it was well known in Memphis that during + the hot season the ailing Mukaukas granted audience only in the evening. + </p> + <p> + The Egyptians had not yet acquired full confidence in the Arab government, + and every one tried to avoid being handed over to its representative; for + none of its officials could be so wise or so just as their old Mukaukas. + How the suffering man found strength and time to keep an eye on + everything, it was hard to imagine; but the fact remained that he himself + looked into every decision. At the same time no one could be sure of his + affairs being settled out of hand unless he could get at the governor + himself. + </p> + <p> + Business hours were now over; the anxiety caused both by the delay in the + rising of the Nile and by the advent of the comet had filled the + waiting-rooms with more petitioners than usual. Deputations from town and + village magistrates had been admitted in parties; supplicants on private + business had gone in one by one; and most of them had come forth content, + or at any rate well advised. Only one man still lingered,—a + countryman whose case had long been awaiting settlement—in the hope + that a gift to the great man’s doorkeeper, of a few drachmae out of his + poverty might at length secure him the fruit of his long patience—when + the chamberlain, bidding him return on the morrow, officiously flung open + the high doors that led to the Mukaukas’ apartments, to admit the Arab + merchant, in consideration of Haschim’s gold piece which had come to him + through his cousin the dragoman. Haschim, however, had observed the + countryman, and insisted on his being shown in first. This was done, and a + few minutes later the peasant came out satisfied, and gratefully kissed + the Arab’s hand. + </p> + <p> + Then the chamberlain led the old merchant, and the men who followed him + with a heavy bale, into a magnificent anteroom to wait; and his patience + was put to a severe test before his name was called and he could show the + governor his merchandise. + </p> + <p> + The Mukaukas, in fact, after signifying by a speechless nod that he would + presently receive the merchant—who came well recommended—had + retired to recreate himself, and was now engaged in a game of draughts, + heedless of those whom he kept waiting. He reclined on a divan covered + with a sleek lioness’ skin, while his young antagonist sat opposite on a + low stool, The doors of the room, facing the Nile, where he received + petitioners were left half open to admit the fresher but still warm + evening-air. The green velarium or awning, which during the day had + screened off the sun’s rays where the middle of the ceiling was open to + the sky, was now rolled back, and the moon and stars looked down into the + room. It was well adapted to its purpose as a refuge from the heat of the + summer day, for the walls were lined with cool, colored earthenware tiles, + the floor was a brightly-tinted mosaic of patterns on a ground of gold + glass, and in the circular central ornament of this artistic pavement + stood the real source of freshness: a basin, two man’s length across, of + brown porphyry flecked with white, from which a fountain leaped, filling + the surrounding air with misty spray. A few stools, couches and small + tables, all of cool-looking metal, formed the sole furniture of this lofty + apartment which was brilliantly lighted by numerous lamps. + </p> + <p> + A light air blew in through the open roof and doors, made the lamps + flicker, and played with Paula’s brown hair as she sat absorbed, as it + seemed, in the game. Orion, who stood behind her, had several times + endeavored to attract her attention, but in vain. He now eagerly offered + his services to fetch her a handkerchief to preserve her from a chill; + this, however, she shortly and decidedly declined, though the breeze came + up damp from the river and she had more than once drawn her peplos more + closely across her bosom. + </p> + <p> + The young man set his teeth at this fresh repulse. He did not know that + his mother had told Paula what he had yesterday agreed to, and could not + account for the girl’s altered behavior. All day she had treated him with + icy coldness, had scarcely answered his questions with a distant “Yes,” or + “No;” and to him, the spoilt favorite of women, this conduct had become + more and more intolerable. Yes, his mother had judged her rightly: she + allowed herself to be swayed in a most extraordinary manner by her moods; + and now even he was to feel the insolence of her haughtiness, of which he + had as yet seen nothing. This repellent coldness bordered on rudeness and + he had no mind to submit to it for long. It was with deep vexation that he + watched every turn of her hand, every movement of her body, and the + varying expression of her face; and the more the image of this proud + maiden sank into his heart the more lovely and perfect he thought her, and + the greater grew his desire to see her smile once more, to see her again + as sweetly womanly as she had been but yesterday. Now she was like nothing + so much as a splendid marble statue, though he knew indeed that it had a + soul—and what a glorious task it would be to free this fair being + from herself, as it were, from the foolish tempers that enslaved her, to + show her—by severity if need should be—what best beseems a + woman, a maiden. + </p> + <p> + He became more and more exclusively absorbed in watching the young girl, + as his mother—who was sitting with Dame Susannah on a couch at some + little distance from the players—observed with growing annoyance, + and she tried to divert his attention by questions and small errands, so + as to give his evident excitement a fresh direction. + </p> + <p> + Who could have thought, yesterday morning, that her darling would so soon + cause her fresh vexation and anxiety. + </p> + <p> + He had come home just such a man as she and his father could have wished: + independent and experienced in the ways of the great world. In the Capital + he had, no doubt, enjoyed all that seems pleasant in the eyes of a wealthy + youth, but in spite of that he had remained fresh and open-hearted even to + the smallest things; and this was what most rejoiced his father. In him + there was no trace of the satiety, the blunted faculty for enjoyment, + which fell like a blight on so many men of his age and rank. He could + still play as merrily with little Mary, still take as much pleasure in a + rare flower or a fine horse, as before his departure. At the same time he + had gained keen insight into the political situation of the time, into the + state of the empire and the court, into administration, and the + innovations in church matters; it was a joy to his father to hear him + discourse; and he assured his wife that he had learnt a great deal from + the boy, that Orion was on the high road to be a great statesman and was + already quite capable of taking his father’s place. + </p> + <p> + When Neforis confessed how large a sum in debts Orion had left in + Constantinople the old man put his hand in his purse with a sort of pride, + delighted to find that his sole remaining heir knew how to spend the + immense wealth which to him was now a burden rather than a pleasure—to + make good use of it, as he himself had done in his day, and display a + magnificence of which the lustre was reflected on him and on his name. + </p> + <p> + “With him, at any rate,” said the old man, “one gets something for the + money. His horses cost a great deal but he knows how to win with them; his + entertainments swallow up a pretty sum, but they gain him respect wherever + he goes. He brought me a letter from the Senator Justinus, and the worthy + man tells me what a leading part he plays among the gilded youth of the + Capital. All this is not to be had for nothing, and it will be cheap in + the end. What need we care about a hundred talents more or less! And there + is something magnanimous in the lad that has given him the spirit to feel + that.” + </p> + <p> + And it was not a hale old grey-beard who spoke thus, but a broken man, + whose only joy it was to lavish on his son the riches which he had long + been incapable of enjoying. The high-spirited and gifted youth, scarcely + more than a boy in years, whom he had sent to the Capital with no small + misgivings, must have led a far less lawless life than might have been + expected; of this the ruddy tinge in his sunburnt cheeks was ample + guarantee, the vigorous solidity of his muscles, and the thick waves of + his hair, which was artificially curled and fell in a fringe, as was then + the fashion, over his high brow, giving him a certain resemblance to the + portraits of Antinous, the handsomest youth in the time of the Emperor + Hadrian. Even his mother owned that he looked like health itself, and no + member of the Imperial family could be more richly, carefully and + fashionably dressed than her darling. But even in the humblest garb he + would have been a handsome—a splendid youth, and his mother’s pride! + When he left home there was still a smack of the provincial about him; but + now every kind of awkwardness had vanished, and wherever he might go—even + in the Capital, he was certain to be one of the first to attract + observation and approval. + </p> + <p> + And what had he not known in his city experience? The events of half a + century had followed each other with intoxicating rapidity in the course + of the thirty months he had spent there. The greater the excitement, the + greater the pleasure was the watchword of his time; and though he had + rioted and revelled on the shores of the Bosphorus if ever man did, still + the pleasures of feasting and of love, or of racing with his own + victorious horses—all of which he had enjoyed there to the full—were + as child’s play compared with the nervous tension to which he had been + strung by the appalling events he had witnessed on all sides. How petty + was the excitement of an Alexandrian horse-race! Whether Timon or Ptolemy + or he himself should win—what did it matter? It was a fine thing no + doubt to carry off the crown in the circus at Byzantium, but there were + other and soul-stirring crises there beyond those which were bound up with + horses or chariots. There a throne was the prize, and might cost the blood + and life of thousands!—What did a man bring home from the churches + in the Nile valley? But if he crossed the threshold of St. Sophia’s in + Constantinople he often might have his blood curdled, or bring home—what + matter?—bleeding wounds, or even be carried home—a corpse. + </p> + <p> + Three times had he seen the throne change masters. An emperor and an + empress had been stripped of the purple and mutilated before his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Aye, then and there he had had real and intense excitement to thrill him + to the marrow and quick. As for the rest! Well, yes, he had had more + trivial pleasures too. He had not been received as other Egyptians were: + half-educated philosophers—who called themselves Sages and assumed a + mystic and pompously solemn demeanor, Astrologers, Rhetoricians, + poverty-stricken but witty and venemous satirists, physicians making a + display of the learning of their forefathers, fanatical theologians—always + ready to avail themselves of other weapons than reason and dogma in their + bitter contests over articles of faith, hermits and recluses—as foul + in mind as they were dirty in their persons, corn-merchants and usurers + with whom it was dangerous to conclude a bargain without witnesses. Orion + was none of these. As the handsome, genial, and original-minded son of the + rich and noble Governor, Mukaukas George, he was welcomed as a sort of + ambassador; whatever the golden youth of the city allowed themselves was + permitted to him. His purse was as well lined as theirs, his health and + vigor far more enduring; and his horses had beaten theirs in three races, + though he drove them himself and did not trust them to paid charioteers. + The “rich Egyptian,” the “New Antinous,” “handsome Orion,” as he was + called, could never be spared from feast or entertainment. He was a + welcome guest at the first houses in the city, and in the palace and the + villa of the Senator Justinus, an old friend of his father, he was as much + at home as a son of the house. + </p> + <p> + It was under his roof, and the auspices of his kindhearted wife Martina, + that he made acquaintance with the fair Heliodora, the widow of a nephew + of the Senator; and the whole city had been set talking of the tender + intimacy Orion had formed with the beautiful young woman whose rigid + virtue had hitherto been a subject of admiration no less than her fair + hair and the big jewels with which she loved to set off her simple but + costly dress. And many a fair Byzantine had striven for the young + Egyptian’s good graces before Heliodora had driven them all out of the + field. Still, she had not yet succeeded in enslaving Orion deeply and + permanently; and when, last evening, he had assured his mother that she + was not mistress of his heart he spoke truly. + </p> + <p> + His conduct in the Capital had not certainly been exemplary, but he had + never run wild, and had enjoyed the respect not only of his companions in + pleasure, but of grave and venerable men whom he had met in the house of + Justinus, and who sang the praises of his intelligence and eagerness to + learn. As a boy he had been a diligent scholar, and here he let no + opportunity slip. Not least had he cultivated his musical talents in the + Imperial city, and had acquired a rare mastery in singing and playing the + lute. + </p> + <p> + He would gladly have remained some time longer at the Capital, but at last + the place grew too hot to hold him-mainly on his father’s account. The + conviction that George had largely contributed to the disaffection of + Egypt for the Byzantine Empire and had played into the hands of the + irresistible and detested upstart Arabs, had found increasing acceptance + in the highest circles, especially since Cyrus—the deposed and now + deceased Patriarch of Alexandria—had retired to Constantinople. + Orion’s capture was in fact already decided on, when the Senator Justinus + and some other friends had hinted a warning which he had acted on just in + time. + </p> + <p> + His father’s line of conduct had placed him in great peril; but he owed + him no grudge for it—indeed, he most deeply approved of it. A + thousand times had he witnessed the contempt heaped on the Egyptians by + the Greeks, and the loathing and hatred of the Orthodox for the + Monophysite creed of his fellow-countrymen. + </p> + <p> + He had with difficulty controlled his wrath as he had listened again and + again to the abuse and scorn poured out on his country and people by + gentle and simple, laymen and priests, even in his presence; regarding him + no doubt as one of themselves—a Greek in whose eyes everything + “Barbarian” was as odious and as contemptible as in their own. + </p> + <p> + But the blood of his race flowed in the veins of the “new Antinous” who + could sing Greek songs so well and with so pure an accent; every insult to + his people was stamped deep in his heart, every sneer at his faith revived + his memory of the day when the Melchites had slain his two brothers. And + these bloody deeds, these innumerable acts of oppression by which the + Greek; had provoked and offended the schismatic Egyptian and hunted them + to death, were now avenged by his father. It lifted up his heart and made + him proud to think of it. He showed his secret soul to the old man who was + as much surprised as delighted at what he found there; for he had feared + that Orion might not be able wholly to escape the powerful influences of + Greek beguilements;—nay, he had often felt anxious lest his own son + might disapprove of his having surrendered to the Arab conquerors the + province entrusted to his rule, and concluded a peace with them. + </p> + <p> + The Mukaukas now felt himself as one with Orion, and from time to time + looked tenderly up at him from the draught-board. Neforis was doing her + best to entertain the mother of her son’s future bride, and divert her + attention from his strange demeanor. She seemed indeed to be successful, + for Dame Susannah agreed to everything she said; but she betrayed the fact + that she was keeping a sharp watch by suddenly asking: “Does your + husband’s lofty niece not think us worthy of a single word?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh no!” said Neforis bitterly. “I only hope she may soon find some other + people to whom she can behave more graciously. You may depend upon it I + will put no obstacle in her way.” + </p> + <p> + Then she brought the conversation round to Katharina, and the widow told + her that her brother-in-law, Chrysippus, was now in Memphis with his two + little daughters. They were to go away on the morrow, so the young girl + had been obliged to devote herself to them: “And so the poor child is + sitting there at this minute,” she lamented, “and must keep those two + little chatter-boxes quiet while she is longing to be here instead.” + </p> + <p> + Orion quite understood these last words; he asked after the young girl, + and then added gaily: + </p> + <p> + “She promised me a collar yesterday for my little white keepsake from + Constantinople. Fie! Mary, you should not tease the poor little beast.” + </p> + <p> + “No, let the dog go,” added the widow, addressing the governor’s little + granddaughter, who was trying to make the recalcitrant dog kiss her doll. + “But you know, Orion, this tiny creature is really too delicate for such a + big man as you are! You should give him to some pretty young lady and then + he would fulfil his destiny! And Katharina is embroidering him a collar; I + ought not to tell her little secret, but it is to have gold stars on a + blue ground.” + </p> + <p> + “Because Orion is a star,” cried the little girl. “So she is working + nothing but Orions.” + </p> + <p> + “But fortunately there is but one star of my name,” observed he. “Pray + tell her that Dame Susa.” + </p> + <p> + The child clapped her hands. “He does not choose to have any other star + near him!” she exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + The widow broke in: “Little simpleton! I know people who cannot even bear + to have a likeness traced between themselves and any one else.—But + this you must permit, Orion—you were quite right just now, Neforis; + his mouth and brow might have been taken from his father’s face.” + </p> + <p> + The remark was quite accurate; and yet it would have been hard to imagine + two men more unlike than the bright youth full of vitality, and the + languid old man on the couch, to whom even the small exertion of moving + the men was an effort. The Mukaukas might once have been like his son, but + in some long past time. Thin grey locks now only covered one half of his + bald head, and of his eyes, which, thirty years since, had sparkled + perhaps as keenly as Orion’s, there was usually nothing, or very little to + be seen; for the heavy lids always drooped over them as though they had + lost the power to open, and this gave his handsome but deathly-pale face a + somewhat owl-like look. It was not morose, however; on the contrary the + mingled lines of suffering and of benevolent kindliness resulted in an + expression only of melancholy. The mouth and flabby cheeks were as + motionless as though they were dead. Grief, anxiety and alarms seemed to + have passed over them with a paralysing hand and had left their trace + there. He looked like a man weary unto death, and still living only + because fate had denied him the grace to die. Indeed, he had often been + taken for dead by his family when he had dipped too freely into a certain + little blood-stone box to take too many of the white opium-pills, one of + which he placed between his colorless lips at long intervals, even during + his game of draughts. + </p> + <p> + He lifted each piece slowly, like a sleeper with his eyes half shut; and + yet his opponent could not hold her own against his wary tactics and was + defeated by him now for the third time, though her uncle himself called + her a good player. It was easy to read in her high, smooth brow and + dark-blue eyes with their direct gaze, that she could think clearly and + decisively, and also feel deeply. But she seemed wilful too, and + contradictory—at any rate to-day; for when Orion pointed out some + move to her she rarely took his advice, but with set lips, pushed the + piece according to her own, rarely wiser, judgment. It was quite plain + that she was refractory under the guidance of this—especially of + this counsellor. + </p> + <p> + The bystanders could not fail to see the girl’s repellent manner and + Orion’s eager attempts to propitiate her; and for this reason Neforis was + glad when, just as her husband had finished the third game, and had pushed + the men together on the board with the back of his hand, his chamberlain + reminded him that the Arab was without, awaiting his pleasure with growing + impatience. The Mukaukas answered only by a sign, drew his long caftan of + the finest wool closer around him, and pointed to the doors and the open + roof. The rest of the party had long felt the chill of the damp night air + that blew through the room from the river, but knowing that the father + suffered more from heat than from anything, they had all willingly endured + the draught. Now, however, Orion called the slaves, and before the + strangers were admitted the doors were closed and the roof covered. + </p> + <p> + Paula rose; the governor lay motionless and kept his eyes apparently + closed; he must, however, have seen what was going forward through an + imperceptible slit, for he turned first to Paula and then to the other + women saying: “Is it not strange?—Most old folks, like children, + seek the sun, and love to sit, as the others play, in its heat. While I—something + that happened to me years ago—you know;—and it seemed to + freeze my blood. Now it never gets warm, and I feel the contrast between + the coolness in here and the heat outside most acutely, almost as a pain. + The older we grow the more ready we are to abandon to the young the things + we ourselves used most to enjoy. The only thing which we old folks do not + willingly relinquish is personal comfort, and I thank you for enduring + annoyances so patiently for the sake of securing mine.—It is a + terrific summer! You, Paula, from the heights of Lebanon, know what ice + is. How often have I wished that I could have a bed of snow. To feel + myself one with that fresh, still coldness would be all I wish for! The + cold air which you dread does me good. But the warmth of youth rebels + against everything that is cool.” + </p> + <p> + This was the first long sentence the Mukaukas had uttered since the + beginning of the game. Orion listened respectfully to the end, but then he + said with a laugh: “But there are some young people who seem to take + pleasure in being cool and icy—for what cause God alone knows!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he looked the girl at whom the words were aimed, full in the + face; but she turned silently and proudly away, and an angry shade passed + over her lovely features. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + When the Arab was at last admitted to the governor’s presence his + attendants unfolded a hanging before him. The giant Masdakite did the + chief share of the work; but as soon as the Mukaukas caught sight of the + big man, with his bushy, mane-like hair, and a dagger and a battle-axe + stuck through his belt, he cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Away, away with him! That man—those weapons—I will not look + at the hanging till he is gone.” + </p> + <p> + His hands were trembling, and the merchant at once desired his faithful + Rustem, the most harmless of mortals, to quit the room. The governor, + whose sensitive nerves had been liable to such attacks of panic ever since + an exiled Greek had once attempted to murder him, now soon recovered his + composure, and looked with great admiration at the hanging round which the + family were standing. They all confessed they had never seen anything like + it, and the vivacious Dame Susannah proposed to send for her daughter and + her visitors; but it was already late, and her house was so far from the + governor’s that she gave that up. The father and son had already heard of + this marvellous piece of work, which had formed part of the plunder taken + by the Arab conquerors of the Persian Empire at the sack of the “White + Tower”—the royal palace of Madam, the capital of the Sassanidze. + They knew that it had been originally 300 ells long and 60 ells wide, and + had heard with indignation that the Khaliff Omar, who always lived and + dressed and ate like the chief of a caravan, and looked down with contempt + on all such objects of luxury, had cut this inestimable treasure of art + into pieces and divided it among the Companions of the Prophet. + </p> + <p> + Haschim explained to them that this particular fragment had been the share + of the booty allotted to Ali, the Prophet’s son-in-law. Haschim himself + had seen the work before its dismemberment at Madain, where it hung on the + wall of the magnificent throne-room, and subsequently, at Medina. + </p> + <p> + His audience eagerly requested him to describe the other portions; he, + however, seemed somewhat uneasy, looking down at his bare feet which were + standing on the mosaic pavement, damp from the fountain; for, after the + manner of his nation, he had left his shoes in the outer room. The + governor had noticed the old man’s gestures as he repeatedly put his hand + to his mouth, and while his wife, Orion, and the widow were besieging the + merchant with questions, he whispered a few words to one of the slaves. + The man vanished, and returned bringing in, by his master’s orders, a long + strip of carpet which he laid in front of the Arab’s brown and strong but + delicately-formed feet. + </p> + <p> + A wonderful change came over the merchant’s whole being as this was done. + He drew himself up with a dignity which none of those present had + suspected in the man who had so humbly entered the room and so diligently + praised his wares; an expression of satisfaction overspread his calm, mild + features, a sweet smile parted his lips, and his kind eyes sparkled + through tears like those of a child unexpectedly pleased. Then he bowed + before the Mukaukas, touching his brow, lips and breast with the + finger-tips of the right hand to express: “All my thoughts, words and + feelings are devoted to you,”—while he said: “Thanks, Son of Menas. + That was the act of Moslem.” + </p> + <p> + “Of a Christian!” cried Orion hastily. But his father shook his head + gently, and said, slowly and impressively: “Only of a man.” + </p> + <p> + “Of a man,” repeated the merchant, and then he added thoughtfully: “Of a + man! Yes, that is the highest mark so long as we are what we ought to be + The image of the one God. Who is more compassionate than He? And every + mother’s son who is likewise compassionate, is like him.” + </p> + <p> + “Another Christian rule, thou strange Moslem!” said Orion interrupting + him. + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said Haschim, with tranquil dignity, “it corresponds word for + word with the teaching of the Best of men—our Prophet. I am one of + those who knew him here on earth. His brother’s smallest pain filled his + soft heart with friendly sympathy; his law insists on charity, even + towards the shrub by the wayside; he pronounces it mortal sin to injure + it, and every Moslem must obey him. Compassion for all is the command of + the Prophet....” Here the Arab was suddenly and roughly interrupted; + Paula, who, till now, had been leaning against a pilaster, contemplating + the hanging and silently listening to the conversation, hastily stepped + nearer to the old man, and with flaming cheeks and flashing eyes pointed + at him wrathfully, while she exclaimed in a trembling voice-heedless alike + of the astonished and indignant bystanders, and of the little dog which + flew at the Arab, barking furiously: + </p> + <p> + “You—you, the followers of the false prophet—you, the + companions of the bloodhound Khalid—you and Charity! I know you! I + know what you did in Syria. With these eyes have I seen you, and your + bloodthirsty women, and the foam on your raging lips. Here I stand to bear + witness against you and I cast it in your teeth: You broke faith in + Damascus, and the victims of your treachery—defenceless women and + tender infants as well as men—you killed with the sword or strangled + with your hands. You—you the Apostle of Compassion?—have you + ever heard of Abyla? You, the friend of your Prophet—I ask you what + did you, who so tenderly spare the tree by the wayside, do to the innocent + folk of Abyla, whom you fell upon like wolves in a sheepfold? You—you + and Compassionate!” The vehement girl, to whom no one had ever shown any + pity, and on whose soul the word had fallen like a mockery, who for long + hours had been suffering suppressed and torturing misery, felt it a relief + to give free vent to the anguish of her soul; she ended with a hard laugh, + and waved her hand round her head as though to disperse a swarm of + gadflies. + </p> + <p> + What a woman! + </p> + <p> + Orion’s gaze was fixed on her in horror—but in enchantment. Yes, his + mother had judged her rightly. No gentle, tender-hearted woman laughed + like that; but she was grand, splendid, wonderful in her wrath. She + reminded him of the picture of the goddess of vengeance, by Apelles, which + he had seen in Constantinople. His mother shrugged her shoulders and cast + a meaning glance at the widow, and even his father was startled at the + sight. He knew what had roused her; still he felt that he could not permit + this, and he recalled the excited girl to her senses by speaking her name, + half-reproachfully and half-regretfully, at first quite gently but then + louder and more severely. + </p> + <p> + She started like a sleep-walker suddenly awaked from her trance, passed + her hand over her eyes, and said, as she bowed her head before the + governor: + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, Uncle, I am sorry for what has occurred—but it was too + much for me. You know what my past has been, and when I am reminded—when + I must listen to the praises even of the wretches to whom my father and + brother....” + </p> + <p> + A loud sob interrupted her; little Mary was clinging to her and weeping. + Orion could hardly keep himself from hastening to her and clasping her in + his arms. Ah, how well her woman’s weakness became the noble girl! How + strongly it drew him to her! + </p> + <p> + But Paula soon recovered from it; even while the governor was soothing her + with kind words she mastered her violent agitation, and said gently, + though her tears still quietly flowed: “Let me go to my room, I beg....” + </p> + <p> + “Good-night, then, child,” said the Mukaukas affectionately, and Paula + turned towards the door with a silent greeting to the rest of the party; + but the Moslem detained her and said: + </p> + <p> + “I know who you are, noble daughter of Thomas, and I have heard that your + brother was the bridegroom who had come to Abyla to solemnize his marriage + with the daughter of the prefect of Tripolis. Alas, alas! I myself was + there with my merchandise at the fair, when a maddened horde of my + fellow-believers fell upon the peaceful town. Poor child, poor child! Your + father was the greatest and most redoubtable of our foes. Whether still on + earth or in heaven he yet, no doubt honors our sword as we honor his. But + your brother, whom we sent to his grave as a bridegroom—he cursed us + with his dying breath. You have inherited his rancor; and when it surges + up against me, a Moslem, I can do no more than bow my head and do penance + for the guilt of those whose blood runs in my veins and whose faith I + confess. I have nothing to plead—no, noble maiden, nothing that can + excuse the deed of Abyla. There—there alone it was the fate of my + grey hairs to be ashamed of my fellow-Moslems—believe me, maiden, it + was grievous to me. War, and the memory of many friends slain and of + wealth lightly plundered had unchained men’s passion; and where passion’s + pinions wave, whether in the struggle for mine and thine or for other + possessions, ever since the days of Cain and Abel, it is always and + everywhere the same.” + </p> + <p> + Paula, who till now had stood motionless in front of the old man, shook + her head and said bitterly: + </p> + <p> + “But all this will not give me back my father and brother. You yourself + look like a kind-hearted man; but for the future—if you are as just + as you are kind—find out to whom you are speaking before you talk of + the compassion of the Moslems!” + </p> + <p> + She once more bowed good-night and left the room. Orion followed her; come + what might he must see her. But he returned a few minutes after, breathing + hard and with his teeth set. He had taken her hand, had tried to tell her + all a loving heart could find to say; but how sharply, how icily had he + been repulsed, with what an air of intolerable scorn had she turned her + back upon him! And now that he was in their midst again he scarcely heard + his father express his regrets that so painful a scene should have + occurred under his roof, while the Arab said that he could quite + understand why the daughter of Thomas should have been betrayed to anger: + the massacre of Abyla was quite inexcusable. + </p> + <p> + “But then,” the old man went on, “in what war do not such things take + place? Even the Christian is not always master of himself: you yourself I + know, lost two promising sons—and who were the murderers? Christians—your + own fellow-believers...” + </p> + <p> + “The bitterest foes of my beliefs,” said the governor slowly, and every + syllable was a calm and dignified reproof to the Moslem for supposing that + the creed of those who had killed his sons could be his. As he spoke he + opened his eyes wide with the look of those hard, opaquely-glittering + stones which his ancestors had been wont to set for eyes in their portrait + statues. But he suddenly closed them again and said indifferently: + </p> + <p> + “At what price do you value your hanging? I have a fancy to buy it. Name + your lowest terms: I cannot bear to bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “I had thought of asking five hundred thousand drachmae,” said the dealer. + “Four hundred thousand drachmae, and it is yours.” + </p> + <p> + The governor’s wife clasped her hands at such a sum and made warning + signals to her husband, shaking her head disapprovingly, when Orion, + making a great effort to show that he too took an interest in this + important transaction, said: “It may be worth three hundred thousand.” + </p> + <p> + “Four hundred thousand,” repeated the merchant coolly. “Your father wished + to know the lowest price, and I am asking no more than is right. The + rubies and garnets in these grapes, the pearls in the myrtle blossoms, the + turquoises in the forget-me-nots, the diamonds hanging as dew on the + grass, the emeralds which give brilliancy to the green leaves—this + one especially, which is an immense stone—alone are worth more.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why do you not cut them out of the tissue?” asked Neforis. + </p> + <p> + “Because I cannot bear to destroy this noble work,” replied the Arab. “I + will sell it as it is or not at all.” At these words the Mukaukas nodded + to his son, heedless of the disapprobation his wife persisted in + expressing, asked for a tablet which lay near the chessboard, and on it + wrote a few words. + </p> + <p> + “We are agreed,” he said to the merchant. “The treasurer, Nilus, will hand + you the payment to-morrow morning on presenting this order.” + </p> + <p> + A fresh emotion now took possession of Orion, and crying: “Splendid! + Splendid!” he rushed up to his father and excitedly kissed his hand. Then, + turning to his mother, whose eyes were full of tears of vexation, he put + his hand under her chin, kissed her brow, and exclaimed with triumphant + satisfaction: “This is how we and the emperor do business! When the father + is the most liberal of men the son is apt to look small. Meaning no harm, + worthy merchant! As far as the hanging is concerned, it may be more + precious than all the treasures of Croesus; but you have something yet to + give us into the bargain before you load your camels with our gold: Tell + us what the whole work was like before it was divided.” + </p> + <p> + The Moslem, who had placed the precious tablet in his girdle, at once + obeyed this request. + </p> + <p> + “You know how enormous were its length and breadth,” he began. “The hall + it decorated could hold several thousand guests, besides space for a + hundred body guards to stand on each side of the throne. As many weavers, + embroiderers and jewellers as there are days in the year worked on it, + they say, for the years of a man’s life. The woven picture represented + paradise as the Persians imagine it—full of green trees, flowers and + fruits. Here you can still see a fragment of the sparkling fountain which, + when seen from a distance, with its sprinkling of diamonds, sapphires and + emeralds, looked like living water. Here the pearls represent the foam on + a wave. These leaves, cut across here, belonged to a rose-bush which grew + by the fountain of Eden before the evil of the first rain fell on the + world. + </p> + <p> + “Originally all roses were white, but as the limbs of the first woman + shone with more dazzling whiteness they blushed for shame, and since then + there are crimson as well as white roses. So the Persians say.” + </p> + <p> + “And this—our piece?” asked Orion. + </p> + <p> + “This,” replied the merchant, with a pleasant glance at the young man, + “was the very middle of the hanging. On the left you see the judgment at + the bridge of Chinvat. The damned were not represented, but only the + winged, Fravashi, Genii who, as the Persians believe, dwell one with each + mortal as his guardian angel through life, united to him but separable. + They were depicted in stormy pursuit of the damned—the miscreant + followers of Angramainjus, the evil Spirit, of whom you must imagine a + vast multitude fleeing before them. The souls in bliss, the pure and + faithful servants of the Persian divinity Auramazda, enter with songs of + triumph into the flower-decked pleasure-garden, while at their feet the + spirits were shown of those who were neither altogether cursed nor + altogether blessed, vanishing in humble silence into a dusky grove. The + pure enjoyed the gifts of paradise in peace and contentment.—All + this was explained to me by a priest of the Fire-worshippers. Here, you + see, is a huge bunch of grapes which one of the happy ones is about to + pluck; the hand is uninjured—the arm unfortunately is cut through; + but here is a splendid fragment of the wreath of fruit and flowers which + framed the whole. That emerald forming a bud—how much do you think + it is worth?” + </p> + <p> + “A magnificent stone!” cried Orion. “Even Heliodora has nothing to equal + it.—Well, father, what do you say is its value?” + </p> + <p> + “Great, very great,” replied the Mukaukas. “And yet the whole unmutilated + work would be too small an offering for Him to whom I propose to offer + it.” + </p> + <p> + “To the great general, Amru?” asked Orion. + </p> + <p> + “No child,” said the governor decidedly. “To the great, indivisible and + divine Person of Jesus Christ and his Church.” + </p> + <p> + Orion looked down greatly disappointed; the idea of seeing this splendid + gem hidden away in a reliquary in some dim cupboard did not please him: He + could have found a much more gratifying use for it. + </p> + <p> + Neither his father nor his mother observed his dissatisfaction, for + Neforis had rushed up to her husband’s couch, and fallen on her knees by + his side, covering his cold, slender hand with kisses, as joyful as though + this determination had relieved her of a heavy burden of dread: “Our + souls, our souls, George! For such a gift—only wait—you will + be forgiven all, and recover your lost peace!” + </p> + <p> + The governor shrugged his shoulders and said nothing; the hanging was + rolled up and locked into the tablinum by Orion; then the Mukaukas bid the + chamberlain show the Arab and his followers to quarters for the night. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + Pangs of soul and doubtings of conscience had, in fact, prompted the + governor to purchase the hanging and he therefore might have been glad if + it had cost him still dearer. The greater the gift the better founded his + hope of grace and favor from the recipient! And he had grounds for being + uneasy and for asking himself whether he had acted rightly. Revenge was no + Christian virtue, but to let the evil done to him by the Melchites go + unpunished when the opportunity offered for crushing them was more than he + could bring himself to. Nay, what father whose two bright young sons had + been murdered, but would have done as he did? That fearful blow had struck + him in a vital spot. Since that day he had felt himself slowly dying; and + that sense of weakness, those desperate tremors, the discomforts and + suffering which blighted every hour of his life, were also to be set down + to the account of the Melchite tyrants. + </p> + <p> + His waning powers had indeed only been kept up by his original vigor and + his burning thirst for revenge, and fate had allowed him to quench it in a + way which, as time went on, seemed too absolute to his peace-loving + nature. Though not indeed by his act, still with his complicity he saw the + Byzantine Empire bereft of the rich province which Caesar had entrusted to + his rule, saw the Greeks and everything that bore the name of Melchite + driven out of Egypt with ignominy—though he would gladly have + prevented it—in many places slain like dogs by the furious populace + who hailed the Moslems as their deliverers. + </p> + <p> + Thus all the evil he had invoked on the murderers of his children and the + oppressors and torturers of his people had come upon them; his revenge was + complete. But, in the midst of his satisfaction at this strange fulfilment + of the fervent wish of years, his conscience had lifted up its voice; new, + and hitherto unknown terrors had come upon him. He lacked the strength of + mind to be a hero or a reformer. Too great an event had been wrought + through his agency, too fearful a doom visited on thousands of men! The + Christian Faith—to him the highest consideration—had been too + greatly imperilled by his act, for the thought that he had caused all this + to be calmly endurable. The responsibility proved too heavy for his + shoulders; and whenever he repeated to himself that it was not he who had + invited the Arabs into the land, and that he must have been crushed in the + attempt to repel them, he could hear voices all round him denouncing him + as the man who had surrendered his native land to them, and he fancied + himself environed by dangers—believing those who spoke to him of + assassins sent forth by the Byzantines to kill him.—But even more + appalling, was his dread of the wrath of Heaven against the man who had + betrayed a Christian country to the Infidels. Even his consciousness of + having been, all his life long, a right-minded, just man could not fortify + him against this terror; there was but one thing which could raise his + quelled spirit: the white pillules which had long been as indispensable to + him as air and water. The kind-hearted old bishop of Memphis, Plotinus, + and his clergy had forgiveness for all; the Patriarch Benjamin, on the + contrary, had treated him as a reprobate sentenced to eternal damnation, + though at the time of this prelate’s exile in the desert he had hailed the + Arabs as their deliverers from the tyranny of the Melchites, and though + George had principally contributed to his recall and reinstatement, and + had therefore counted on his support. And, although the Mukaukas could + clearly see through the secondary motives which influenced the Patriarch, + he nevertheless believed that Benjamin’s office as Shepherd of souls gave + him power to close the Gates of Heaven against any sheep in his flock. + </p> + <p> + The more firmly the Arabs took root in his land, the wiser their rule, and + the more numerous the Egyptian converts from the Cross to the Crescent, + the greater he deemed his guilt; and when, after the accomplishment of his + work of vengeance—his double treason as the Greeks called it—instead + of the wrath of God, everything fell to his lot which men call happiness + and the favors of fortune, the superstitious man feared lest this was the + wages of the Devil, into whose clutches his hasty compact with the Moslems + had driven so many Christian souls. + </p> + <p> + He had unexpectedly fallen heir to two vast estates, and his excavators in + the Necropolis had found more gold in the old heathen tombs than all the + others put together. The Moslem Khaliff and his viceroy had left him in + office and shown him friendship and respect; the bulaites—[Town + councillors]—of the town had given him the cognomen of “the Just” by + acclamation of the whole municipality; his lands had never yielded greater + revenues; he received letters from his son’s widow in her convent full of + happiness over the new and higher aims in life that she had found; his + grandchild, her daughter, was a creature whose bright and lovely + blossoming was a joy even to strangers; his son’s frequent epistles from + Constantinople assured him that he was making progress in all respects; + and he did not forget his parents; for he was never weary of reporting to + them, of his own free impulse, every pleasure he enjoyed and every success + he won. + </p> + <p> + Thus even in a foreign land he had lived with the father and mother who to + him were all that was noblest and dearest. + </p> + <p> + And Paula! Though his wife could not feel warmly towards her the old man + regarded her presence in the house as a happy dispensation to which he + owed many a pleasant hour, not only over the draughts-board. + </p> + <p> + All these things might indeed be the wages of Satan; but if indeed it were + so, he—George the Mukaukas—would show the Evil One that he was + no servant of his, but devoted to the Saviour in whose mercy he trusted. + With what fervent gratitude to the Almighty was his soul filled for the + return of such a son! Every impulse of his being urged him to give + expression to this feeling; his terrors and gratitude alike prompted him + to spend so vast a sum in order to dedicate a matchless gift to the Church + of Christ. He viewed himself as a prisoner of war whose ransom has just + been paid, as he handed to the merchant the tablet with the order for the + money; and when he was carried to bed, and his wife was not yet weary of + thanking him for his pious intention, he felt happier and more + light-hearted than he had done for many years. Generally he could hear + Paula walking up and down her room which was over his; for she went late + to rest, and in the silence of the night would indulge in sweet and + painful memories. How many loved ones a cruel fate had snatched from her! + Father, brother, her nearest relations and friends; all at once, by the + hand of the Moslems to whom he had abandoned her native land almost + without resistance. + </p> + <p> + “I do not hear Paula to-night,” he remarked, glancing up as though he + missed something. “The poor child has no doubt gone to bed early after + what passed.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave her alone!” said Neforis who did not like to be interrupted in her + jubilant effusiveness, and she shrugged her shoulders angrily. “How she + behaved herself again! We have heard a great deal too much about charity, + and though I do not want to boast of my own I am very ready to exercise it—indeed, + it is no more than my duty to show every kindness to a destitute relation + of yours. But this girl! She tries me too far, and after all I am no more + than human. I can have no pleasure in her presence; if she comes into the + room I feel as though misfortune had crossed the threshold. Besides!—You + never see such things; but Orion thinks of her a great deal more than is + good. I only wish she had been safe out of the house!” + </p> + <p> + “Neforis!” her husband said in mild reproach; and he would have reproved + her more sharply but that since he had become a slave to opium he had lost + all power of asserting himself vigorously whether in small matters or + great. + </p> + <p> + Ere long the Mukaukas had fallen into an uneasy sleep; but he opened his + eyes more frequently than usual. He missed the light footfall overhead to + which he had been accustomed for these two years past; but she who was + wont to pace the floor above half the night through had not gone to rest + as he supposed. After the events of the evening she had indeed retired to + her room with tingling cheeks and burning eyes; but the slave-girls, who + paid little attention to a guest who was no more than endured and looked + on askance by their mistress, had neglected to open her window-shutters + after sundown, as she had requested, and the room was oppressively sultry + and airless. The wooden shutters felt hot to the touch, so did the linen + sheets over the wool mattrasses. The water in her jug, and even the + handkerchief she took up were warm. To an Egyptian all this would have + been a matter of course; but the native of Damascus had always passed the + summer in her father’s country house on the heights of Lebanon, in cool + and lucent shade, and the all-pervading heat of the past day had been to + her intolerable. + </p> + <p> + Outside it was pleasant now; so without much reflection she pushed open + the shutter, wrapped a long, dark-hued kerchief about her head and stole + down the steep steps and out through a little side door into the + court-yard. + </p> + <p> + There she drew a deep breath and spread out her arms longingly, as though + she would fain fly far, far from thence; but then she dropped them again + and looked about her. It was not the want of fresh air alone that had + brought her out; no, what she most craved for was to open her oppressed + and rebellious heart to another; and here, in the servants’ quarters, + there were two souls, one of which knew, understood and loved her, while + the other was as devoted to her as a faithful dog, and did errands for her + which were to be kept hidden from the governor’s house and its + inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + The first was her nurse who had accompanied her to Egypt; the other was a + freed slave, her father’s head groom, who had escorted the women with his + son, a lad, giving them shelter when, after the massacre of Abyla, they + had ventured out of their hiding-place, and after lurking for some time in + the valley of Lebanon, had found no better issue than to fly to Egypt and + put themselves under the protection of the Mukaukas, whose sister had been + Paula’s father’s first wife. She herself was the child of his second + marriage with a Syrian of high rank, a relation of the Emperor Heraclius, + who had died, quite young, shortly after Paula’s birth. + </p> + <p> + Both these servants had been parted from her. Perpetua, the nurse, had + been found useful by the governor’s wife, who soon discovered that size + was particularly skilled in weaving and who had made her superintendent of + the slave-girls employed at the loom; the old woman had willingly + undertaken the duties though she herself was free-born, for her first + point in life was to remain near her beloved foster-child. Hiram too, the + groom, and his son had found their place among the Mukaukas’ household; in + the first instance to take charge of the five horses from her father’s + stable which had brought the fugitives to Egypt, but afterwards—for + the governor was not slow to discern his skill in such matters—as a + leech for all sorts of beasts, and as an adviser is purchasing horses. + </p> + <p> + Paula wanted to speak with them both, and she knew exactly where to find + them; but she could not get to them without exposing herself to much that + was unpleasant, for the governor’s free retainers and their friends, not + to mention the guard of soldiers who, now that the gates were closed, were + still sitting in parties to gossip; they would certainly not break up for + some time yet, since the slaves were only now bringing out the soldiers’ + supper. + </p> + <p> + The clatter in the court-yard was unceasing, for every one who was free to + come out was enjoying the coolness of the night. Among them there were no + slaves; these had been sent to their quarters when the gates were shut; + but even in their dwellings voices were still audible. + </p> + <p> + With a beating heart Paula tried to see and hear all that came within the + ken of her keen eyes and ears. The growing moon lighted up half the + enclosure, the rest, so far as the shadow fell, lay in darkness. But in + the middle of a large semi-circle of free servants a fire was blazing, + throwing a fitful light on their brown faces; and now and again, as fresh + pine-cones were thrown in, it flared up and illuminated even the darker + half of the space before her. This added to her trepidation; she had to + cross the court-yard, as she hoped, unseen; for innocent and natural as + her proceedings were, she knew that her uncle’s wife would put a wrong + construction on her nocturnal expedition. + </p> + <p> + At first Neforis had begged her husband to assist Paula in her search for + her father, of whose death no one had any positive assurance. But his + wife’s urgency had not been needed: the Mukaukas, of his own free will, + had for a whole year done everything in his power to learn the truth as to + the lost man’s end, from Christian or Moslem, till, many months since, + Neforis had declared that any further exertions in the matter were mere + folly, and her weak-willed husband had soon been brought to share her + views and give up the search for the missing hero. He had secured for + Paula, not without some personal sacrifice, much of her father’s property, + had sold the landed estates to advantage, collected outstanding debts + wherever it was still possible, and was anxious to lay before her a + statement of what he had recovered for her. But she knew that her + interests were safe in his hands and was satisfied to learn that, though + she was not rich in the eyes of this Egyptian Croesus, she was possessed + of a considerable fortune. When once and again she had asked for a portion + of it to prosecute her search, the Mukaukas at once caused it to be paid + to her; but the third time he refused, with the best intentions but quite + firmly, to yield to her wishes. He said he was her Kyrios and natural + guardian, and explained that it was his duty to hinder her from + dissipating a fortune which she might some day find a boon or indeed + indispensable, in pursuit of a phantom—for that was what this search + had long since become. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Kyrios: The woman’s legal proxy, who represented her in courts of + justice. His presence gave her equal rights with a man in the eyes + of the Law.] +</pre> + <p> + The money she had already spent he had replaced out of his own coffers. + </p> + <p> + This, she felt, was a noble action; still she urged him again and again to + grant her wish, but always in vain. He laid his hand with firm + determination on the wealth in his charge and would not allow her another + solidus for the sole and dearest aim of her life. + </p> + <p> + She seemed to submit; but her purpose of spending her all to recover any + trace of her lost parent never wavered in her determined soul. She had + sold a string of pearls, and for the price, her faithful Hiram had been + able first to make a long journey himself and then to send out a number of + messengers into various lands. By this time one at least might very well + have reached home with some news, and she must see the freed-man. + </p> + <p> + But how could she get to him undetected? For some minutes she stood + watching and listening for a favorable moment for crossing the court-yard. + Suddenly a blaze lighted up a face—it was Hiram’s. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the merry semi-circle laughed loudly as with one voice; she + hastily made up her mind—drew her kerchief closer over her face, ran + quickly along the darker half of the quadrangle and, stooping low, hurried + across the moonlight towards the slaves’ quarters. + </p> + <p> + At the entrance she paused; her heart throbbed violently. Had she been + observed? No.—There was not a cry, not a following footstep—every + dog knew her; the soldiers who were commonly on guard here had quitted + their posts and were sitting with their comrades round the fire. + </p> + <p> + The long building to the left was the weaving shop and her nurse Perpetua + lived there, in the upper story. But even here she must be cautious, for + the governor’s wife often came out to give her orders to the workwomen, + and to see and criticise the produce of the hundred looms which were + always in motion, early and late. If she should be seen, one of the + weavers might only too probably betray the fact of her nocturnal visit. + They had not yet gone to rest, for loud laughter fell upon her ear from + the large sheds, open on all sides, which stood over the dyers’ vats. This + class of the governor’s people were also enjoying the cool night after the + fierce heat of the day, and the girls too had lighted a fire. + </p> + <p> + Paula must pass them in full moonshine—but not just yet; and she + crouched close to the straw thatch which stretched over the huge clay + water-jars placed here for the slave-girls to get drink from. It cast a + dark triangular shadow on the dusty ground that gleamed in the moonlight, + and thus screened her from the gaze of the girls, while she could hear and + see what was going on in the sheds. + </p> + <p> + The dreadful day of torture ending in a harsh discord was at end; and + behind it she looked back on a few blissful hours full of the promise of + new happiness;—beyond these lay a long period of humiliation, the + sequel of a terrible disaster. How bright and sunny had her childhood + been, how delightful her early youth! For long years of her life she had + waked every morning to new joys, and gone to rest every evening with + sincere and fervent thanksgivings, that had welled from her soul as freely + and naturally as perfume from a rose. How often had she shaken her head in + perplexed unbelief when she heard life spoken of as a vale of sorrows, and + the lot of man bewailed as lamentable. Now she knew better; and in many a + lonely hour, in many a sleepless night, she had asked herself whether He + could, indeed, be a kind and fatherly-loving God who could let a child be + born and grow up, and fill its soul with every hope, and then bereave it + of everything that was dear and desirable—even of hope. + </p> + <p> + But the hapless girl had been piously brought up; she could still believe + and pray; and lately it had seemed as though Heaven would grant that for + which her tender heart most longed: the love of a beloved and love-worthy + man. And now—now? + </p> + <p> + There she stood with an inconsolable sense of bereavement—empty-hearted; + and if she had been miserable before Orion’s return, now she was far more + so; for whereas she had then been lonely she was now defrauded—she, + the daughter of Thomas, the relation and inmate of the wealthiest house in + the country; and close to her, from the rough hewn, dirty dyers’ sheds + such clear and happy laughter rang out from a troop of wretched slave + wenches, always liable to the blows of the overseer’s rod, that she could + not help listening and turning to look at the girls on whom such an + overflow of high spirits and light-heartedness was bestowed. + </p> + <p> + A large party had collected under the wide palm-thatched roof of the + dyeing shed-pretty and ugly, brown and fair, tall and short; some upright + and some bent by toil at the loom from early youth, but all young; not one + more than eighteen years old. Slaves were capital, bearing interest in the + form of work and of children. Every slave girl was married to a slave as + soon as she was old enough. Girls and married women alike were employed in + the weaving shop, but the married ones slept in separate quarters with + their husbands and children, while the maids passed the night in large + sleeping-barracks adjoining the worksheds. They were now enjoying the + evening respite and had gathered in two groups. One party were watching an + Egyptian girl who was scribbling sketches on a tablet; the others were + amusing themselves with a simple game. This consisted in each one in turn + flinging her shoe over her head. If it flew beyond a chalk-line to which + she turned her back she was destined soon to marry the man she loved; if + it fell between her and the mark she must yet have patience, or would be + united to a companion she did not care for. + </p> + <p> + The girl who was drawing, and round whom at least twenty others were + crowded, was a designer of patterns for weaving; she had too the gift + which had characterized her heathen ancestors, of representing faces in + profile, with a few simple lines, in such a way that, though often + comically distorted, they were easily recognizable. She was executing + these works of art on a wax tablet with a copper stylus, and the others + were to guess for whom they were meant. + </p> + <p> + One girl only sat by herself by the furthest post of the shed, and gazed + silently into her lap. + </p> + <p> + Paula looked on and could understand everything that was going forward, + though no coherent sentence was uttered and there was nothing to be heard + but laughter—loud, hearty, irresistible mirth. When a girl threw the + shoe far enough the youthful crowd laughed with all their might, each one + shouting the name of some one who was to marry her successful companion; + if the shoe fell within the line they laughed even louder than before, and + called out the names of all the oldest and dirtiest slaves. A dusky Syrian + had failed to hit the mark, but she boldly seized the chalk and drew a + fresh line between herself and the shoe so that it lay beyond, at any + rate; and their merriment reached a climax when a number of them rushed up + to wipe out the new line, a saucy, crisp-haired Nubian tossed the shoe in + the air and caught it again, while the rest could not cease for delight in + such a good joke and cried every name they could think of as that of the + lover for whom their companion had so boldly seized a spoke in Fortune’s + wheel. + </p> + <p> + Some spirit of mirth seemed to have taken up his quarters in the draughty + shed; the group round the sketcher was not less noisy than the other. If a + likeness was recognized they were all triumphant, if not they cried the + names of this or that one for whom it might be intended. A storm of + applause greeted a successful caricature of the severest of the overseers. + All who saw it held their sides for laughing, and great was the uproar + when one of the girls snatched away the tablet and the rest fell upon her + to scuffle for it. + </p> + <p> + Paula had watched all this at first with distant amazement, shaking her + head. How could they find so much pleasure in such folly, in such + senseless amusements? When she was but a little child even she, of course, + could laugh at nothing, and these grown-up girls, in their ignorance and + the narrow limitations of their minds, were they not one and all children + still? The walls of the governor’s house enclosed their world, they never + looked beyond the present moment—just like children; and so, like + children, they could laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Fate,” thought she, “at this moment indemnifies them for the misfortune + of their birth and for a thousand days of misery, and presently they will + go tired and happy to bed. I could envy these poor creatures! If it were + permissible I would join them and be a child again.” + </p> + <p> + The comic portrait of the overseer was by this time finished, and a short, + stout wench burst into a fit of uproarious and unquenchable laughter + before any of the rest. It came so naturally, too, from the very depths of + her plump little body that Paula, who had certainly not come hither to be + gay, suddenly caught the infection and had to laugh whether she would or + no. Sorrow and anxiety were suddenly forgotten, thought and calculation + were far from her; for some minutes she felt nothing but that she, too, + was laughing heartily, irrepressibly, like the young healthful human + creature that she was. Ah, how good it was thus to forget herself for + once! She did not put this into words, but she felt it, and she laughed + afresh when the girl who had been sitting apart joined the others, and + exclaimed something which was unintelligible to Paula, but which gave a + new impetus to their mirth. + </p> + <p> + The tall slight form of this maiden was now standing by the fire. Paula + had never seen her before and yet she was by far the handsomest of them + all; but she did not look happy and perhaps was in some pain, for she had + a handkerchief over her head which was tied at the top over the thick fair + hair as though she had the toothache. As she looked at her Paula recovered + herself, and as soon as she began to think merriment was at an end. The + slave-girls were not of this mind; but their laughter was less innocent + and frank than it had been; for it had found an object which they would + have done better to pass by. + </p> + <p> + The girl with the handkerchief over her head was a slave too, but she had + only lately come into the weaving-sheds after being employed for a long + time at needle work under two old women, widows of slaves. She had been + brought as an infant from Persia to Alexandria with her mother, by the + troops of Heraclius, after the conquest of Chosroes II.; and they had been + bought together for the Mukaukas. When her little one was but thirteen the + mother died under the yoke to which she was not born; the child was a + sweet little girl with a skin as white as the swan and thick golden hair, + which now shone with strange splendor in the firelight. Orion had remarked + her before his journey, and fascinated by the beauty of the Persian girl, + had wished to have her for his own. Servants and officials, in + unscrupulous collusion, had managed to transport her to a country-house + belonging to the Mukaukas on the other side of the Nile, and there Orion + had been able to visit her undisturbed as often as fancy prompted him. The + slave-girl, scarcely yet sixteen, ignorant and unprotected, had not dared + nor desired to resist her master’s handsome son, and when Orion had set + out for Constantinople—heedless and weary already of the girl who + had nothing to give him but her beauty—Dame Neforis found out her + connection with her son and ordered the head overseer to take care that + the unhappy girl should not “ply her seductive arts” any more. The man had + carried out her instructions by condemning the fair Persian, according to + an ancient custom, to have her ears cut off. After this cruel punishment + the mutilated beauty sank into a state of melancholy madness, and although + the exorcists of the Church and other thaumaturgists had vainly endeavored + to expel the demon of madness, she remained as before: a gentle, + good-humored creature, quiet and diligent at her work, under the women who + had charge of her, and now in the common work-shop. It was only when she + was idle that her craziness became evident, and of this the other girls + took advantage for their own amusement. + </p> + <p> + They now led Mandane to the fire, and with farcical reverence requested + her to be seated on her throne—an empty color cask, for she suffered + under the strange permanent delusion that she was the wife of the Mukaukas + George. They laughingly did her homage, craved some favor or made + enquiries as to her husband’s health and the state of her affairs. + Hitherto a decent instinct of reserve had kept these poor ignorant + creatures from mentioning Orion’s name in her presence, but now a + woolly-headed negress, a lean, spiteful hussy, went up to her, and said + with a horrible grimace: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mistress, and where is your little son Orion?” The crazy girl did not + seem startled by the question; she replied very gravely: “I have married + him to the emperor’s daughter at Constantinople.” + </p> + <p> + “Hey day! A splendid match!” exclaimed the black girl. “Did you know that + the young lord was here again? He has brought home his grand wife to you + no doubt, and we shall see purple and crowns in these parts!” + </p> + <p> + These words brought a deep flush into the poor creature’s face. She + anxiously pressed her hands on the bandage that covered her ears and said: + “Really Has he really come home?” + </p> + <p> + “Only quite lately,” said another and more good-natured girl, to soothe + her. + </p> + <p> + “Do not believe her!” cried the negress. “And if you want to know the + latest news of him: Last night he was out boating on the Nile with the + tall Syrian. My brother, the boatman, was among the rowers; and he went on + finely with the lady I can tell you, finely....” + </p> + <p> + “My husband, the great Mukaukas?” asked Mandane, trying to collect her + ideas. + </p> + <p> + “No. Your son Orion, who married the emperor’s daughter,” laughed the + negress. + </p> + <p> + The crazy girl stood up, looked about with a restless glance, and then, as + though she had not fully understood what had been said to her, repeated: + “Orion? Handsome Orion?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, your sweet son, Orion!” they all shouted, as loud as though she were + deaf. Then the usually placable girl, holding her hand over her ear, with + the other hit her tormentor such a smack on her thick lips that it + resounded, while she shrieked out loud, in shrill tones: + </p> + <p> + “My son, did you say? My son Orion?—As if you did not know! Why, he + was my lover; yes, he himself said he was, and that was why they came and + bound me and cut my ears.—But you know it. But I do not love him—I + could, I might wish, I....” She clenched her fists, and gnashed her white + teeth, and went on with panting breath: + </p> + <p> + “Where is he?—You will not tell me? Wait a bit—only wait. Oh, + I am sharp enough, I know you have him here.—Where is be? Orion, + Orion, where are you?” + </p> + <p> + She sprang away, ran through the sheds and lifted the lids of all the + color-vats, stooping low to look down into each as if she expected to find + him there, while the others roared with laughter. + </p> + <p> + Most of her companions giggled at this witless behavior; but some, who + felt it somewhat uncanny and whom the unhappy girl’s bitter cry had struck + painfully, drew apart and had already organized some new amusement, when a + neat little woman appeared on the scene, clapping her plump hands and + exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “Enough of laughter—now, to bed, you swarm of bees. The night is + over too soon in the morning, and the looms must be rattling again by + sunrise. One this way and one that, just like mice when the cat appears. + Will you make haste, you night-birds? Come, will you make haste?” + </p> + <p> + The girls had learnt to obey, and they hurried past the matron to their + sleeping-quarters. Perpetua, a woman scarcely past fifty, whose face wore + a pleasant expression of mingled shrewdness and kindness, stood pricking + up her ears and listening; she heard from the water-shed a peculiar low, + long-drawn Wheeuh!—a signal with which she was familiar as that by + which the prefect Thomas had been wont to call together his scattered + household from the garden of his villa on Mount Lebanon. It was now Paula + who gave the whistle to attract her nurse’s attention. + </p> + <p> + Perpetua shook her head anxiously. What could have brought her beloved + child to see her at so late an hour? Something serious must have occurred, + and with characteristic presence of mind she called out, to show that she + had heard Paula’s signal: “Now, make haste. Will you be quick? Wheeuh! + girls—wheeuh! Hurry, hurry!” + </p> + <p> + She followed the last of the slave-girls into the sleeping-room, and when + she had assured herself that they were all there but the crazy Persian she + enquired where she was. They had all seen her a few minutes ago in the + shed; so she bid them good-night and left them, letting it be understood + that she was about to seek the missing girl. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + Paula went into her nurse’s room, and Perpetua, after a short and vain + search for the crazy girl, abandoned her to her fate, not without some + small scruples of conscience. + </p> + <p> + A beautifully-polished copper lamp hung from the ceiling and the little + room exactly suited its mistress both were neat and clean, trim and + spruce, simple and yet nice. Snowy transparent curtains enclosed the bed + as a protection against the mosquitoes, a crucifix of delicate workmanship + hung above the head of the couch, and the seats were covered with good + cloth of various colors, fag-ends from the looms. Pretty straw mats lay on + the floor, and pots of plants, filling the little room with fragrance, + stood on the window-sill and in a corner of the room where a clay + statuette of the Good Shepherd looked down on a praying-desk. + </p> + <p> + The door had scarcely closed behind them when Perpetua exclaimed: “But + child, how you frightened me! At so late an hour!” + </p> + <p> + “I felt I must come,” said Paula. “I could contain myself no longer.” + </p> + <p> + “What, tears?” sighed the woman, and her own bright little eyes twinkled + through moisture. “Poor soul, what has happened now?” + </p> + <p> + She went up to the young girl to stroke her hair, but Paula rushed into + her arms, clung passionately round her neck, and burst into loud and + bitter weeping. The little matron let her weep for a while; then she + released herself, and wiped away her own tears and those of her tall + darling, which had fallen on her smooth grey hair. She took Paula’s chin + in a firm hand and turned her face towards her own, saying tenderly but + decidedly: “There, that is enough. You might cry and welcome, for it eases + the heart, but that it is so late. Is it the old story: home-sickness, + annoyances, and so forth, or is there anything new?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, indeed!” replied the girl. She pressed her handkerchief in her + hands as she went on with excited vehemence: “I am in the last extremity, + I can bear it no longer, I cannot—I cannot! I am no longer a child, + and when in the evening you dread the night and in the morning dread the + day which must be so wretched, so utterly unendurable....” + </p> + <p> + “Then you listen to reason, my darling, and say to yourself that of two + evils it is wise to choose the lesser. You must hear me say once more what + I have so often represented to you before now: If we renounce our city of + refuge here and venture out into the wide world again, what shall we find + that will be an improvement?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps nothing but a hovel by a well under a couple of palm-trees; that + would satisfy me, if I only had you and could be free—free from + every one else!” + </p> + <p> + “What is this; what does this mean?” muttered the elder woman shaking her + head. “You were quite content only the day before yesterday. Something + must have....” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, must have happened and has,” interrupted the girl almost beside + herself. “My uncle’s son.—You were there when he arrived—and I + thought, even I firmly believed that he was worthy of such a reception.—I—I—pity + me, for I... You do not know what influence that man exercises over + hearts.—And I—I believed his eyes, his words, his songs and—yes, + I must confess all—even his kisses on this hand! But it was all + false, all—a lie, a cruel sport with a weak, simple heart, or even + worse—more insulting still! In short, while he was doing all in his + power to entrap me—even the slaves in the barge observed it—he + was in the very act—I heard it from Dame Neforis, who is only too + glad when she can hurt me—in the very act of suing for the hand of + that little doll—you know her—little Katharina. She is his + betrothed; and yet the shameless wretch dares to carry on his game with + me; he has the face....” + </p> + <p> + Again Paula sobbed aloud; but the older woman did not know how to help in + the matter and could only mutter to herself: “Bad, bad—what, this + too!—Merciful Heaven!...” But she presently recovered herself and + said firmly: “This is indeed a new and terrible misfortune; but we have + known worse—much, much worse! So hold up your head, and whatever + liking you may have in your heart for the traitor, tear it out and trample + on it. Your pride will help you; and if you have only just found out what + my lord Orion is, you may thank God that things had gone no further + between you!” Then she repeated to Paula all that she knew of Orion’s + misconduct to the frenzied Mandane, and as Paula gave strong utterance to + her indignation, she went on: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, child, he is a man to break hearts and ruin happiness, and perhaps + it was my duty to warn you against him; but as he is not a bad man in + other things—he saved the brother of Hathor the designer—you + know her—from drowning, at the risk of his own life—and as I + hoped you might be on friendly terms with him at least, on his return + home, I refrained.... And besides, old fool that I am, I fancied your + proud heart wore a breastplate of mail, and after all it is only a foolish + girl’s heart like any other, and now in its twenty-first year has given + its love to a man for the first time.” + </p> + <p> + But Paula interrupted her: “I love the traitor no more! No, I hate him, + hate him beyond words! And the rest of them! I loathe them all!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! that it should be so!” sighed the nurse. “Your lot is no doubt a + hard one. He—Orion—of course is out of the question; but I + often ask myself whether you might not mend matters with the others. If + you had not made it too hard for them, child, they must have loved you; + they could not have helped it; but ever since you have been in the house + you have only felt miserable and wished that they would let you go your + own way, and they—well they have done so; and now you find it ill to + bear the lot you chose for yourself. It is so indeed, child, you need not + contradict me. This once we will put the matter plainly: Who can hope to + win love that gives none, but turns away morosely from his + fellow-creatures? If each of us could make his neighbors after his own + pattern—then indeed! But life requires us to take them just as we + find them, and you, sweetheart, have never let this sink into your mind!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am what I am!” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, and among the good you are the best—but which of them all + can guess that? Every one to some extent plays a part. And you! What + wonder if they never see in you anything but that you are unhappy? God + knows it is ten thousand times a pity that you should be! But who can take + pleasure in always seeing a gloomy face?” + </p> + <p> + “I have never uttered a single word of complaint of my troubles to any one + of them!” cried Paula, drawing herself up proudly. + </p> + <p> + “That is just the difficulty,” replied Perpetua. “They took you in, and + thought it gave them a claim on your person and also on your sorrows. + Perhaps they longed to comfort you; for, believe me, child, there is a + secret pleasure in doing so. Any one who is able to show us sympathy feels + that it does him more good than it does us. I know life! Has it never + occurred to you that you are perhaps depriving your relations in the great + house of a pleasure, perhaps even doing them an injury by locking up your + heart from them? Your grief is the best side of you, and of that you do + indeed allow them to catch a glimpse; but where the pain is you carefully + conceal. Every good man longs to heal a wound when he sees it, but your + whole demeanor cries out: ‘Stay where you are, and leave me in peace.’—If + only you were good to your uncle!” + </p> + <p> + “But I am, and I have felt prompted a hundred times to confide in him—but + then...” + </p> + <p> + “Well—then?” + </p> + <p> + “Only look at him, Betta; see how he lies as cold as marble, rigid and + apathetic, half dead and half alive. At first the words often rose to my + lips...” + </p> + <p> + “And now?” + </p> + <p> + “Now all the worst is so long past; I feel I have forfeited the right to + complain to him of all that weighs me down.” + </p> + <p> + “Hm,” said Perpetua who had no answer ready. “But take heart, my child. + Orion has at any rate learnt how far he may venture. You can hold your + head high enough and look cool enough. Bear all that cannot be mended, and + if an inward voice does not deceive me, he whom we seek...” + </p> + <p> + “That was what brought me here. Are none of our messengers returned yet?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the little Nabathaean is come,” replied her nurse with some + hesitation, “and he indeed—but for God’s sake, child, form no vain + hopes! Hiram came to me soon after sun-down...” + </p> + <p> + “Betta!” screamed the girl, clinging to her nurse’s arm. “What has he + heard, what news does he bring?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, nothing! How you rush at conclusions! What he found out is next + to nothing. I had only a minute to speak to Hiram. To-morrow morning he is + to bring the man to me. The only thing he told me...” + </p> + <p> + “By Christ’s Wounds! What was it?” + </p> + <p> + “He said that the messenger had heard of an elderly recluse, who had + formerly been a great warrior.” + </p> + <p> + “My father, my father!” cried Paula. “Hiram is sitting by the fire with + the others. Fetch him here at once—at once; I command you, Perpetua, + do you hear? Oh best, dearest Betta! Come with me; we will go to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Patience, sweetheart, a little patience!” urged the nurse. “Ah, poor dear + soul, it will turn out to be nothing again; and if we again follow up a + false clue it will only lead to fresh disappointment.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind: you are to come with me.” + </p> + <p> + “To all the servants round the fire, and at this time of night? I should + think so indeed!—But do you wait here, child. I know how it can be + managed. + </p> + <p> + “I will wake Hiram’s Joseph. He sleeps in the stable yonder—and then + he will fetch his father. Ah! what impatience! What a stormy, passionate + little heart it is! If I do not do your bidding, I shall have you awake + all night, and wandering about to-morrow as if in a dream.—There, be + quiet, be quiet, I am going.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she wrapped her kerchief round her head and hurried out; + Paula fell on her knees before the crucifix over the bed, and prayed + fervently till her nurse returned, Soon after she heard a man’s steps on + the stairs and Hiram came in. + </p> + <p> + He was a powerful man of about fifty, with a pair of honest blue eyes in + his plain face. Any one looking at his broad chest would conclude that + when he spoke it would be in a deep bass voice; but Hiram had stammered + from his infancy; and from constant companionship with horses he had + accustomed himself to make a variety of strange, inarticulate noises in a + high, shrill voice. Besides, he was always unwilling to speak. When he + found himself face to face with the daughter of his master and benefactor, + he knelt at her feet, looked up at her with faithful, dog-like eyes full + of affection, and kissed first her dress, and then her hand which she held + out to him. Paula kindly but decidedly cut short the expressions of + delight at seeing her again which he painfully stammered out; and when he + at length began to tell his story his words came far too slowly for her + impatience. + </p> + <p> + He told her that the Nabathaean who had brought the rumor that had excited + her hopes, was not unwilling to follow up the trace he had found, but he + would not wait beyond noon the next day and had tried to bid for high + terms. + </p> + <p> + “He shall have them—as much as he wants!” cried Paula. “But Hiram + entreated her, more by looks and vague cries than by articulate words, not + to hope for too much. Dusare the Nabathaean—Perpetua now took up the + tale—had heard of a recluse, living at Raithu on the Red Sea, who + had been a great warrior, by birth a Greek, and who for two years had been + leading a life of penance in great seclusion among the pious brethren on + the sacred Mount of Sinai. The messenger had not been able to learn what + his name in the world had been, but among the hermits he was known as + Paulus.” + </p> + <p> + “Paulus!” interrupted the girl with panting breath. “A name that must + remind him of my mother and of me, yes, of me! And he, the hero of + Damascus, who was called Thomas in the world, believing that I was dead, + has no doubt dedicated himself to the service of God and of Christ, and + has taken the name of Paulus, as Saul, the other man of Damascus did after + his con version,—exactly like him! Oh! Betta, Hiram, you will see: + it is he, it must be! How can you doubt it?” + </p> + <p> + The Syrian shook his head doubtfully and gave vent to a long-drawn + whistle, and Perpetua clasped her hands exclaiming distressfully: “Did I + not say so? She takes the fire lighted by shepherds at night to warm their + hands for the rising sun—the rattle of chariots for the thunders of + the Almighty!—Why, how many thousands have called themselves Paulus! + By all the Saints, child, I beseech you keep quiet, and do not try to + weave a holiday-robe out of airy mist! Be prepared for the worst; then you + are armed against failure and preserve your right to hope! Tell her, tell + her, Hiram, what else the messenger said; it is nothing positive; + everything is as uncertain as dust in the breeze.” + </p> + <p> + The freedman then explained that this Nabathaean was a trustworthy man, + far better skilled in such errands than himself, for he understood both + Syriac and Egyptian, Greek and Aramaic; and nevertheless he had failed to + find out anything more about this hermit Paulus at Tor, where the monks of + the monastery of the Transfiguration had a colony. Subsequently, however, + on the sea voyage to Holzum, he had been informed by some monks that there + was a second Sinai. The monastery there—but here Perpetua again was + the speaker, for the hapless stammerer’s brow was beaded with sweat—the + monastery at the foot of the peaked, heaven-kissing mountain, had been + closed in consequence of the heresies of its inhabitants; but in the + gorges of these great heights there were still many recluses, some in a + small Coenobium, some in Lauras and separate caves, and among these + perchance Paulus might be found. This clue seemed a good one and she and + Hiram had already made up their minds to follow it up; but the warrior + monk was very possibly a stranger, and they had thought it would be cruel + to expose her to so keen a disappointment. + </p> + <p> + Here Paula interrupted her, crying in joyful excitement: + </p> + <p> + “And why should not something besides disappointment be my portion for + once? How could you have the heart to deprive me of the hope on which my + poor heart still feeds?—But I will not be robbed of it. Your Paulus + of Sinai is my lost father. I feel it, I know it! If I had not sold my + pearls, the Nabathaean.... But as it is. When can you start, my good + Hiram?” + </p> + <p> + “Not before a fort—a fortnight at—at—at—soonest,” + said the man. “I am in the governor’s service now, and the day after + to-morrow is the great horse-fair at Niku. The young master wants some + stallions bought and there are our foals to....” + </p> + <p> + “I will implore my uncle to-morrow, to spare you,” cried Paula. “I will go + on my knees to him.” + </p> + <p> + “He will not let him go,” said the nurse. “Sebek the steward told him all + about it from me before the hour of audience and tried to have Hiram + released.” + </p> + <p> + “And he said...?” + </p> + <p> + “The lady Neforis said it was all a mere will-o’-the-wisp, and my lord + agreed with her. Then your uncle forbade Sebek to betray the matter to + you, and sent word to me that he would possibly send Hiram to Sinai when + the horse-fair was over. So take patience, sweetheart. What are two weeks, + or at most three—and then....” + </p> + <p> + “But I shall die before then!” cried Paula. “The Nabathaean, you say, is + here and willing to go.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mistress.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we will secure him,” said Paula resolutely. Perpetua, however, who + must have discussed the matter fully with her fellow-countryman, shook her + head mournfully and said: “He asks too much for us!” + </p> + <p> + She then explained that the man, being such a good linguist, had already + been offered an engagement to conduct a caravan to Ctesiphon. This would + be a year’s pay to him, and he was not inclined to break off his + negotiations with the merchant Hanno and search the deserts of Arabia + Petraea for less than two thousand drachmae. + </p> + <p> + “Two thousand drachmae!” echoed Paula, looking down in distress and + confusion; but she presently looked up and exclaimed with angry + determination: “How dare they keep from me that which is my own? If my + uncle refuses what I have to ask, and will ask, then the inevitable must + happen, though for his sake it will grieve me; I must put my affairs in + the hands of the judges.” + </p> + <p> + “The judges?” Perpetua smiled. “But you cannot lay a complaint without + your kyrios, and your uncle is yours. Besides: before they have settled + the matter the messenger may have been to Ctesiphon and back, far as it + is.” + </p> + <p> + Again her nurse entreated her to have patience till the horse-fair should + be over. Paula fixed her eyes on the ground. She seemed quite crushed; but + Perpetua started violently and Hiram drew back a step when she suddenly + broke out in a loud, joyful cry of “Father in Heaven, I have what we + need!” + </p> + <p> + “How, child, what?” asked the nurse, pressing her hand to her heart. But + Paula vouchsafed no information; she turned quickly to the Syrian: + </p> + <p> + “Is the outer court-yard clear yet? Are the people gone?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + The reply was in the affirmative. The freed servants had retired when + Hiram left them. The officials would not break up for some time yet, but + there was less difficulty in passing them. + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” said the girl. “Then you, Hiram, lead the way and wait for me + by the little side door. I will give you something in my room which will + pay the Nabathaean’s charges ten times over. Do not look so horrified, + Betta. I will give him the large emerald out of my mother’s necklace.” The + woman clasped her hands, and cried out in dismay and warning. + </p> + <p> + “Child, child! That splendid gem! an heirloom in the family—that + stone which came to you from the saintly Emperor Theodosius—to sell + that of all things! Nay-to throw it away; not to rescue your father + either, but merely—yes child, for that is the truth, merely because + you lack patience to wait two little weeks!” + </p> + <p> + “That is hard, that is unjust, Betta,” Paula broke in reprovingly. “It + will be a question of a month, and we all know how much depends on the + messenger. Do you forget how highly Hiram spoke of this very man’s + intelligence? And besides—must I, the younger, remind you?—What + is the life of man? An instant may decide his life or death; and my father + is an old man, scarred from many wounds even before the siege. It may make + just the difference between our meeting, or never meeting again.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said the old woman in subdued tones, “perhaps you are right, + and if I...” But Paula stopped her mouth with a kiss, and then desired + Hiram to carry the gem, the first thing in the morning, to Gamaliel the + Jew, a wealthy and honest man, and not to sell it for less than twelve + thousand drachmae. If the goldsmith could not pay so much for it at once, + he might be satisfied to bring away the two thousand drachmae for the + messenger, and fetch the remainder at another season. + </p> + <p> + The Syrian led the way, and when, after a long leave-taking, she quitted + her nurse’s pleasant little room, Hiram had done her bidding and was + waiting for her at the little side door. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + As Hiram had supposed, the better class of the household were still + sitting with their friends, and they had been joined by the guide and by + the Arab merchant’s head man: Rustem the Masdakite, as well as his + secretary and interpreter. + </p> + <p> + With the exception only of Gamaliel the Jewish goldsmith, and the Arab’s + followers, the whole of the party were Christians; and it had gone against + the grain to admit the Moslems into their circle—the Jew had for + years been a welcome member of the society. However, they had done so, and + not without marked civility; for their lord had desired that the strangers + should be made welcome, and they might expect to hear much that was new + from wanderers from such a distance. In this, to be sure, they were + disappointed, for the dragoman was taciturn and the Masdakite could speak + no Egyptian, and Greek very ill. So, after various futile attempts to make + the new-comers talk, they paid no further heed to them, and Orion’s + secretary became the chief speaker. He had already told them yesterday + much that was fresh and interesting about the Imperial court; to-day he + entered into fuller details of the brilliant life his young lord had led + at Constantinople, whither he had accompanied him. He described the three + races he had won in the Circus with his own horses; gave a lively picture + of his forcing his way with only five followers through a raging mob of + rioters, from the palace to the church of St. Sophia; and then enlarged on + Orion’s successes among the beauties of the Capital. + </p> + <p> + “The queen of them all,” he went on in boastful accents, “was Heliodora—no + flute-player nor anything of that kind; no indeed, but a rich, elegant, + and virtuous patrician lady, the widow of Flavianus, nephew to Justinus + the senator, and a relation of the Emperor. All Constantinople was at her + feet, the great Gratian himself sought to win her, but of course, in vain. + There is no palace to compare with hers in all Egypt, not even in + Alexandria. The governor’s residence here—for I think nothing of + mere size—is a peasant’s hut—a wretched barn by comparison! I + will tell you another time what that casket of treasures is like. Its door + was besieged day and night by slaves and freedmen bringing her offerings + of flowers and fruit, rare gifts, and tender verses written on perfumed, + rose-colored silk; but her favors were not to be purchased till she met + Orion. Would you believe it: from the first time she saw him in Justinus’ + villa she fell desperately in love with him; it was all over with her; she + was his as completely as the ring on my finger is mine!” + </p> + <p> + And in his vanity he showed his hearers a gold ring, with a gem of some + value, which he owed to the liberality of his young master. “From that day + forth,” he eagerly went on, “the names of Orion and Heliodora were in + every mouth, and how often have I seen men quite beside themselves over + the beauty of this divine pair. In the Circus, in the theatre, or sailing + about the Bosphorus—they were to be seen everywhere together; and + through the hideous, bloody struggle for the throne they lived in a + Paradise of their own. He often took her out in his chariot; or she took + him in hers.” + </p> + <p> + “Such a woman has horses too?” asked the head groom contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “A woman!” cried the secretary. “A lady of rank!—She has none but + bright chestnuts; large horses of Armenian breed, and small, swift beasts + from the island of Sardinia, which fly on with the chariot, four abreast, + like hunted foxes. Her horses are always decked with flowers and ribbons + fluttering from the gold harness, and the grooms know how to drive them + too!—Well, every one thought that our young lord and the handsome + widow would marry; and it was a terrible blow to the hapless Heliodora + when nothing came of it—she looks like a saint and is as soft as a + kitten. I was by when they parted, and she shed such bitter tears it was + pitiable to see. Still, she could not be angry with her idol, poor, + gentle, tender kitten. She even gave him her lap-dog for a keepsake—that + little silky thing you have seen here. And take my word for it, that was a + true love-token, for her heart was as much set on that little beast as if + it had been her favorite child. And he felt the parting too, felt it + deeply; however, I am his confidential secretary, and it would never do + for me to tell tales out of school. He clasped the little dog to his heart + as he bid her farewell, and he promised her to send some keepsake in + return which should show her how precious her love had been—and it + will be no trifle, that any one may swear who knows my master. You, + Gamaliel, I daresay he has been to you about it by this time.” + </p> + <p> + The man thus addressed—the same to whom Hiram was to offer Paula’s + emerald—was a rich Alexandrian of a happy turn of mind; as soon as + the incursion of the Saracens had made Alexandria an unsafe residence, so + that the majority of his fellow Israelites had fled from the great port, + he had found his way to Memphis, where he could count on the protection of + his patron, the Mukaukas George. + </p> + <p> + He shook his grizzled curls at this question, but he presently whispered + in the secretary’s ear. “We have the very thing he wants. You bring me the + cow and you shall have a calf—and a calf with twelve legs too. Is it + a bargain?” + </p> + <p> + “Twelve per cent on the profits? Done!” replied the secretary in the same + tone, with a sly smile of intelligence. + </p> + <p> + When, by-and-bye, an accountant asked him why Orion had not brought home + this fair dame, the bearer too of a noble name, to his parents as their + daughter-in-law, he replied that, being a Greek, she was of course a + Melchite. Those present asked no better reason; as soon as the question of + creed was raised the conversation, as usual in these convivial evenings, + became a squabble over dogmatic differences; in the course of it a legal + official ventured to opine that if the case had been that of a less + personage than a son of the Mukaukas—for whom it was, of course, out + of the question—of a mere Jacobite citizen and his Melchite + sweetheart, for instance, some compromise might have been effected. They + need only have made up their minds each, respectively, to subscribe to the + Monothelitic doctrine—though, he, for his part, could have nothing + to say to anything of the kind; it was warmly upheld by the Imperial + court, and by Cyrus, the deceased patriarch of Alexandria, and was based + on the assumption that there were indeed two natures in Christ, but both + under the control of one and the same will. By this dogma there were in + the Saviour two persons no doubt; still it asserted His unity in a certain + qualified sense, and this was the most important point. + </p> + <p> + Such an heretical proposition was of course loudly disapproved of by the + assembled Jacobites; differences of opinion were more and more strongly + asserted, and a calm interchange of views turned to a riotous quarrel + which threatened to end in actual violence. + </p> + <p> + This discussion was already beginning when Paula succeeded in slipping + unseen across the court-yard. + </p> + <p> + She silently beckoned to Hiram to follow her; he cautiously took off his + shoes, pushed them under the steep servants’ stairs, and in a few minutes + was standing in the young girl’s room. Paula at once opened a chest, and + took out a costly and beautifully-wrought necklace set with pearls. This + she handed to the Syrian, desiring him to wrench from its setting a large + emerald which hung from the middle. The freedman’s strong hand, with the + aid of a knife, quickly and easily did the work; and he stood weighing the + gem, as it lay freed from the gold hemisphere that had held it, larger + than a walnut, shining and sparkling on his palm, while Paula repeated the + instructions she had already given him in her nurse’s room. + </p> + <p> + The faithful soul had no sooner left his beloved mistress than she + proceeded to unplait her long thick hair, smiling the while with happy + hope; but she had not yet begun to undress when she heard a knock. She + started, flew to the door and hastily bolted it, while she enquired: + </p> + <p> + “Who is there?”—preparing herself for the worst. “Hiram,” was the + whispered reply. She opened the door, and he told her that meanwhile the + side door had been locked, and that he knew no other way out from the + great rambling house whither he rarely had occasion to come. + </p> + <p> + What was to be done? He could not wait till the door was opened again, for + he must carry out her commission quite early in the morning, and if he + were caught and locked up for only half the day the Nabathaean would take + some other engagement. + </p> + <p> + With swift decision she twisted up her hair, threw a handkerchief over her + head, and said: “Then come with me; the moon is still up; it would not be + safe to carry a lamp. I will lead the way and you must keep behind me If + only the kitchen is empty, we can reach the Viridarium unseen. If the + upper servants are still sitting in the court-yard the great door will be + open, for several of them sleep in the house. At any rate you must go + through the vestibule; you cannot miss your way out of the viridarium. But + stay! Beki generally lies in front of the tablinum—the fierce dog + from Herrionthis in Thebais; and he does not know you, for he never goes + out of the house, but he will obey me. + </p> + <p> + “When I lift my hand, hang back a little. He is quite quiet with his + masters, and does not hurt a stranger if they are by. Now, we must not + utter another word.—If we are discovered, I will confess the truth; + if you alone are seen, you can say—well, say you were waiting for + Orion, to speak to him very early about the horse-fair at Niku.” + </p> + <p> + “A horse was off—off—offered me for sale this very day.” + </p> + <p> + “Good, very good; then you lingered in the vestibule to speak of that—to + ask the master about it before he should go out. It must be daylight in a + few hours.—Now, come.” + </p> + <p> + Paula went down the stairs with a sure and rapid step. At the bottom Hiram + again took off his shoes, holding them in his hand, so as to lose no time + in following his mistress. They went on in silence through the darkness + till they reached the kitchen. Here Paula turned and said to the Syrian: + </p> + <p> + “If there is any one here, I will say I came to fetch some water; if there + is no one I will cough and you can follow. At any rate I will leave the + door open, and then you will hear what happens. If I am obliged to return, + do you hurry on before me back by the way we came. In that case I will + return to my room where you must wait outside till the side door is opened + again, and if you are found there leave the explanation to me.—Shrink + back, quite into that corner.” + </p> + <p> + She softly opened the door into the kitchen; the roof was open to the + light of the declining moon and myriad stars. The room was quite empty: + only a cat lay on a bench by the wide hearth, and a few bats flitted to + and fro on noiseless wings; a few live coals still glowed among the ashes + under the spits, like the eyes of lurking beasts of prey. Paula coughed + gently, and immediately heard Hiram’s step behind her; then, with a + beating heart and agonizing fears, she proceeded on her way. First down a + few steps, then through a dark passage, where the bats in their unswerving + flight shot by close to her head. At last they had to cross the large, + open dining-hall. This led into the viridarium, a spacious quadrangle, + paved at the edges and planted in the middle, where a fountain played; + round this square the Governor’s residence was built. All was still and + peaceful in this secluded space, vaulted over by the high heavens whose + deep blue was thickly dotted with stars. The moon would soon be hidden + behind the top of the cornice which crowned the roof of the building. The + large-leaved plants in the middle of the quadrangle threw strange, ghostly + shadows on the dewy grass-plot; the water in the fountain splashed more + loudly than by day, but with a soothing, monotonous gurgle, broken now and + then by a sudden short pause. The marble pillars gleamed as white as snow, + and filmy mists, which were beginning to rise from the damp lawn, floated + languidly hither and thither on the soft night breeze, like ghosts veiled + in flowing crape. Moths flitted noiselessly round and over the clumps of + bushes, and the whole quiet and restful enclosure was full of sweetness + from the Lotos flowers in the marble basin, from the blossoms of the + luxuriant shrubs and the succulent tropical herbs at their feet. At any + other time it would have been a joy to pause and look round, only to + breathe and let the silent magic of the night exert its spell; but Paula’s + soul was closed against these charms. The sequestered silence lent a + threatening accent to the furious wrangling in the court-yard, which was + audible even here in bursts of uproar; and it was with an anxious heart + that she observed that everything was not in its usual order; for her + sharp eyes could discern no one, nothing, at the entrance to the tablinum, + which was usually guarded by an armed sentinel or by the watch-dog; and + surely—yes, she was not mistaken—the bronze doors were open, + and the moon shone on the bright metal of one half which stood ajar. + </p> + <p> + She stopped, and Hiram behind her did the same. They both listened with + such tension that the veins in their foreheads swelled; but from the + tablinum, which was hardly thirty paces from them, came only very faint + and intermittent sounds, indistinct in character and drowned by the tumult + without. + </p> + <p> + A few long and anxious minutes, and then the half-closed door was suddenly + opened and a man came forth. Paula’s heart stood still, but she did not + for an instant lose her keenness of vision; she at once and positively + recognized the man who came out of the tablinum as Orion and none other, + and the big, long-haired dog too came out and past him, sniffed the air + and then, with a loud bark, rushed on the two watchers. Trembling and with + clenched teeth, but still mistress of herself, she let him come close to + her, and then, calling him by his name: “Beki” in low, caressing tones, as + soon as he recognized her, she laid her hand on his shaggy head to scratch + his ears, as he loved it done. + </p> + <p> + Paula and her companion were standing behind a column in the deepest + shadow. Thus Orion could not see her, and the dog’s loud bark had + prevented his hearing her coaxing call; so when Beki was quiet and stood + still, Orion whistled to him. The obedient and watchful beast, ran back, + wagging his tail; and his master, greeting him as “a stupid old + cat-hunter,” let him spring over his arm, hugged the creature and then + pushed him off again in play. Then he closed the door and went into the + apartments leading to the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + “But he must come back this way to go to his own rooms,” said Paula to her + companion with a sigh of relief. “We must wait. But now we must not lose a + minute. Come over to the door of the tablinum. The dog will know me now + and will not bark again.” They hastened on, and when they had reached the + door, which lay in shadow within a deep doorway, Paula asked her + companion: “Did you see who the man was who came out?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord Orion,” said Hiram. “He was co—co—coming home from + the town when I preceded you across the yard.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed?” she said with apparent indifference, and as she leaned against + the cold metal door-panels she looked back into the garden and thought she + was now free to return. She would describe to the freedman the way he must + now go—it was quite simple; but she had not had time to do so when, + from a room dividing the viridarium from the vestibule she heard first a + woman’s shrill voice; then the deeper tones of a man; and hardly had they + exchanged a few sentences, when every sound was lost in the furious + barking of the hound, and immediately after a loud shriek of pain from a + woman fell upon her ear, and the noise of a heavy object falling to the + ground. + </p> + <p> + What had happened? It must be something portentous and terrible; of that + there could be no doubt; and ere long Paula’s fears were justified. Out + from the room where the scene had taken place rushed Orion, and with him + the dog, across the grass-plot which was usually respected and cherished + as holy ground, towards the side of the house facing the river, which was + where he and all the family had their rooms. + </p> + <p> + “Now!” cried Paula, quickly leading the way. + </p> + <p> + She flew in breathless haste through the first room and into the unguarded + hall; but she had not reached the middle of it when she gave a scream, for + before her in the moonlight, lay a body, motionless, at full length, on + the hard, marble floor. + </p> + <p> + “Run, Hiram, fly!” she cried to her companion. “The door is ajar—open—I + can see it is.” + </p> + <p> + She fell on her knees by the side of the lifeless form, raised the head, + and saw—the beautiful, deathlike face of the crazy Persian slave. + She felt her hand wet with the blood that had soaked the hapless girl’s + thick, fair hair, and she shuddered; but she resisted her impulse of + horror and loathing, and perceiving some dark stains on the torn peplos + she pulled it aside and saw that the white bosom was bleeding from deep + wounds made in the tender flesh by the cruel fangs of the hound. + </p> + <p> + Paula’s heart thrilled with indignation, grief and pity. He—he whom + she had only yesterday held to be the epitome of every manly perfection—Orion, + was guilty of so foul a deed! He, of whose unflinching, dauntless courage + she had heard so much, had fled like a coward, and had left the victim to + her fate—twice a victim to him! + </p> + <p> + But something must be done besides lamenting and raging, and wondering how + in one human soul there could be room for so much that was noble and fine + with so much that was shameful and cruel. She must save the girl, she must + seek help, for Mandane’s bosom still faintly rose and fell under Paula’s + tremulous fingers. + </p> + <p> + The freedman’s brave heart would not allow him to fly to leave her with + the injured girl; he flung his shoes on the floor, raised the senseless + form, and propped it against one of the columns that stood round the hall. + It was not till his mistress had repeated her orders that he hurried away. + Paula watched him depart; as soon as she heard the heavy door of the + atrium close upon him, heedless of her own suspicious-looking position, + she shouted for help, so loudly that her cries rang through the nocturnal + silence of the house, and in a few minutes, from this side and that, a + slave, a maid, a clerk, a cook, a watchman, came hurrying in. + </p> + <p> + Foremost of all—so soon indeed that he must have been on his way + when he heard her cry—came Orion. He wore a light night-dress, + intended, so she said to herself, to give the wretch the appearance of + having sprung out of bed. But was this indeed he? Was this man with a + flushed face, staring eyes, disordered hair and hoarse voice, that + favorite of fortune whose happy nature, easy demeanor, sunny gaze and + enchanting song had bewitched her soul? His hand shook as he came close to + her and the injured slave; and how forced and embarrassed was his enquiry + as to what had happened; how scared he looked as he asked her what had + brought her into this part of the house at such an hour. + </p> + <p> + She made no reply; but when his mother repeated the question soon after, + in a sharp voice, she—she who had never in her life told a lie—said + with hasty decision: “I could not sleep, and the bark of the dog and a cry + for help brought me here.” + </p> + <p> + “I call that having sharp ears!” retorted Neforis with an incredulous + shrug. “For the future, at any rate, under similar circumstances you need + not be so prompt. How long, pray, have young girls trusted themselves + alone when murder is cried?” + </p> + <p> + “If you had but armed yourself, fair daughter of heroes!” added Orion; but + he had no sooner spoken than he bitterly regretted it. What a glance Paula + cast at him! It was more than she could bear to hear him address her in + jest, almost in mockery: him of all men, and at this moment for the first + time—and to be thus reminded of her father! She answered proudly and + with cutting sharpness: “I leave weapons to fighting men and murderers!” + </p> + <p> + “To fighting men, and murderers!” repeated Orion, pretending not to + understand the point of her words. He forced a smile; but then, feeling + that he must make some defence, he added bitterly: “Really, that sounds + like the utterance of a feeble-hearted damsel! But let me beg you to come + closer and be calm. These pitiable gashes on the poor creature’s shoulder—I + care more about her than you do, take my word for it—were inflicted + by a four-footed assassin, whose weapons were given by nature. Yes, that + is what happened. Rough old Beki keeps watch at the door of the tablinum. + What brought the poor child here I know not, but he caught scent of her + and pulled her down.” + </p> + <p> + “Or nothing of the kind!” interrupted Neforis, picking up a pair of man’s + shoes which lay on the ground by the sufferer. + </p> + <p> + Orion turned as pale as death and hastily took the shoes from his mother’s + hand; he would have liked to fling them up and away through the open roof. + How came they here? Whose were they? Who had been here this night? Before + going into the tablinum he had locked the outer door on that side, and had + returned subsequently to open it again for the people in the court-yard. + It was not till after he had done this that the crazy girl had rushed upon + him; she must have been lurking somewhere about when he first went through + the atrium but had not then found courage enough to place herself in his + way. When she had thrown herself upon him, the dog had pulled her down + before he could prevent it: he would certainly have sprung past her and + have come to the rescue but that he must thus have betrayed his visit to + the tablinum. + </p> + <p> + It had required all his presence of mind to hurry to his room, fling on + his night garments, and rush back to the scene of disaster. When Paula had + first called for help he was already on his way, and with what feelings! + Never had he felt so bewildered, so confused, so deeply dissatisfied with + himself; for the first time in his life, as he stood face to face with + Paula, he dared not look straight into the eyes of his fellow-man. + </p> + <p> + And now these shoes! The owner must have come there with the crazy girl, + and if he had seen him in the tablinum and betrayed what he was doing + there, how could he ever again appear in his parents’ presence? He had + looked upon it as a good joke, but now it had turned to bitter earnest. At + any cost he must and would prevent his nocturnal doings from becoming + known! Some new wrong-doing-nay, the worst was preferable to a stain on + his honor.—Whose could the shoes be? He suddenly held them up on + high, crying with a loud voice: “Do these shoes belong to any of you, you + people? To the gate-keeper perhaps?” + </p> + <p> + When all were silent, and the porter denied the ownership, he stood + thinking; then he added with a defiant glare, and in a husky voice: “Then + some one who had broken into the house has been startled and dropped them. + Our house-stamp is here on the leather: they were made in our work-shop, + and they still smell of the stable-here, Sebek, you can convince yourself. + Take them into your keeping, man; and tomorrow morning we will see who has + left this suspicious offering in our vestibule.—You were the first + to reach the spot, fair Paula. Did you see a man about?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she replied with a hostile and challenging stare. + </p> + <p> + “And which way did he go?” + </p> + <p> + “He fled across the viridarium like a coward, running across the poor, + well-kept grass-plot to save time, and vanished upstairs in the + dwelling-rooms.” + </p> + <p> + Orion ground his teeth, and a mad hatred surged up in him of this mystery + in woman’s form in whose power, as it seemed, his ruin lay, and whose eyes + mashed with revenge and the desire to undo him. What was she plotting + against him? Was there a being on earth who would dare to accuse him, the + spoilt favorite of great and small...? And her look had meant more than + aversion, it had expressed contempt.... How dare she look so at him? Who + in the wide world had a right to accuse him of anything that could justify + such a feeling? Never, never had he met with enmity like this, least of + all from a girl. He longed to annihilate the high-handed, cold-hearted, + ungrateful creature who could humble him so outrageously after he had + allowed her to see that his heart was hers, and who could make him quail—a + man whose courage had been proved a hundred times. He had to exercise his + utmost self-control not to forget that she was a woman.—What had + happened? What demon had been playing tricks on him—What had so + completely altered him within this half-hour that his whole being seemed + subverted even to himself, and that any one dared to treat him so? + </p> + <p> + His mother at once observed the terrible change that came over her son’s + face when Paula declared that a man had fled towards the dwelling-rooms; + but she accounted for it in her own way, and exclaimed in genuine alarm: + “Towards the Nile-wing, the rooms where your father sleeps? Merciful + Heaven! suppose they have planned an attack there! Run—fly, Sebek. + </p> + <p> + “Go across with some armed men! Search the whole house from top to bottom! + Perhaps you will catch the rascal—he had trodden down the grass—you + must find him—you must not let him escape.” + </p> + <p> + The steward hurried off, but Paula begged the head gardener, who had come + in with the rest, to compare the foot-prints of the fugitive, which must + yet be visible on the damp grass, with the shoes; her heart beat wildly, + and again she tried to catch the young man’s eye. Orion, however, started + forward and went into the viridarium, saying as he went: “That is my + concern.” + </p> + <p> + But he was ashamed of himself, and felt as if something tight was + throttling him. In his own eyes he appeared like a thief caught in the + act, a traitor, a contemptible rascal; and he began to perceive that he + was indeed no longer what he had been before he had committed that fatal + deed in the tablinum. + </p> + <p> + Paula breathed hard as she watched him go out. Had he sunk so low as to + falsify the evidence, and to declare that the groom’s broad sole fitted + the tracks of his small and shapely feet? She hated him, and yet she could + have found it in her heart to pray that this, at least, he might not do; + and when he came back and said in some confusion that he could not be + sure, that the shoes did not seem exactly to fit the foot-marks, she drew + a breath of relief and turned again to the wounded girl and the physician, + who, had now made his appearance. Before Neforis followed her example she + drew Orion aside and anxiously asked him what ailed him, he looked so pale + and upset. He only said with some hesitation: “That poor girl’s fate...” + and he pointed to the Persian slave.—“It troubles me.” + </p> + <p> + “You are so soft-hearted—you were as a boy!” said his mother + soothingly. She had seen the moisture sparkling in his eyes; but his tears + were not for the Persian, but for the mysterious something—he + himself knew not what to call it—that he had forfeited in this last + hour, and of which the loss gave him unspeakable pain. + </p> + <p> + But their dialogue was interrupted: the first misfortune of this luckless + night had brought its attendant: the body of Rustem, the splendid and + radiantly youthful Rustem, the faithful Persian leader of the caravan, was + borne into the hall, senseless. He had made some satirical remark on the + quarrel over creeds, and a furious Jacobite had fallen upon him with a log + of wood, and dealt him a deep and perhaps mortal wound. The leech at once + gave him his care, and several of the crowd of muttering and whispering + men, who had made their way in out of curiosity or with a wish to be of + use, now hurried hither and thither in obedience to the physician’s + orders. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he saw the Masdakite’s wound he exclaimed angrily: + </p> + <p> + “A true Egyptian blow, dealt from behind!—What does this mob want + here? Out with every man who does not belong to the place! The first + things needed are litters. Will you, Dame Neforis, desire that two rooms + may be got ready; one for that poor, gentle creature, and one for this + fine fellow, though all will soon be over with him, short of a miracle.” + </p> + <p> + “To the north of the viridarium,” replied the lady, “there are two rooms + at your service.” + </p> + <p> + “Not there!” cried the leech. “I must have rooms with plenty of fresh air, + looking out upon the river.” + </p> + <p> + “There are none but the handsome rooms in the visitor’s quarters, where my + husband’s niece has hers, Sick persons of the family have often lain + there, but for such humble folk—you understand?” + </p> + <p> + “No—I am deaf,” replied the physician. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I know that,” laughed Neforis. “But those rooms are really just + refurnished for exalted guests.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be hard to find any more exalted than such as these, sick unto + death,” replied Philippus. “They are nearer to God in Heaven than you are; + to your advantage I believe. Here, you people! Carry these poor souls up + to the guests’ rooms.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + “It is impossible, impossible, impossible!” cried Orion, jumping up from + his writing-table. He thought of what he had done as a misfortune, and not + as a crime; he himself hardly knew how it had all come about. Yes, there + must be demons, evil, spiteful demons—and it was they who had led + him to so mad a deed. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday evening, after the buying of the hanging, he had yielded to his + mother’s request that he should escort the widow Susannah home. At her + house he had met her husband’s brother, a jovial old fellow named + Chrysippus; and when the conversation turned on the tapestry, and the + Mukaukas’ purpose of dedicating this work of art with all the gems worked + into it, to the Church, the old man had clasped his hands, fully sharing + Orion’s disapproval, and had exclaimed laughing “What, you the son, and is + not even a part of the precious stones to fall to your share? Why + Katharina? Just a little diamond, a tiny opal might well add to the + earthly happiness of the young, though the old must lay up treasure in + heaven.—Do not be a fool! The Church’s maw is full enough, and + really a mouthful is your due.” + </p> + <p> + And then they drank a good deal of fine wine, till at last the older man + had accompanied Orion home, to stretch his limbs in the cool night air. A + litter was carried behind him for him to return in, and all the way he had + continued to persuade the youth to induce his father not to fling the + whole treasure into the jaws of the Church, but to spare him a few stones + at least for a more pleasing use. They had laughed over it a good deal, + and Orion in his heart had thought Chrysippus very right, and had + remembered Heliodora, and her love of large, handsome gems, and the + keepsake he owed her. But that neither his father nor his mother would + remove a single stone, and that the whole hanging would be dedicated, was + beyond a doubt; at the same time, some of this superfluous splendor was in + fact his due as their son, and a prettier gift to Heliodora than the large + emerald could not be imagined. Yes—and she should have it! How + delighted she would be! He even thought of the chief idea for the verses + to accompany the gift. + </p> + <p> + He had the key of the tablinum, in which the work was lying, about his + person; and when, on his return, he found the servants still sitting round + the fire, he shut the door of the out-buildings while a feeling came over + him which he remembered having experienced last on occasions when he and + his brothers had robbed a forbidden fruit-tree. He was on the point of + giving up his mad project; and when, in the tablinum itself, a horrible + inward tremor again came over him he had actually turned to retreat—but + he remembered old Chrysippus and his prompts. To turn and fly now would be + cowardice. Heliodora must have the large emerald, and with his verses; his + father might give away all the rest as he pleased. When he was kneeling in + front of the work with his knife in his hand, that sickening terror had + come over him for the third time; if the large emerald had not come off + into his hand at the first effort he would certainly have rolled the bale + up again and have left the tablinum clean-handed. But the evil demon had + been at his elbow, had thrust the gem into his hand, as it were, so that + two cuts with the knife had sufficed to displace it from its setting. It + rolled into his hand and he felt its noble weight; he cast aside all care, + and had thought no more with anything but pleasure of this splendid trick, + which he would relate to-morrow to old Chrysippus—of course under + seal of secrecy. + </p> + <p> + But now, in the sober light of day, how different did this mad, rash deed + appear; how heavily had he already been punished; what consequences might + it not entail? His hatred of Paula grew every minute: she had certainly + seen all that had happened and would not hesitate to betray him—that + she had shown last night. War, as it were, was declared between them, and + he vowed to himself, with fire in his eyes, that he would not shirk it! At + the same time he could not deny that she had never looked handsomer than + when she stood, with hair half undone, confronting him—threatening + him. “It is to be love or hate between us.” he muttered to himself. “No + half-measures: and she has chosen hate! Good! Hitherto I have only had to + fight against men; but this bold, hard, and scornful maiden, who rejects + every gentle feeling, is no despicable foe. She has me at bay. If she does + her worst by me I will return it in kind!—And who is the owner of + the shoes? I have taken all possible means to find him. Shameful, + shameful! that I cannot hold up my head to look boldly at my own face in + the glass. Heliodora is a sweet creature, an angel of kindness. She loved + me truly; but this—this—Ah; even for her, this is too great a + sacrifice!” + </p> + <p> + He pressed his hand to his brow and flung himself on a divan. He might + well be weary, for he had not closed his eyes for more than thirty hours + and had already done much business that morning. He had given orders to + Sebek the house-steward and to the captain of the Egyptian guard to hunt + out the owner of the sandals by the aid of the dogs, and to cast him into + prison; next he had of his own accord—since his father generally did + not fall asleep till the morning and had not yet left his room—tried + to pacify the Arab merchant with regard to the mishap that had befallen + his head man under the governor’s roof; but with small success. + </p> + <p> + Finally the young man had indulged his desire to compose a few lines + addressed to the fair Heliodora—for there was no form of physical or + mental effort to which he was not trained. He had not lost the idea that + had occurred to him yesterday before his theft in the tablinum, and to put + it into verse was in his present mood an easy task. He wrote as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘Like liketh like’ saith the saw; and like to like is but fitting. + Yet, in the hardest of gems thy soft nature rejoices? + Nay, but if noble and rare, if its beauty is priceless, + Then, Heliodora, the stone is like thee—akin to thy beauty. + Thus let this emerald please thee;—and know that the fire + That fills it with light burns more fierce in the heart of thy + Friend.” + </pre> + <p> + He penned the lines rapidly; and as he did so he felt, he knew not why, an + excited thrill, as though every word he threw off was a blow aimed at + Paula. Last night he had intended to send the costly jewel to the handsome + widow in a suitable setting; but now it would be madly imprudent to order + such a thing. He must send it away at once; he had hastened to pack it up + with the verses, with his own hand, and entrusted it to Chusar, a + horsedealer’s groom from Constantinople, who had brought his Pannonian + steeds to Memphis. He had himself seen off this trustworthy messenger, who + could speak no Egyptian and very little Greek, and when his horse was lost + to sight in the dust of the road leading to Alexandria he had returned + home in a calmer mood. Ships were constantly putting to sea from that port + for Constantinople, and Chusar was enjoined to sail by the first that + should be leaving. At least the odious deed should not have been committed + in vain; and yet he would have given a year of his life if now he could + but know that it had never been done. + </p> + <p> + “Impossible!” and “Curse it!” were the words he had most frequently + repeated in the course of his retrospect during the past night and + morning. How he had had to rush and hurry under the broiling sun! and the + sense of being compelled to do so for mere concealment’s sake seemed to + him—who had never in his life before done anything that he could not + justify in the eyes of honest men—so humiliating, that it brought + the sweat to his burning brow. He—Orion—to dread discovery as + a thief! It was inconceivable, and he was afraid, positively afraid for + the first time since his boyhood. His fortunate star, which in the Capital + had shone on him so brightly and benevolently, seemed to have proved + faithless in this ruinous hole! What had that Persian girl taken into her + crazy head that she must rush upon him like some furious beast of prey? He + had been bound to her once, no doubt, by a transient passion—and + what youth of his age was blind to the charms of a pretty slave-girl? She + had been a lovely child, and it was a vexation, nay a grief to him, that + she should have been so shamefully punished. If she should recover, and he + could have prayed that she might, it would of course be his part to + provide for her—of course. To be just, he could not but confess that + she indeed had good reason to hate him: but Paula? He had shown her + nothing but kindness and yet how unhesitatingly, how openly she had + displayed her enmity. He could see her now with the name “murderer” on her + quivering lips; the word had stung him like a lance-thrust. What a + hideous, degrading and unjust accusation lay in that exclamation! Should + he submit to it unrevenged? + </p> + <p> + Was she as innocent as she was haughty and cold? What was she doing in the + viridarium at midnight?—For she must have been there before that + ill-starred dog flew at Mandane. An assignation with the owner of the + shoes his mother had found was out of the question, for they belonged to + some man about the stables. Love, thought he, for a wonder had nothing to + do with it; but as he came in he had noticed a man crossing the court-yard + who looked like Paula’s freedman, Hiram the trainer. Probably she had + arranged a meeting with her stammering friend in order—in order?—Well, + there was but one thing that seemed likely: She was plotting to fly from + his parents’ house and needed this man’s assistance. + </p> + <p> + He had seen within a few hours of his return that his mother did not make + life sweet to the girl, and yet his father had very possibly opposed her + wish to seek another home. But why should she avoid and hate him? In that + expedition on the river and on their way home he could have sworn that she + loved him, and the remembrance of those hours brought her near to him + again, and wiped out his schemes of vengeance against her, of punishment + to be visited on her. Then he thought of little Katharina whom his mother + intended him to marry, and at the thought he laughed softly to himself. In + the Imperial gardens at Constantinople he had once seen a strange Indian + bird, with a tiny body and head and an immensely long tail, shining like + silver and mother of pearl. This was Katharina! She herself a mere + nothing; but then her tail! vast estates and immense sums of money; and + this—this was all his mother saw. But did he need more than he had? + How rich his father must be to spend so large a sum on an offering to the + Church as heedlessly as men give alms to a beggar. + </p> + <p> + Katharina—and Paula! + </p> + <p> + Yes, the little girl was a bright, brisk creature; but then Thomas’ + daughter—what power there was in her eye, what majesty in her gait, + how—how—how enchanting her—her voice could be—her + voice.... + </p> + <p> + He was asleep, worn out by heat and fatigue; and in a dream he saw Paula + lying on a couch strewn with roses while all about her sounded wonderful + heart-ensnaring music; and the couch was not solid but blue water, gently + moving: he went towards her and suddenly a large black eagle swooped down + on him, flapped his wings in his face and when, half-blinded, he put his + hand to his eyes the bird pecked the roses as a hen picks millet and + barley. Then he was angry, rushed at the eagle, and tried to clutch him + with his hands; but his feet seemed rooted to the ground, and the more he + struggled to move freely the more firmly he was dragged backwards. He + fought like a madman against the hindering force, and suddenly it released + him. He was still under this impression when he woke, streaming with + perspiration, and opened his eyes. By his couch stood his mother who had + laid her hand on his feet to rouse him. + </p> + <p> + She looked pale and anxious and begged him to come quickly to his father + who was much disturbed, and wished to speak with him. Then she hurried + away. + </p> + <p> + While he hastily arranged his hair and had his shoes clasped he felt vexed + that, under the influence of that foolish dream, and still half asleep, he + had let his mother go before ascertaining what the circumstances were that + had given rise to his father’s anxiety. Had it anything to do with the + incidents of the past night? No.—If he had been suspected his mother + would have told him and warned him. It must refer to something else. + Perhaps the old merchant’s stalwart headman had died of his wounds, and + his father wished to send him—Orion—across the Nile to the + Arab viceroy to obtain forgiveness for the murder of a Moslem, actually + within the precincts of the governor’s house. This fatal blow might indeed + entail serious consequences; however, the matter might very likely be + quite other than this. + </p> + <p> + When he left his room the brooding heat that filled the house struck him + as peculiarly oppressive, and a painful feeling, closely resembling shame, + stole over him as he crossed the viridarium, and glanced at the grass from + which—thanks to Paula’s ill-meant warning—he had carefully + brushed away his foot-marks before daybreak. How cowardly, how base, it + all was The best of all in life: honor, self-respect, the proud + consciousness of being an honest man—all staked and all lost for + nothing at all! He could have slapped his own face or cried aloud like a + child that has broken its most treasured toy. But of what use was all + this? What was done could not be undone; and now he must keep his wits + about him so as to remain, in the eyes of others at least, what he had + always been, low as he had fallen in his own. + </p> + <p> + It was scorchingly hot in the enclosed garden-plot, surrounded by + buildings, and open to the sun; not a human creature was in sight; the + house seemed dead. The gaudy flag-staffs and trellis-work, and the pillars + of the verandah, which had all been newly painted in honor of his return + and were still wreathed with garlands, exhaled a smell, to him quite + sickening, of melting resin, drying varnish and faded flowers. Though + there was no breath of air the atmosphere quivered, as it seemed from the + fierce rays of the sun, which were reflected like arrows from everything + around him. The butterflies and dragonflies appeared to Orion to move + their wings more languidly as they hovered over the plants and flowers, + the very fountain danced up more lazily and not so high as usual: + everything about him was hot, sweltering, oppressive; and the man who had + always been so independent and looked up to, who for years had been free + to career through life uncontrolled, and guarded by every good Genius now + felt trammelled, hemmed in and harassed. + </p> + <p> + In his father’s cool fountain-room he could breathe more freely; but only + for a moment. The blood faded from his cheeks, and he had to make a strong + effort to greet his father calmly and in his usual manner; for in front of + the divan where the governor commonly reclined, lay the Persian hanging, + and close by stood his mother and the Arab merchant. Sebek, the steward + awaited his master’s orders, in the background in the attitude of humility + which was torture to his old back, but in which he was never required to + remain: Orion now signed to him to stand up: + </p> + <p> + The Arab’s mild features wore a look of extreme gravity, and deep vexation + could be read in his kindly eyes. As the young man entered he bowed + slightly; they had already met that morning. The Mukaukas, who was lying + deathly pale with colorless lips, scarcely opened his eyes at his son’s + greeting. It might have been thought that a bier was waiting in the next + room and that the mourners had assembled here. + </p> + <p> + The piece of work was only half unrolled, but Orion at once saw the spot + whence its crowning glory was now missing—the large emerald which, + as he alone could know, was on its way to Constantinople. His theft had + been discovered. How fearful, how fatal might the issue be! + </p> + <p> + “Courage, courage!” he said to himself. “Only preserve your presence of + mind. What profit is life with loss of honor? Keep your eyes open; + everything depends on that, Orion!” + </p> + <p> + He succeeded in hastily collecting his thoughts, and exclaimed in a voice + which lacked little of its usual eager cheerfulness: + </p> + <p> + “How dismal you all look! It is indeed a terrible disaster that the dog + should have handled the poor girl so roughly, and that our people should + have behaved so outrageously; but, as I told you this morning, worthy + Merchant, the guilty parties shall pay for it with their lives. My father, + I am sure, will agree that you should deal with them according to your + pleasure, and our leech Philippus, in spite of his youth, is a perfect + Hippocrates I can assure you! He will patch up the fine fellow—your + head-man I mean, and as to any question of compensation, my father—well, + you know he is no haggler.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg you not to add insult to the injury that I have suffered under your + roof,” interrupted Haschim. “No amount of money can buy off my wrath over + the spilt blood of a friend—and Rustem was my friend—a free + and valiant youth. As to the punishment of the guilty: on that I insist. + Blood cries for blood. That is our creed; and though yours, to be sure, + enjoins the contrary, so far as I know you act by the same rule as we. All + honor to your physician; but it goes to my heart, and raises my gall to + see such things take place in the house of the man to whom the Khaliff has + confided the weal or woe of Egyptian Christians. Your boasted tolerance + has led to the death of an honest though humble man in a time of perfect + peace—or at least maimed him for life. As to your honesty, it would + seem...” + </p> + <p> + “Who dares impugn it?” cried Orion. + </p> + <p> + “I, young man,” replied the merchant with the calm dignity of age. “I, who + sold this piece of work last evening, and find it this morning robbed of + its most precious ornament.” + </p> + <p> + “The great emerald has been cut from the hanging during the night.” Dame + Neforis explained. “You yourself went with the man who carried it to the + tablinum and saw it laid there.” + </p> + <p> + “And in the very cloth in which your people had wrapped it,” added Orion. + “Our good old Sebek there was with me. Who fetched away the bale this + morning; who brought it here and opened it?” + </p> + <p> + “Happily for us,” said the Arab, “it was your lady mother herself, with + that man—your steward if I mistake not—and your own slaves.” + </p> + <p> + “Why was it not left where it was?” asked Orion, giving vent to the + annoyance which at this moment he really felt. + </p> + <p> + “Because I had assured your father, and with good reason, that the beauty + of this splendid work and of the gems that decorate it show to much + greater advantage by daylight and in the sunshine than under the lamps and + torches.” + </p> + <p> + “And besides, your father wished to see his new purchase once more,” + Neforis broke in, “and to ask the merchant how the gems might be removed + without injury to the work itself. So I went to the tablinum myself with + Sebek.” + </p> + <p> + “But I had the key!” cried Orion putting his hand into the breast of his + robe. + </p> + <p> + “That I had forgotten,” replied his mother. “But unfortunately we did not + need it. The tablinum was open.” + </p> + <p> + “I locked it yesterday; you saw me do it, Sebek...” + </p> + <p> + “So I told the mistress,” replied the steward. “I perfectly recollect + hearing the snap of the strong lock.” + </p> + <p> + Orion shrugged his shoulders, and his mother went on: + </p> + <p> + “But the bronze doors must have been opened during the night with a false + key, or by some other means; for part of the hanging had been pulled out + of the wrapper, and when we looked closely we saw that the large emerald + had been wrenched out of the setting.” + </p> + <p> + “Shameful!” exclaimed Orion. + </p> + <p> + “Disgraceful!” added the governor, vehemently starting up. He had fallen a + prey to fearful unrest and horror: he thought that his Lord and Saviour, + to whom he had dedicated the precious jewel, regarded him as so sinful and + worthless that He would not accept the gift at his hands. But perhaps it + was only Satan striving to hinder him from approaching the Most High with + so noble an offering. At any rate, human cunning had been at work, so he + said with stern resolution: + </p> + <p> + “The matter shall be enquired into, and in the name of Jesus Christ, to + whom the stone already belongs, I will never rest nor cease till the + criminal is in my hands.” + </p> + <p> + “And in the name of Allah and the Prophet,” added the Arab, “I will aid + thee, if I have to appeal for help to the great chief Amru, the Khaliff’s + representative in this country.—A word was spoken here just now that + I cannot and will not forget. And the tone you have chosen to adopt, young + man, seems to spring from the same fount: the old fox, you think, put a + false gem of impossible size into the hanging, and has had it stolen that + his fraud may not be detected when a jeweller examines the work by + daylight. This is too much! I am an honest man, Sirs, and I am fain to add + a rich one; and the man who tries to cast a stain on the character I have + borne through a long life shall learn, to his ruing, that old Haschim has + greater and more powerful friends to back him than you may care to meet!” + </p> + <p> + As he uttered this threat the merchant’s eyes glistened through tears; it + grieved him to be unjustly suspected and to be forced to express himself + so hardly to the Mukaukas for whom he felt both reverence and pity. It was + clear from the tone of his speech that he was in fact a determined and a + powerful personage, and Orion interrupted him with the eager enquiry: “Who + has dared to think so basely of you?” + </p> + <p> + “Your own mother, I regret to say,” replied the Moslem sadly, with an + oriental shrug of distress and annoyance—his shoulders up to his + ears. + </p> + <p> + “Forget it, I beg of you,” said the governor. “God knows women have softer + hearts than men, and yet they more readily incline to think evil of their + fellow-creatures, and particularly of the enemies of their faith. On the + other hand they are more sensitive to kindness. A woman’s hair is long and + her wits short, says the saw.” + </p> + <p> + “You have plenty to say against us women!” retorted Neforis. “But scold + away—scold if it is a comfort to you!” But she added, while she + affectionately turned her husband’s pillows and gave him another of his + white pillules: “I will submit to the worst to-day for I am in the wrong. + I have already asked your pardon, worthy Haschim, and I do so again, with + all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, she went up to the Arab and held out her hand; he took it, + but lightly, however, and quickly released it, saying: + </p> + <p> + “I do not find it hard to forgive. But I find it impossible, here or + anywhere, to let so much as a grain of dust rest on my bright good name. I + shall follow up this affair, turning neither to the right hand nor to the + left.—And now, one question: Is the dog that guarded the tablinum a + watchful, savage beast?” + </p> + <p> + “How savage he is he unfortunately proved on the person of the poor + Persian slave; and his watchfulness is known to all the household,” cried + Orion. + </p> + <p> + “But I would beg you, worthy merchant,” said Neforis, “and in the name of + all present, to give us the help of your experience. I myself—wait a + little wait: in spite of her long hair and her short wits a woman often + has a happy idea. I, probably, was the first to come on the robber’s + track. It is clear that he must belong to the household since the dog did + not attack him. Paula, who was so wonderfully quick in coming to the + rescue of the Persian, is of course not to be thought of...” + </p> + <p> + Here her husband interrupted her with an angry exclamation: “Leave the + girl quite out of the question wife!” + </p> + <p> + “As if I supposed her to be the thief!” retorted Neforis indignantly, and + she shrugged her shoulders as Orion, in mild reproach, also cried: + “Mother! consider...” and the merchant asked: + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean the young girl from whom I had to take such hard words last + night?—Well, then, I will stake my whole fortune on her innocence. + That beautiful, passionate creature is incapable of any underhand + dealings.” + </p> + <p> + “Passionate!” Neforis smiled. “Her heart is as cold and as hard as the + lost emerald; we have proved that by experience.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said Orion, “she is incapable of baseness.” + </p> + <p> + “How zealous men can be for a pair of fine eyes!” interrupted his mother. + “But I have not the most remote suspicion of her; I have something quite + different in my mind. A pair of man’s shoes were found lying by the + wounded girl. Did you do what my lord Orion ordered, Sebek?” + </p> + <p> + “At once, Mistress,” replied the steward, “and I have been expecting the + captain of the watch for some time; for Psamtik....” + </p> + <p> + But here he was interrupted: the officer in question, who for more than + twenty years had commanded the Mukaukas’ guard of honor, was shown into + the room; after answering a few preliminary enquiries he began his report + in a voice so loud that it hurt the governor, and his wife was obliged to + request the soldier to speak more gently. + </p> + <p> + The bloodhounds and terriers had been let out after being allowed to smell + at the shoes, and a couple of them had soon found their way to the + side-door where Hiram had waited for Paula. There they paused, sniffing + about on all sides, and had then jumped up a few steps. + </p> + <p> + “And those stairs lead to Paula’s room,” observed Neforis with a shrug. + </p> + <p> + “But they were on a false scent,” the officer eagerly added. “The little + toads might have thrown suspicion on an innocent person. The curs + immediately after rushed into the stables, and ran up and down like Satan + after a lost soul. The pack had soon pulled down the boy—the son of + the freedman who came here from Damascus with the daughter of the great + Thomas—and they went quite mad in his father’s room: Heaven and + earth! what a howling and barking and yelping. They poked their noses into + every old rag, and now we knew where the hole in the wine-skin was.—I + am sorry for the man. He stammered horribly, but as a trainer, and in all + that has to do with horses, all honor to him!—The shoes are Hiram’s + as surely as my eyes are in my head; but we have not caught him yet. He is + across the river, for a boat is missing and where it had been lying the + dogs began again. Unless the unbelievers over there give him shelter we + are certain to have him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we know who is the criminal!” cried Orion, with a sigh as deep as + though some great burden were lifted from his soul. Then he went on in a + commanding tone—and his voice rang so fiercely that the color which + had mounted to his cheeks could hardly be due to satisfaction at this last + good news.... + </p> + <p> + “As it is not yet two hours after noon, send all your men out to search + for him and deliver him up. My father will give you a warrant, and the + Arabs on the other shore will assist you. Perhaps the thief may fall into + our hands even sooner and with him the emerald, unless the rogue has + succeeded in hiding it or selling it.” Then his voice sank, and he added + in a tone of regret. “It is a pity as concerns the man, we had not one in + our stables who knew more about horses! Fresh proof of your maxim, mother: + if you want to be well served you must buy rascals!” + </p> + <p> + “Strictly speaking,” said Neforis meditatively, “Hiram is not one of our + people. He was a freedman of Thomas’ and came here with his daughter. + Every one speaks highly of his skill in the stable; but for this robbery + we might have kept him for the rest of his life still, if the girl had + ever taken it into her head to leave us and to take him with her, we could + not have detained him.—You may say what you will, and abuse me and + mock me; I have none of what you call imagination; I see things simply as + they are: but there must be some understanding between that girl and the + thief.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not to say another word of such monstrous nonsense!” exclaimed + her husband; and he would have said more, but that at that moment the + groom of the chambers announced that Gamaliel, the Jewish goldsmith, + begged an audience. The man had come to give information with regard to + the fate of the lost emerald. + </p> + <p> + At this statement Orion changed color, and he turned away from the + merchant as the slave admitted the same Israelite who had been sitting + over the fire with the head-servants. He at once plunged into his story, + telling it in his peculiar light-hearted style. He was so rich that the + loss he might suffer did not trouble him enough to spoil his good-humor, + and so honest that it was a pleasure to him to restore the stolen property + to its rightful owner. Early that morning, so he told them, Hiram the + groom had been to him to offer him a wonderfully large and splendid + emerald for sale. The freedman had assured him that the stone was part of + the property left by the famous Thomas, his former master. It had + decorated the head-stall of the horse which the hero of Damascus had last + ridden, and it had come to him with the steed. + </p> + <p> + “I offered him what I thought fair,” the Jew went on, “and paid him two + thousand drachmae on account; the remainder he begged me to take charge of + for the present. To this I agreed, but ere long a fly began to hum + suspicion in my ear. Then the police rushed through the town with the + bloodhounds. Good Heavens, what a barking! The creatures yelped as if they + would bark my poor house down, like the trumpets round the walls of + Jericho—you know. ‘What is the matter now,’ I asked of the + dog-keepers, and behold! my suspicions about the emerald were justified; + so here, my lord Governor, I have brought you the stone, and as every + suckling in Memphis hears from its nurse—unless it is deaf—what + a just man Mukaukas George is, you will no doubt make good to me what I + advanced to that stammering scoundrel. And you will have the best of the + bargain, noble Sir; for I make no demand for interest or even maintenance + for the two hours during which it was mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me the stone!” interrupted the Arab, who was annoyed by the Jew’s + jesting tone; he snatched the emerald from him, weighed it in his hand, + put it close to his eyes, held it far off, tapped it with a small hammer + that he took out of his breast-pocket, slipped it into its place in the + work, examining it keenly, suspiciously, and at last with satisfaction. + During all this, Orion had more than once turned pale, and the sweat broke + out on his handsome, pale face. Had a miracle been wrought here? How could + this gem, which was surely on its way to Alexandria, have found its way + into the Jew’s hands? Or could Chusar have opened the little packet and + have sold the emerald to Hiram, and through him to the jeweller? He must + get to the bottom of it, and while the Arab was examining the gem he went + up to Gamaliel and asked him: “Are you positively certain—it is a + matter of freedom or the dungeon—certain that you had this stone + from Hiram the Syrian and from no one else? I mean, is the man so + well-known to you that no mistake is possible?” + </p> + <p> + “God preserve us!” exclaimed the Jew drawing back a step from Orion, who + was gazing at him with a sinister light in his eyes. “How can my lord + doubt it? Your respected father has known me these thirty years, and do + you suppose that I—I do not know the Syrian? Why, who in Memphis can + stammer to compare with him? And has he not killed half my children with + your wild young horses?—Half killed every one of my children I mean—half + killed them, I say, with fright. They are all still alive and well, God + preserve them, but none the better for your horsebreaker; for fresh air is + good for children and my little Rebecca would stop indoors till he was at + home again for fear of his terrifying pranks.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well!” Orion broke in. “And at what hour did he bring you the + emerald for sale? Exactly. Now, recollect: when was it? You surely must + remember.” + </p> + <p> + “Adonai! How should I?” said the Jew. “But wait, Sir, perhaps I may be + able to tell you. In this hot weather we are up before sunrise; then we + said our prayers and had our morning broth; then....” + </p> + <p> + “Senseless chatter!” urged Orion. But Gamaliel went on without allowing + himself to be checked. “Then little Ruth jumped into my lap to pull out + the white hairs that will grow under my nose and, just as the child was + doing it and I cried out: ‘Oh, you hurt me!’ the sun fell upon the earth + bank on which I was sitting.” + </p> + <p> + “And at what time does it reach the bank?” cried the young man. + </p> + <p> + “Exactly two hours after sunrise,” replied the Jew, “at this time of year. + Do me the honor of a visit tomorrow morning; you will not regret it, for I + can show you some beautiful, exquisite things—and you can watch the + shadow yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Two hours after sunrise,” murmured Orion to himself, and then with fresh + qualms he reflected that it was fully four hours later when he had given + the packet to Chusar. It was impossible to doubt the Jew’s statement. The + man was rich, honest and content: he did not lie. The jewel Orion had sent + away and that purchased from Hiram could not in any case be identical. But + how could all this be explained? It was enough to turn his brain. And not + to dare to speak when mere silence was falsehood—falsehood to his + father and mother!—If only the hapless stammerer might escape! If he + were caught; then—then merciful Heaven! But no; it was not to be + thought of.—On, then, on; and if it came to the worst the honor of a + hundred stablemen could not outweigh that of one Orion; horrible as it + was, the man must be sacrificed. He would see that his life was spared and + that he was soon set at liberty! + </p> + <p> + The Arab meanwhile had concluded his examination; still he was not + perfectly satisfied. Orion longed to interpose; for if the merchant + expressed no doubts and acknowledged the recovered gem to be the stolen + one, much would be gained; so he turned to him again and said: “May I ask + you to show me the emerald once more? It is quite impossible, do you + think, that a second should be found to match it?” + </p> + <p> + “That is too much to assert,” said the Arab gravely. “This stone resembles + that on the hanging to a hair; and yet it has a little inequality which I + do not remember noticing on it. It is true I had never seen it out of the + setting, and this little boss may have been turned towards the stuff, and + yet, and yet.—Tell me, goldsmith, did the thief give you the emerald + bare—unset?” + </p> + <p> + “As bare as Adam and Eve before they ate the apple,” said the Jew. + </p> + <p> + “That is a pity—a great pity!—And still I fancy that the stone + in the work was a trifle longer. In such a case it is almost folly and + perversity to doubt, and yet I feel—and yet I ask myself: Is this + really the stone that formed that bud?” + </p> + <p> + “But Heaven bless us!” cried Orion, “the twin of such an unique gem would + surely not drop from the skies and at the same moment into one and the + same house. Let us be glad that the lost sheep has come back to us. Now, I + will lock it into this iron casket, Father, and as soon as the robber is + caught you send for me: do you understand, Psamtik?” He nodded to his + parents, offered his hand to the Arab, and that in a way which could not + fail to satisfy any one, so that even the old man was won over; and then + he left the room. + </p> + <p> + The merchant’s honor was saved; still his conscientious soul was disturbed + by a doubt that he could not away with. He was about to take leave but the + Mukaukas was so buried in pillows, and kept his eyes so closely shut, that + no one could detect whether he were sleeping or waking; so the Arab, not + wishing to disturb him, withdrew without speaking. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + After the great excitement of the night Paula had thrown herself on her + bed with throbbing pulses. Sleep would not come to her, and so at rather + more than two hours after sunrise she went to the window to close the + shutters. As she did so she looked out, and she saw Hiram leap into a boat + and push the light bark from the shore. She dared neither signal nor call + to him; but when the faithful soul had reached open water he looked back + at her window, recognized her in her white morning dress and flourished + the oar high in the air. This could only mean that he had fulfilled his + commission and sold her jewel. Now he was going to the other side to + engage the Nabathaean. + </p> + <p> + When she had closed the shutters and darkened the room she again lay down. + Youth asserted its rights the weary girl fell into deep, dreamless + slumbers. + </p> + <p> + When she woke, with the heat drops on her forehead, the sun was nearly at + the meridian, only an hour till the Ariston would be served, the Greek + breakfast, the first meal in the morning, which the family eat together as + they also did the principal meal later in the clay. She had never yet + failed to appear, and her absence would excite remark. + </p> + <p> + The governor’s household, like that of every Egyptian of rank, was + conducted more on the Greek than the Egyptian plan; and this was the case + not merely as regarded the meals but in many other things, and especially + the language spoken. From the Mukaukas himself down to the youngest member + of the family, all spoke Greek among themselves, and Coptic, the old + native dialect, only to the servants. Nay, many borrowed and foreign words + had already crept into use in the Coptic. + </p> + <p> + The governor’s granddaughter, pretty little Mary, had learnt to speak + Greek fluently and correctly before she spoke Coptic, but when Paula had + first arrived she could not as yet write the beautiful language of Greece + with due accuracy. Paula loved children; she longed for some occupation, + and she had therefore volunteered to instruct the little girl in the art. + At first her hosts had seemed pleased that she should render this service, + but ere long the relation between the Lady Neforis and her husband’s niece + had taken the unpleasant aspect which it was destined to retain. She had + put a stop to the lessons, and the reason she had assigned for this + insulting step was that Paula had dictated to her pupil long sentences out + of her Orthodox Greek prayerbook. This, it was true, she had done; but + without the smallest concealment; and the passages she had chosen had + contained nothing but what must elevate the soul of every Christian, of + whatever confession. + </p> + <p> + The child had wept bitterly over her grandmother’s fiat, though Paula had + always taken the lessons quite seriously, for Mary loved her older + companion with all the enthusiasm of a half-grown girl—as a child of + ten really is in Egypt; her passionate little heart worshipped the + beautiful maiden who was in every respect so far above her, and Paula’s + arms had opened wide to embrace the child who brought sunshine into the + gloomy, chill atmosphere she breathed in her uncle’s house. But Neforis + regarded the child’s ardent love for her Melchite relation as exaggerated + and morbid, imperilling perhaps her religious faith; and she fancied that + under Paula’s influence Mary had transferred her affections from her to + the younger woman with added warmth. Nor was this idea wholly fanciful; + the child’s strong sense of justice could not bear to see her friend + misunderstood and slighted, often simply and entirely misjudged and hardly + blamed, so Mary felt it her duty, as far as in her lay, to make up for her + grandmother’s delinquencies in regard to the guest who in the child’s eyes + was perfection. + </p> + <p> + But Neforis was not the woman to put up with this demeanor in a child. + Mary was her granddaughter, the only child of her lost son, and no one + should come between them. So she forbid the little girl to go to Paula’s + room without an express message, and when a Greek teacher was engaged for + her, her instructions were that she should keep her pupil as much as + possible out of the Syrian damsel’s way. All this only fanned the child’s + vehement affection; and tenderly as her grandmother would sometimes caress + her—while Mary on her part never failed in dutiful obedience—neither + of them ever felt a true and steady warmth of heart towards the other; and + for this Paula was no doubt to blame, though against her will and by her + mere existence. + </p> + <p> + Often, indeed, and by a hundred covert hints Dame Neforis gave Paula to + understand that she it was who had alienated her grandchild; there was + nothing for it but to keep the child for whom she yearned, at a distance, + and only rarely reveal to her the abundance of her love. At last her life + was so full of grievance that she was hardly able to be innocent with the + innocent—a child with the child; Mary was not slow to note this, and + ascribed Paula’s altered manner to the suffering caused by her + grandmother’s severity. + </p> + <p> + Mary’s most frequent opportunities of speaking to her friend were just + before meals; for at that time no one was watching her, and her + grandmother had not forbidden her calling Paula to table. A visit to her + room was the child’s greatest delight—partly because it was + forbidden—but no less because Paula, up in her own room, was quite + different from what she seemed with the others, and because they could + there look at each other and kiss without interference, and say what ever + they pleased. There Mary could tell her as much as she dared of the events + in their little circle, but the lively and sometimes hoydenish little girl + was often withheld from confessing a misdemeanor, or even an inoffensive + piece of childishness, by sheer admiration for one who to her appeared + nobler, greater and loftier than other beings. + </p> + <p> + Just as Paula had finished putting up her hair, Mary, who would rush like + a whirlwind even into her grandmother’s presence, knocked humbly at the + door. She did not fly into Paula’s arms as she did into those of Susannah + or her daughter Katharina, but only kissed her white arm with fervent + devotion, and colored with happiness when Paula bent down to her, pressed + her lips to her brow and hair, and wiped her wet, glowing cheeks. Then she + took Mary’s head fondly between her hands and said: + </p> + <p> + “What is wrong with you, madcap?” + </p> + <p> + In fact the sweet little face was crimson, and her eyes swelled as if she + had been crying violently. + </p> + <p> + “It is so fearfully hot,” said Mary. “Eudoxia”—her Greek governess—“says + that Egypt in summer is a fiery furnace, a hell upon earth. She is quite + ill with the heat, and lies like a fish on the sand; the only good thing + about it is...” + </p> + <p> + “That she lets you run off and gives you no lessons?” + </p> + <p> + Mary nodded, but as no lecture followed the confession she put her head on + one side and looked up into Paula’s face with large roguish eyes. + </p> + <p> + “And yet you have been crying!—a great girl like you?” + </p> + <p> + “I—I crying?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, crying. I can see it in your eyes. Now confess: what has happened?” + </p> + <p> + “You will not scold me?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then. At first it was fun, such fun you cannot think, and I do not + mind the heat; but when the great hunt had gone by I wanted to go to my + grand mother and I was not allowed. Do you know, something very particular + had been going on in the fountain-room; and as they all came out again I + crept behind Orion into the tablinum—there are such wonderful things + there, and I wanted just to frighten him a little; we have often played + games together before. At first he did not see me, and as he was bending + over the hanging, from which the gem was stolen—I believe he was + counting the stones in the faded old thing—I just jumped on to his + shoulder, and he was so frightened—I can tell you, awfully + frightened! And he turned upon me like a fighting-cock and—and he + gave me a box on the ear; such a slap, it is burning now—and all + sorts of colors danced before my eyes. He always used to be so nice and + kind to me, and to you, too, and so I used to be fond of him—he is + my uncle too—but a box on the ears, a slap such as the cook might + give to the turnspit—I am too big for that; that I will certainly + not put up with it! Since my last birthday all the slaves and upper + servants, too, have had to treat me as a lady and to bow down to me! And + now!—it was just here.—How dare he?” She began to cry again + and sobbed out: “But that was not all. He locked me into the dark tablinum + and left—left me....” her tears flowed faster and faster, “left me + sitting there! It was so horrible; and I might have been there now if I + had not found a gold plate; I seized my great-grandfather—I mean the + silver image of Menas, and hammered on it, and screamed Fire! Then Sebek + heard me and fetched Orion, and he let me out, and made such a fuss over + me and kissed me. But what is the good of that; my grandfather will be + angry, for in my terror I beat his father’s nose quite flat on the plate.” + </p> + <p> + Paula had listened, now amused and now grave, to the little girl’s story; + when she ceased, she once more wiped her eyes and said: + </p> + <p> + “Your uncle is a man, and you must not play with him as if he were a child + like yourself. The reminder you got was rather a hard one, no doubt, but + Orion tried to make up for it.—But the great hunt, what was that?” + </p> + <p> + At this question Mary’s eyes suddenly sparkled again. In an instant all + her woes were forgotten, even her ancestor’s flattened nose, and with a + merry, hearty laugh she exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you should have seen it! You would have been amused too. They wanted + to catch the bad man who cut the emerald out of the hanging. He had left + his shoes and they had held them under the dogs’ noses and then off they + went! First they rushed here to the stairs; then to the stables, then to + the lodgings of one of the horse-trainers, and I kept close behind, after + the terriers and the other dogs. Then they stopped to consider and at last + they all ran out at the gate towards the town. I ought not to have gone + beyond the court-yard, but—do not be cross with me—it was such + fun!—Out they went, along Hapi Street, across the square, and at + last into the Goldsmith’s Street, and there the whole pack plunged into + Gamaliel’s shop—the Jew who is always so merry. While he was talking + to the others his wife gave me some apricot tartlets; we do not have such + good ones at home.” + </p> + <p> + “And did they find the man?” asked Paula, who had changed color repeatedly + during the child’s story. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” said Mary sadly. “They were not chasing any one in + particular. The dogs kept their noses to the ground, and we ran after + them.” + </p> + <p> + “And only to catch a man, who certainly had nothing whatever to do with + the theft.—Reflect a little, Mary. The shoes gave the dogs the scent + and they were set on to seize the man who had worn them, but whom no judge + had examined. The shoes were found in the hall; perhaps he had dropped + them by accident, or some one else may have carried them there. Now think + of yourself in the place of an innocent man, a Christian like ourselves, + hunted with a pack of dogs like a wild beast. Is it not frightful? No good + heart should laugh at such a thing!” + </p> + <p> + Paula spoke with such impressive gravity and deep sorrow, and her whole + manner betrayed such great and genuine distress that the child looked tip + at her anxiously, with tearful eyes, threw herself against her, and hiding + her face in Paula’s dress exclaimed: “I did not know that they were + hunting a poor man, and if it makes you so sad, I wish I had not been + there! But is it really and truly so bad? You are so often unhappy when we + others laugh!” She gazed into Paula’s face with wide, wondering eyes + through her tears, and Paula clasped her to her, kissed her fondly, and + replied with melancholy sweetness: + </p> + <p> + “I would gladly be as gay as you, but I have gone through so much to + sadden me. Laugh and be merry to your heart’s content; I am glad you + should. But with regard to the poor hunted man, I fear he is my father’s + freedman, the most faithful, honest soul! Did your exciting hunt drive any + one out of the goldsmith’s shop?” + </p> + <p> + Mary shook her head; then she asked: + </p> + <p> + “Is it Hiram, the stammerer, the trainer, that they are hunting?” + </p> + <p> + “I fear it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said the child. “Stay—oh, dear! it will grieve you + again, but I think—I think they said—the shoes belonged—but + I did not attend. However, they were talking of a groom—a freedman—a + stammerer....” + </p> + <p> + “Then they certainly are hunting down an innocent man,” cried Paula with a + deep sigh; and she sat down again in front of her toilet-table to finish + dressing. Her hands still moved mechanically, but she was lost in thought; + she answered the child vaguely, and let her rummage in her open trunk till + Mary pulled out the necklace that had been bereft of its gem, and hung it + round her neck. Just then there was a knock at the door and Katharina, the + widow Susannah’s little daughter, came into the room. The young girl, to + whom the governor’s wife wished to marry her tall son scarcely reached to + Paula’s shoulder, but she was plump and pleasant to look upon; as neat as + if she had just been taken out of a box, with a fresh, merry lovable + little face. When she laughed she showed a gleaming row of small teeth, + set rather wide apart, but as white as snow; and her bright eyes beamed on + the world as gladly as though they had nothing that was not pleasing to + look for, innocent mischief to dream of. She too, tried to win Paula’s + favor; but with none of Mary’s devoted and unvarying enthusiasm. Often, to + be sure, she would devote herself to Paula with such stormy vehemence that + the elder girl was forced to be repellent; then, on the other hand, if she + fancied her self slighted, or treated more coolly than Mary, she would + turn her back on Paula with sulky jealousy, temper and pouting. It always + was in Paula’s power to put an end to the “Water-wagtails tantrums”—which + generally had their comic side—by a kind word or kiss; but without + some such advances Katharina was quite capable of indulging her humors to + the utmost. + </p> + <p> + On the present occasion she flew into Paula’s arm, and when her friend + begged, more quietly than usual that she would allow her first to finish + dressing, she turned away without any display of touchiness and took the + necklace from Mary’s hand to put it on herself. It was of fine + workmanship, set with pearls, and took her fancy greatly; only the empty + medallion from which Hiram had removed the emerald with his knife spoiled + the whole effect. Still, it was a princely jewel, and when she had also + taken from the chest a large fan of ostrich feathers she showed off to her + play-fellow, with droll, stiff dignity, how the empress and princesses at + Court curtsied and bowed graciously to their inferiors. At this they both + laughed a great deal. When Paula had finished her toilet and proceeded to + take the necklace off Katharina, the empty setting, which Hiram’s knife + had bent, caught in the thin tissue of her dress. Mary disengaged it, and + Paula tossed the jewel back into the trunk. + </p> + <p> + While she was locking the box she asked Katharina whether she had met + Orion. + </p> + <p> + “Orion!” repeated the younger girl, in a tone which implied that she alone + had the right to enquire about him. “Yes, we came upstairs together; he + went to see the wounded man. Have you anything to say to him?” + </p> + <p> + She crimsoned as she spoke and looked suspiciously at Paula, who simply + replied: “Perhaps,” and then added, as she hung the ribbon with the key + round her neck: “Now, you little girls, it is breakfast time; I am not + going down to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear!” cried Mary disappointed, “my grandfather is ailing and + grandmother will stay with him; so if you do not come I shall have to sit + alone with Eudoxia; for Katharina’s chariot is waiting and she must go + home at once. Oh! do come. Just to please me; you do not know how odious + Eudoxia can be when it is so hot.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, do go down,” urged Katharina. “What will you do up hereby yourself? + And this evening mother and I will come again.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Paula. “But first I must go to see the invalids.” + </p> + <p> + “May I go with you?” asked the Water wagtail, coaxingly stroking Paula’s + arm. But Mary clapped her hands, exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “She only wants to go to Orion—she is so fond of him....” + </p> + <p> + Katharina put her hand over the child’s mouth, but Paula, with quickened + breath, explained that she had very serious matters to discuss with Orion; + so Katharina, turning her back on her with a hasty gesture of defiance, + sulkily went down stairs, while Mary slipped down the bannister rail. Not + many days since, Katharina, who was but just sixteen, would gladly have + followed her example. + </p> + <p> + Paula meanwhile knocked at the first of the sickrooms and entered it as + softly as the door was opened by a nursing-sister from the convent of St. + Katharine. Orion, whom she was seeking, had been there, but had just left. + </p> + <p> + In this first room lay the leader of the caravan; in that beyond was the + crazy Persian. In a sitting-room adjoining the first room, which, being + intended for guests of distinction, was furnished with royal magnificence, + sat two men in earnest conversation: the Arab merchant and Philippus the + physician, a young man of little more than thirty, tall and bony, in a + dress of clean but very coarse stuff without any kind of adornment. He had + a shrewd, pale face, out of which a pair of bright black eyes shone + benevolently but with keen vivacity. His large cheek-bones were much too + prominent; the lower part of his face was small, ugly and, as it were, + compressed, while his high broad forehead crowned the whole and stamped it + as that of a thinker, as a fine cupola may crown an insignificant and + homely structure. + </p> + <p> + This man, devoid of charm, though his strongly-characterized individuality + made it difficult to overlook him even in the midst of a distinguished + circle, had been conversing eagerly with the Arab, who, in the course of + their two-days’ acquaintance, had inspired him with a regard which was + fully reciprocated. At last Orion had been the theme of their discourse, + and the physician, a restless toiler who could not like any man whose life + was one of idle enjoyment, though he did full justice to his brilliant + gifts and well-applied studies, had judged him far more hardly than the + older man. To the leech all forms of human life were sacred, and in his + eyes everything that could injure the body or soul of a man was worthy of + destruction. He knew all that Orion had brought upon the hapless Mandane, + and how lightly he had trifled with the hearts of other women; in his eyes + this made him a mischievous and criminal member of society. He regarded + life as an obligation to be discharged by work alone, of whatever kind, if + only it were a benefit to society as a whole. And such youths as Orion not + only did not recognize this, but used the whole and the parts also for + base and selfish ends. The old Moslem, on the contrary, viewed life as a + dream whose fairest portion, the time of youth, each one should enjoy with + alert senses, and only take care that at the waking which must come with + death he might hope to find admission into Paradise. How little could man + do against the iron force of fate! That could not be forefended by hard + work; there was nothing for it but to take up a right attitude, and to + confront and meet it with dignity. The bark of Orion’s existence lacked + ballast; in fine weather it drifted wherever the breeze carried it, He + himself had taken care to equip it well; and if only the chances of life + should freight it heavily—very heavily, and fling it on the rocks, + then Orion might show who and what he was; he, Haschim, firmly believed + that his character would prove itself admirable. It was in the hour of + shipwreck that a man showed his worth. + </p> + <p> + Here the physician interrupted him to prove that it was not Fate, as + imagined by Moslems, but man himself who guided the bark of life—but + at this moment Paula looked into the room, and he broke off. The merchant + bowed profoundly, Philippus respectfully, but with more embarrassment than + might have been expected from the general confidence of his manner. For + some years he had been a daily visitor in the governor’s house, and after + carefully ignoring Paula on her first arrival, since Dame Neforis had + taken to treating her so coolly he drew her out whenever he had the + opportunity. Her conversations with him had now become dear and even + necessary to her, though at first his dry, cutting tone had displeased + her, and he had often driven her into a corner in a way that was hard to + bear. They kept her mind alert in a circle which never busied itself with + anything but the trivial details of family life in the decayed city, or + with dogmatic polemics—for the Mukaukas seldom or never took part in + the gossip of the women. + </p> + <p> + The leech never talked of daily events, but expressed his views as to + other and graver subjects in life, or in books with which they were both + familiar; and he had the art of eliciting replies from her which he met + with wit and acumen. By degrees she had become accustomed to his bold mode + of thought, sometimes, it is true, too recklessly expressed; and the + gifted girl now preferred a discussion with him to any other form of + conversation, recognizing that a childlike and supremely unselfish soul + animated this thoughtful reservoir of all knowledge. Almost everything she + did displeased her uncle’s wife, and so, of course, did her familiar + intercourse with this man, whose appearance certainly had in it nothing to + attract a young girl.—The physician to a family of rank was there to + keep its members in good health, and it was unbecoming in one of them to + converse with him on intimate terms as an equal. She reproached Paula—whose + pride she was constantly blaming—for her unseemly condescension to + Philippus; but what chiefly annoyed her was that Paula took up many a + half-hour which otherwise Philippus would have devoted to her husband; and + in him and his health her life and thoughts were centred. + </p> + <p> + The Arab at once recognized his foe of the previous evening; but they soon + came to a friendly understanding—Paula confessing her folly in + holding a single and kindly-disposed man answerable for the crimes of a + whole nation. Haschim replied that a right-minded spirit always came to a + just conclusion at last; and then the conversation turned on her father, + and the physician explained to the Arab that she was resolved never to + weary of seeking the missing man. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it is the sole aim and end of my life,” cried the girl. + </p> + <p> + “A great mistake, in my opinion,” said the leech. But the merchant + differed: there were things, he said, too precious to be given up for + lost, even when the hope of finding them seemed as feeble and thin as a + rotten reed. + </p> + <p> + “That is what I feel!” cried Paula. “And how can you think differently, + Philip? Have I not heard from your own lips that you never give up all + hope of a sick man till death has put an end to it? Well, and I cling to + mine—more than ever now, and I feel that I am right. My last + thought, my last coin shall be spent in the search for my father, even + without my uncle and his wife, and in spite of their prohibition.” + </p> + <p> + “But in such a task a young girl can hardly do without a man’s succor,” + said the merchant. “I wander a great deal about the world, I speak with + many foreigners from distant lands, and if you will do me the honor, pray + regard me as your coadjutor, and allow me to help you in seeking for the + lost hero.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks—I fervently thank you!” cried Paula, grasping the Moslem’s + hand with hearty pleasure. “Wherever you go bear my lost father in mind; I + am but a poor, lonely girl, but if you find him...” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will know that even among the Moslems there are men...” + </p> + <p> + “Men who are ready to show compassion and to succor friendless women!” + interrupted Paula. + </p> + <p> + “And with good success, by the blessing of the Almighty,” replied the + Arab. “As soon as I find a clue you shall hear from me; now, however, I + must go across the Nile to see Amru the great general; I go in all + confidence for I know that my poor, brave Rustem is in good hands, friend + Philippus. My first enquiries shall be made in Fostat, rely upon that, my + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “I do indeed,” said Paula with pleased emotion. “When shall we meet + again?” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, or the morning after at latest.” + </p> + <p> + The young girl went up to him and whispered: “We have just heard of a + clue; indeed, I hope my messenger is already on his way. Have you time to + hear about it now?” + </p> + <p> + “I ought long since to have been on the other shore; so not to-day, but + to-morrow I hope.” The Arab shook hands with her and the physician, and + hastily took his leave. + </p> + <p> + Paula stood still, thinking. Then it struck her that Hiram was now on the + further side of the Nile, within the jurisdiction of the Arab ruler, and + that the merchant could perhaps intercede for him, if she were to tell him + all she knew. She felt the fullest confidence in the old man, whose kind + and sympathetic face was still visible to her mind’s eye, and without + paying any further heed to the physician she went quickly towards the door + of the sick-room. A crucifix hung close by, and the nun had fallen on her + knees before it, praying for her infidel patient, and beseeching the Good + Shepherd to have mercy on the sheep that was not of His fold. Paula did + not venture to disturb the worshipper, who was kneeling just in the narrow + passage; so some minutes elapsed before the leech, observing her + uneasiness, came out of the larger room, touched the nun on the shoulder, + and said in a low voice of genuine kindness: + </p> + <p> + “One moment, good Sister. Your pious intercession will be heard—but + this damsel is in haste.” The nun rose at once and made way, sending a + wrathful glance after Paula as she hurried down the stairs. + </p> + <p> + At the door of the court-yard she looked out and about for the Arab, but + in vain. Then she enquired of a slave who told her that the merchant’s + horse had waited for him at the gate a long time, that he had just come + galloping out, and by this time must have reached the bridge of boats + which connected Memphis with the island of Rodah and, beyond the island, + with the fort of Babylon and the new town of Fostat. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + Paula went up-stairs again, distressed and vexed with herself. Was it the + heat that had enervated her and robbed her of the presence of mind she + usually had at her command? She herself could not understand how it was + that she had not at once taken advantage of the opportunity to plead to + Haschim for her faithful retainer. The merchant might have interested + himself for Hiram. + </p> + <p> + The slave at the gate had told her that he had not yet been taken; the + time to intercede, then, had not yet come. But she was resolved to do so, + to draw the wrath of her relations down on herself, and, if need should + be, to relate all she had seen in the course of the night, to save her + devoted servant. It was no less than her duty: still, before humiliating + Orion so deeply she would warn him. The thought of charging him with so + shameful a deed pained her like the need for inflicting an injury on + herself. She hated him, but she would rather have broken the most precious + work of art than have branded him—him whose image still reigned in + her heart, supremely glorious and attractive. + </p> + <p> + Instead of following Mary to breakfast, or offering herself as usual to + play draughts with her uncle, she went back to the sick-room. To meet + Neforis or Orion at this moment would have been painful, indeed odious to + her. It was long since she had felt so weary and oppressed. A conversation + with the physician might perhaps prove refreshing; after the various + agitations of the last few hours she longed for something, be it what it + might, that should revive her spirits and give a fresh turn to her + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + In the Masdakite’s room the Sister coldly asked her what she wanted, and + who had given her leave to assist in tending the sufferers. The leech, who + at that moment was moistening the bandage on the wounded man’s head, at + this turned to the nun and informed her decidedly that he desired the + young girl’s assistance in attending on both his patients. Then he led the + way sitting-room, saying in subdued into the adjoining tones: + </p> + <p> + “For the present all is well. Let us rest here a little while.” + </p> + <p> + She sat down on a divan, and he on a seat opposite, and Philippus began: + </p> + <p> + “You were seeking handsome Orion just now, but you must....” + </p> + <p> + “What?” she asked gravely. “And I would have you to know that the son of + the house is no more to me than his mother is. Your phrase ‘Handsome + Orion’ seems to imply something that I do not again wish to hear. But I + must speak to him, and soon, in reference to an important matter.” + </p> + <p> + “To what, then, do I owe the pleasure of seeing you here again? To confess + the truth I did not hope for your return.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me from answering. No one likes to hear unpleasant things. If one + of my profession thinks any one is not well....” + </p> + <p> + “If that is meant for me,” replied the girl, “all I can tell you is that + the one thing on which I still can pride myself is my health. Say what you + will—the very worst for aught I care. I want something to-day to + rouse me from lethargy, even if it should make me angry.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well then,” replied the leech, “though I am plunging into deep + waters!—As to health, as it is commonly understood, a fish might + envy you; but the higher health—health of mind: that I fear you + cannot boast of.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a serious beginning,” said Paula. “Your reproof would seem to + imply that I have done you or some one else a wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “If only you had!” exclaimed he. “No, you have not sinned against us in + any way.—‘I am as I am’ is what you think of yourself; and what do + you care for others?” + </p> + <p> + “That must depend on whom you mean by ‘others!’” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing less than all and each of those with whom you live—here, in + this house, in this town, in this world. To you they are mere air—or + less; for the air is a tangible thing that can fill a ship’s sails and + drive it against the stream, whose varying nature can bring comfort or + suffering to your body.” + </p> + <p> + “My world is within!” said Paula, laying her hand on her heart. + </p> + <p> + “Very true. And all creation may find room there; for what cannot the + human heart, as it is called, contain! The more we require it to take and + keep, the more ready it is to hold it. It is unsafe to let the lock rust; + for, if once it has grown stiff, when we want to open it no pulling and + wrenching will avail. And besides—but I do not want to grieve you.—You + have a habit of only looking backwards....” + </p> + <p> + “And what that is pleasurable lies before me? Your blame is harsh and at + the same time unjust.—Indeed, and how can you tell which way I + look?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I have watched you with the eye of a friend. In truth, Paula, you + have forgotten how to look around and forward. The life which lies behind + you and which you have lost is all your world. I once showed you on a + fragmentary papyrus that belonged to my foster father, Horus Apollo, a + heathen demon represented as going forwards, while his head was turned on + his neck so that the face and eyes looked behind him.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember it perfectly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you have long been just like him. ‘All things move,’ says + Heraclitus, so you are forced to float onwards with the great stream; or, + to vary the image, you must walk forwards on the high-road of life towards + the common goal; but your eye is fixed on what lies behind you, feasting + on the prospect of a handsome and wealthy home, kindness and tenderness, + noble and loving faces, and a happy, but alas! long-lost existence. All + the same, on you must go.—What must the result be?” + </p> + <p> + “I must stumble, you think, and fall?” + </p> + <p> + The physician’s reproof had hit Paula all the harder because she could not + conceal from herself that there was much truth in it. She had come hither + on purpose to find encouragement, and these accusations troubled even her + sense of high health. Why should she submit to be taken to task like a + school-girl by this man, himself still young? If this went on she would + let him hear.... But he was speaking again, and his reply calmed her, and + strengthened her conviction that he was a true and well-meaning friend. + </p> + <p> + “Not that perhaps,” he said, “because—well, because nature has + blessed you with perfect balance, and you go forward in full + self-possession as becomes the daughter of a hero. We must not forget that + it is of your soul that I am speaking; and that maintains its innate + dignity of feeling among so much that is petty and mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why need I fear to look back when it gives me so much comfort?” she + eagerly enquired, as she gazed in his face with fresh spirit. + </p> + <p> + “Because it may easily lead you to tread on other people’s feet! That + hurts them; then they are annoyed, and they get accustomed to think + grudgingly of you—you who are more lovable than they are.” + </p> + <p> + “But quite unjustly; for I am not conscious of ever having intentionally + grieved or hurt any one in my whole life.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that; but you have done so unintentionally a thousand times.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it would be better I should quit them altogether.” + </p> + <p> + “No, and a thousand times no! The man who avoids his kind and lives in + solitude fancies he is doing some great thing and raising himself above + the level of the existence he despises. But look a little closer: it is + self-interest and egoism which drive him into the cave and the cloister. + In any case he neglects his highest duty towards humanity—or let us + say merely towards the society he belongs to—in order to win what he + believes to be his own salvation. Society is a great body, and every + individual should regard himself as a member of it, bound to serve and + succor it, and even, when necessary, to make sacrifices for it. The + greatest are not too great. But those who crave isolation,—you + yourself—nay, hear me out, for I may never again risk the danger of + incurring your wrath—desire to be a body apart. What Paula has known + and possessed, she keeps locked in the treasure-house of her memory under + bolt and key; What Paula is, she feels she still must be—and for + whom? Again, for that same Paula. She has suffered great sorrow and on + that her soul lives; but this is evil nourishment, unwholesome and bad for + her.” + </p> + <p> + She was about to rise; but he bent forward, with a zealous conviction that + he must not allow himself to be interrupted, and lightly touched her arm + as though to prevent her quitting her seat, while he went on + unhesitatingly: + </p> + <p> + “You feed on your old sorrows! Well and good. Many a time have I seen that + trial can elevate the soul. It can teach a brave heart to feel the woes of + others more deeply; it can rouse a desire to assuage the griefs of others + with beautiful self-devotion. Those who have known pain and affliction + enjoy ease and pleasure with double satisfaction; sufferers learn to be + grateful for even the smaller joys of life. But you?—I have long + striven for courage to tell you so—you derive no benefit from + suffering because you lock it up in your breast—as if a man were to + enclose some precious seed in a silver trinket to carry about with him. It + should be sown in the earth, to sprout and bear fruit! However, I do not + blame you; I only wish to advise you as a true and devoted friend. Learn + to feel yourself a member of the body to which your destiny has bound you + for the present, whether you like it or not. Try to contribute to it all + that your capacities allow you achieve. You will find that you can do + something for it; the casket will open, and to your surprise and delight + you will perceive that the seed dropped into the soil will germinate, that + flowers will open and fruit will form of which you may make bread, or + extract from it a balm for yourself or for others! Then you will leave the + dead to bury the dead, as the Bible has it, and dedicate to the living + those great powers and gracious gifts which an illustrious father and a + noble mother—nay, and a long succession of distinguished ancestors, + have bequeathed to a descendant worthy of them. Then you will recover that + which you have lost: the joy in existence which we ought both to feel and + to diffuse, because it brings with it an obligation which it which is only + granted to us once to fulfil. Kind fate has fitted you above a hundred + thousand others for being loved; and if you do not forget the gratitude + you owe for that, hearts will be turned to you, though now they shun the + tree which has beset itself intentionally with thorns, and which lets its + branches droop like the weeping-willows by the Nile. Thus you will lead a + new and beautiful life, receiving and giving joy. The isolated and + charmless existence you drag through here, to the satisfaction of none and + least of all to your own, you can transform to one of fruition and + satisfaction—breathing and moving healthily and beneficently in the + light of day. It lies in your power. When you came up here to give your + care to these poor injured creatures, you took the first step in the new + path I desire to show you, to true happiness. I did not expect you, and I + am thankful that you have come; for I know that as you entered that door + you may have started on the road to renewed happiness, if you have the + will to walk in it.—Thank God! That is said and over!” + </p> + <p> + The leech rose and wiped his forehead, looking uneasily at Paula who had + remained seated; her breath came fast, and she was more confused and + undecided than he had ever seen her. She clasped her hand over her brow, + and gazed, speechless, into her lap as though she wished to smother some + pain. + </p> + <p> + The young physician beat his arms together, like a laborer in the winter + when his hands are frozen, and exclaimed with distressful emotion: “Yes, I + have spoken, and I cannot regret having done so; but what I foresaw has + come to pass: The greatest happiness that ever sweetened my daily life is + gone out of it! To love Plato is a noble rule, but greater than Plato is + the truth; and yet, those who preach it must be prepared to find that + truth scares away friends from the unpleasing vicinity of its ill-starred + Apostles!” + </p> + <p> + At this Paula rose, and following the impulse of her generous heart, + offered the leech her hand in all sincerity; he grasped it in both his, + pressing it so tightly that it almost hurt her, and his eyes glistened + with moisture as he exclaimed: “That is as I hoped; that is splendid, that + is noble! Let me but be your brother, high-souled maiden!—Now, come. + That poor, crazy, lovely girl will heal of her death-wound under your + hands if under any!” + </p> + <p> + “I will come!” she replied heartily; and there was something healthy and + cheerful in her manner as they entered the sick-room; but her expression + suddenly changed, and she asked pensively: + </p> + <p> + “And supposing we restore the unhappy girl—what good will she get by + it?” + </p> + <p> + “She will breathe and see the sunshine,” replied the leech; “she will be + grateful to you, and finally she will contribute what she can to the whole + body. She will be alive in short, she will live. For life—feel it, + understand it as I do—life is the best thing we have.” Paula gazed + with astonishment in the man’s unlovely but enthusiastic face. How + radiantly joyful! + </p> + <p> + No one could have called it ugly at this moment, or have said that it + lacked charm. + </p> + <p> + He believed what he had asserted with such fervent feeling, though it was + in contradiction to a view he had held only yesterday and often defended: + that life in itself was misery to all who could not grasp it of their own + strength, and make something of it worth making. At this moment he really + felt that it was the best gift. + </p> + <p> + Paula went forward, and his eyes followed her, as the gaze of the pious + pilgrim is fixed on the holy image he has travelled to see, over seas and + mountains, with bruised feet. + </p> + <p> + They went up to the sick girl’s bed. The nun drew back, making her own + reflections on the physician’s altered mien, and his childlike, beaming + contentment, as he explained to Paula what particular peril threatened the + sufferer, and by what treatment he hoped to save her; how to make the + bandages and give the medicines, and how necessary it was to accept the + poor crazy girl’s fancies and treat them as rational ideas so long as the + fever lasted. + </p> + <p> + At last he was forced to go and attend to other patients. Paula remained + sitting at the head of the bed and gazing at the face of the sufferer. + </p> + <p> + How fair it was! And Orion had snatched this rose in the bud, and trodden + it under foot! She had, no doubt, felt for him what Paula herself felt. + And now? Did she feel nothing but hatred of him, or could her heart, in + spite of her indignation and scorn, not altogether cast off the spell that + had once bound it? + </p> + <p> + What weakness was this! She was, she must, she would be his foe! + </p> + <p> + Her thoughts went back to the idle and futile life that she had led for so + many years. The physician had hit the mark; and he had been too easy + rather than severe. Yes, she would begin to make good use of her powers—but + how, in what way, here and among these people? How transfigured poor + Philippus had seemed when she had given him her hand; with what energy had + he poured forth his words. + </p> + <p> + “And how false,” she mused, “is the saying that the body is the mirror of + the soul! If it were so, Philippus would have the face of Orion, and Orion + that of Philippus.” But could Orion’s heart be wholly reprobate? Nay, that + was impossible; her every impulse resisted the belief. She must either + love him or hate him, there was no third alternative; but as yet the two + passions were struggling within her in a way that was quite intolerable. + </p> + <p> + The physician had spoken of being a brother to her, and she could not help + smiling at the idea. She could, she thought, live very happily and calmly + with him, with her nurse Betta, and with the learned old friend who shared + his home, and of whom he had often talked to her; she could join him in + his studies, help him in his calling, and discuss many things well worth + knowing. Such a life, she told herself, would be a thousand times + preferable to this, with Neforis. In him she had certainly found a friend; + and her glad recognition of the fact was the first step towards the + fulfilment of his promise, since it showed that her heart was still ready + to go forth to the kindness of another. + </p> + <p> + Amid these meditations, however, her anxiety for Hiram constantly recurred + to her, and it was clear to her mind that, if she and Orion should come to + extremities, she could no longer dwell under the governor’s roof. Often + she had longed for nothing so fervently as to be able to quit it; but + to-day it filled her with dread, for parting from her uncle necessarily + involved parting from his son. She hated him; still, to lose sight of him + altogether would be very hard to bear. To go with Philippus and live with + him as his sister would never do; nay, it struck her as something + inconceivable, strangely incongruous. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile she listened to Mandane’s breathing and treated her in obedience + to the leech’s orders, longing for his return; presently however, not he + but the nun came to the bed-side, laid her hand on the girl’s forehead, + and without paying any heed to Paula, whispered kindly: “That is right + child, sleep away; have a nice long sleep. So long as she can be kept + quiet; if only she goes on like this!—Her head is cooler. Philippus + will certainly say there is scarcely any fever. Thank God, the worst + danger is over!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how glad I am!” cried Paula, and she spoke with such warmth and + sincerity that the nun gave her a friendly nod and left the sick girl to + her care, quite satisfied. + </p> + <p> + It was long since Paula had felt so happy. She fancied that her presence + had had a good affect on the sufferer, that Mandane had already been + brought by her nursing to the threshold of a new life. Paula, who but just + now had regarded herself as a persecuted victim of Fate, now breathed more + freely in the belief that she too might bring joy to some one. She looked + into Mandane’s more than pretty face with real joy and tenderness, laid + the bandage which had slipped aside gently over her ears, and breathed a + soft kiss on her long silken lashes. + </p> + <p> + She rapidly grew in favor with the shrewd nun; when the hour for prayer + came round, the sister included in her petitions—Paula—the + orphan under a stranger’s roof, the Greek girl born, by the inscrutable + decrees of God, outside the pale of her saving creed. At length Philippus + returned; he was rejoiced at his new friend’s brightened aspect, and + declared that Mandane had, under her care, got past the first and worst + danger, and might be expected to recover, slowly indeed, but completely. + </p> + <p> + After Paula had renewed the compress—and he intentionally left her + to do it unaided, he said encouragingly: + </p> + <p> + “How quickly you have learnt your business.—Now, the patient is + asleep again; the Sister will keep watch, and for the present we can be of + no use to the girl; sleep is the best nourishment she can have. But with + us—or at any rate with me, it is different. We have still two hours + to wait for the next meal: my breakfast is standing untouched, and yours + no doubt fared the same; so be my guest. They always send up enough to + satisfy six bargemen.” + </p> + <p> + Paula liked the proposal, for she had long been hungry. The nun was + desired to hasten to fetch some more plates, of drinking-vessels there was + no lack—and soon the new allies were seated face to face, each at a + small table. He carved the duck and the roast quails, put the salad before + her and some steaming artichokes, which the nun had brought up at the + request of the cook whose only son the physician had saved; he invited her + attention to the little pies, the fruits and cakes which were laid ready, + and played the part of butler; and then, while they heartily enjoyed the + meal, they carried on a lively conversation. + </p> + <p> + Paula for the first time asked Philippus to tell her something of his + early youth; he began with an account of his present mode of life, as a + partner in the home of the singular old priest of Isis, Horus Apollo, a + diligent student; he described his strenuous activity by day and his quiet + studies by night, and gave everything such an amusing aspect that often + she could not help laughing. But presently he was sad, as he told her how + at an early age he had lost his father and mother, and was left to depend + solely on himself and on a very small fortune, having no relations; for + his father had been a grammarian, invited to Alexandria from Athens, who + had been forced to make a road for himself through life, which had lain + before him like an overgrown jungle of papyrus and reeds. Every hour of + his life was devoted to his work, for a rough, outspoken Goliath, such as + he, never could find it easy to meet with helpful patrons. He had managed + to live by teaching in the high schools of Alexandria, Athens, and + Caesarea, and by preparing medicines from choice herbs—drinking + water instead of wine, eating bread and fruit instead of quails and pies; + and he had made a friend of many a good man, but never yet of a woman—it + would be difficult with such a face as his! + </p> + <p> + “Then I am the first?” said Paula, who felt deep respect for the man who + had made his way by his own energy to the eminent position which he had + long held, not merely in Memphis, but among Egyptian physicians generally. + </p> + <p> + He nodded, and with such a blissful smile that she felt as though a + sunbeam had shone into her very soul. He noticed this at once, raised his + goblet, and drank to her, exclaiming with a flush on his cheek: + </p> + <p> + “The joy that comes to others early has come to me late; but then the + woman I call my friend is matchless!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is to be hoped she may not prove to be so wicked as you just now + described her.—If only our alliance is not fated to end soon and + abruptly.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” cried the physician, “every drop of blood in my veins....” + </p> + <p> + “You would be ready to shed it for me,” Paula broke in, with a pathetic + gesture, borrowed from a great tragedian she had seen at the theatre in + Damascus. “But never fear: it will not be a matter of life and death—at + worst they will but turn me out of the house and of Memphis.” + </p> + <p> + “You?” cried Philippus startled, “but who would dare to do so?” + </p> + <p> + “They who still regard me as a stranger.—You described the case + admirably. If they have their way, my dear new friend, our fate will be + like that of the learned Dionysius of Cyrene.” + </p> + <p> + “Of Cyrene?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. It was my father who told me the story. When Dionysius sent his son + to the High School at Athens, he sat down to write a treatise for him on + all the things a student should do and avoid. He devoted himself to the + task with the utmost diligence; but when, at the end of four years, he + could write on the last leaf of the roll. ‘Here this book hath a happy + ending,’ the young man whose studies it was intended to guide came home to + Cyrene, a finished scholar.” + </p> + <p> + “And we have struck up a friendship...?” + </p> + <p> + “And made a treaty of alliance, only to be parted ere long.” + </p> + <p> + Philippus struck his fist vehemently on the little table in front of his + couch and exclaimed: “That I will find means to prevent!—But now, + tell me in confidence, what has last happened between you and the family + down-stairs?” + </p> + <p> + “You will know quite soon enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Whichever of them fancies that you can be turned out of doors without + more ado and there will be an end between us, may find himself mistaken!” + cried the physician with an angry sparkle in his eyes. “I have a right to + put in a word in this house. It has not nearly come to that yet, and what + is more, it never shall. You shall quit it certainly; but of your own free + will, and holding your head high....” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the door of the outer room was hastily opened and the next + instant Orion was standing before them, looking with great surprise at the + pair who had just finished their meal. He said coldly: + </p> + <p> + “I am disturbing you, I see.” + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least,” replied the leech; and the young man, perceiving what + bad taste it would be and how much out of place to give expression to his + jealous annoyance, said, with a smile: “If only it had been granted to a + third person to join in this symposium!” + </p> + <p> + “We found each other all-sufficient company,” answered Philippus. + </p> + <p> + “A man who could believe in all the doctrines of the Church as readily as + in that statement would be assured of salvation,” laughed Orion. “I am no + spoilsport, respected friends; but I deeply regret that I must, on the + present occasion, disturb your happiness. The matter in question....” And + he felt he might now abandon the jesting tone which so little answered to + his mood, “is a serious one. In the first instance it concerns your + freedman, my fair foe.” + </p> + <p> + “Has Hiram come back?” asked Paula, feeling herself turn pale. + </p> + <p> + “They have brought him in,” replied Orion. “My father at once summoned the + court of judges. Justice has a swift foot here with us; I am sorry for the + man, but I cannot prevent its taking its course. I must beg of you to + appear at the examination when you are called.” + </p> + <p> + “The whole truth shall be told!” said Paula sternly and firmly. + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” replied Orion. Then turning to the physician, he added: “I + would request you, worthy Esculapius, to leave me and my cousin together + for a few minutes. I want to give her a word of counsel which will + certainly be to her advantage.” + </p> + <p> + Philippus glanced enquiringly at the girl; she said with clear decision: + “You and I can have no secrets. What I may hear, Philippus too may know.” + </p> + <p> + Orion, with a shrug, turned to leave the room: + </p> + <p> + On the threshold he paused, exclaiming with some excitement and genuine + distress: + </p> + <p> + “If you will not listen to me for your own sake, do so at least, whatever + ill-feeling you may bear me, because I implore you not to refuse me this + favor. It is a matter of life or death to one human being, of joy or + misery to another. Do not refuse me.—I ask nothing unreasonable, + Philippus. Do as I entreat you and leave us for a moment alone.” + </p> + <p> + Again the physician’s eyes consulted the young girl’s; this time she said: + “Go!” and he immediately quitted the room. + </p> + <p> + Orion closed the door. + </p> + <p> + “What have I done, Paula,” he began with panting breath, “that since + yesterday you have shunned me like a leper—that you are doing your + utmost to bring me to ruin?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean to plead for the life of a trusty servant; nothing more,” she said + indifferently. + </p> + <p> + “At the risk of disgracing me!” he retorted bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “At that risk, no doubt, if you are indeed so base as to throw your own + guilt on the shoulders of an honest man.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you watched me last night?” + </p> + <p> + “The merest chance led me to see you come out of the tablinum....” + </p> + <p> + “I do not ask you now what took you there so late,” he interrupted, “for + it revolts me to think anything of you but the best, the highest.—But + you? What have you experienced at my hands but friendship—nay, for + concealment or dissimulation is here folly—but what a lover...?” + </p> + <p> + “A lover!” cried Paula indignantly. “A lover? Dare you utter the word, + when you have offered your heart and hand to another—you....” + </p> + <p> + “Who told you so?” asked Orion gloomily. + </p> + <p> + “Your own mother.” + </p> + <p> + “That is it; so that is it?” cried the young man, clasping his hands + convulsively. “Now I begin to see, now I understand. But stay. For if it + is indeed that which has roused you to hate me and persecute me, you must + love me, Paula—you do love me, and then, noblest and sweetest....” + He held out his hand; but she struck it aside, exclaiming in a tremulous + voice: + </p> + <p> + “Be under no delusion. I am not one of the feeble lambs whom you have + beguiled by the misuse of your gifts and advantages; and who then are + eager to kiss your hands. I am the daughter of Thomas; and another woman’s + betrothed, who craves my embraces on the way to his wedding, will learn to + his rueing that there are women who scorn his disgraceful suit and can + avenge the insult intended them. Go—go to your judges! You, a false + witness, may accuse Hiram, but I will proclaim you, you the son of this + house, as the thief! We shall see which they believe.” + </p> + <p> + “Me!” cried Orion, and his eyes flashed as wrathfully and vindictively as + her own. “The son of the Mukaukas! Oh, that you were not a woman! I would + force you to your knees and compel you to crave my pardon. How dare you + point your finger at a man whose life has hitherto been as spotless as + your own white raiment? Yes, I did go to the tablinum—I did tear the + emerald from the hanging; but I did it in a fit of recklessness, and in + the knowledge that what is my father’s is mine. I threw away the gem to + gratify a mere fancy, a transient whim. Cursed be the hour when I did it!—Not + on account of the deed itself, but of the consequences it may entail + through your mad hatred. Jealousy, petty, unworthy jealousy is at the + bottom of it! And of whom are you jealous?” + </p> + <p> + “Of no one; not even of your betrothed, Katharina,” replied Paula with + forced composure. “What are you to me that, to spare you humiliation, I + should risk the life of the most honest soul living? I have said: The + judges shall decide between you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, they shall not!” stormed Orion. “At least, not as you intend! Beware, + beware, I say, of driving me to extremities! I still see in you the woman + I loved; I still offer you what lies within my power: to let everything + end for the best for you....” + </p> + <p> + “For me! Then I, too, am to suffer for your guilt?” + </p> + <p> + “Did you hear the barking of hounds just now?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard dogs yelping.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well.—Your freedman has been brought in, the pack got on his + scent and have now been let into the house close to the tablinum. The dogs + would not stir beyond the threshold and on the white marble step, towards + the right-hand side, the print of a man’s foot was found in the dust. It + is a peculiar one, for instead of five toes there are but three. Your + Hiram was fetched in, and he was found to have the same number of toes as + the mark on the marble, neither more nor less. A horse trod on his foot, + in your father’s stable, and two of his toes had to be cut off: we got + this out of the stammering wretch with some difficulty.—On the other + side of the door-way there was a smaller print, but though the dogs paid + no heed to that I examined it, and assured myself—how, I need not + tell you—that it was you who had stood there. He, who has no + business whatever in the house, must have made his way last night into the + tablinum, our treasury. Now, put yourself in the judges’ place. How can + such facts be outweighed by the mere word of a girl who, as every one + knows, is on anything rather than good terms with my mother, and who will + leave no stone unturned to save her servant.” + </p> + <p> + “Infamous!” cried Paula. “Hiram did not steal the gem, as you must know + who stole it. The emerald he sold was my property; and were those stones + really so much alike that even the seller...” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed. He could not tell one from the other. Evil spirits have been + at work all through, devilish, malignant demons. It would be enough to + turn one’s brain, if life were not so full of enigmas! You yourself are + the greatest.—Did you give the Syrian your emerald to sell in order + to fly from this house with the money?—You are silent? Then I am + right. What can my father be to you—you do not love my mother—and + the son!—Paula, Paula, you are perhaps doing him an injustice—you + hate him, and it is a pleasure to you to injure him.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not wish to hurt you or any one,” replied the girl. “And you have + guessed wrongly. Your father refused me the means of seeking mine.” + </p> + <p> + “And you wanted to procure money to search for one who is long since dead!—Even + my mother admits that you speak the truth; if she is right, and you really + take no pleasure in doing me a mischief, listen to me, follow my advice, + and grant my prayer! I do not ask any great matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak on then.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what a man’s honor is to him? Need I tell you that I am a + lost and despised man if I am found guilty of this act of the maddest + folly by the judges of my own house? It may cost my father his life if he + hears that the word ‘guilty’ is pronounced on me; and I—I—what + would become of me I cannot foresee!—I—oh God, oh God, + preserve me from frenzy!—But I must be calm; time presses.... How + different it is for your servant; he seems ready even now to take the + guilt on himself, for, whatever he is asked, he still keeps silence. Do + you do the same; and if the judges insist on knowing what you had to do + with the Syrian last night—for the dogs traced the scent to your + staircase—hazard a conjecture that the faithful fellow stole the + emerald in order to gratify your desire to search for your father, his + beloved master. If you can make up your mind to so great a sacrifice—oh, + that I should have to ask it of you!—I swear to you by all I hold + sacred, by yourself and by my father’s head, I will set Hiram free within + three days, unbeaten and unhurt, and magnificently indemnified; and I will + myself help him on the way whither he may desire to go, or you to send + him, in search of your father.—Be silent; remain neutral in the + background; that is all I ask, and I will keep my word—that, at any + rate, you do not doubt?” She had listened to him with bated breath; she + pitied him deeply as he stood there, a suppliant in bitter anguish of + soul, a criminal who still could not understand that he was one, and who + relied on the confidence that, only yesterday, he still had had the right + to exact from all the world. He appeared before her like a fine proud tree + struck by lightning, whose riven trunk, trembling to its fall, must be + crushed to the earth by the first storm, unless the gardener props it up. + She longed to be able to forget all he had brought upon her and to grasp + his hand in friendly consolation; but her deeply aggrieved pride helped + her to preserve the cold and repellent manner she had so far succeeded in + assuming. + </p> + <p> + With much hesitation and reserve she consented to be silent as long as he + kept his promise. It was for his father’s sake, rather than his own, that + she would so far become his accomplice: at the same time everything else + was at an end between them, and she should bless the hour which might see + her severed from him and his for ever. + </p> + <p> + The end of her speech was in a strangely hard and repellent tone; she felt + she must adopt it to disguise how deeply she was touched by his + unhappiness and by the extinction of the sunshine in him which had once + warmed her own heart too with bliss. To him it seemed that an icy rigor + breathed in her words—bitter contempt and hostile revulsion. He had + some difficulty in keeping himself from breaking out again in violent + wrath. He was almost sorry that he had trusted her with his secret and + begged her for mercy, instead of leaving things to run their course, and + if it had come to the worst, dragging her to perdition with him. Sooner + would he forfeit honor and peace than humble himself again before this + pitiless and cold-hearted foe. At this moment he really hated her, and + only wished it were possible to fight her, to break her pride, to see her + vanquished and crying for quarter at his feet. It was with a great effort—with + tingling cheeks and constrained utterance that he said: + </p> + <p> + “Severance from you is indeed best for us all.—Be ready: the judges + will send for you soon.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” she replied. “I will be silent; you have only to provide for + the Syrian’s safety. You have given me your word.” + </p> + <p> + “And so long as you keep yours I will keep mine. Or else...” the words + would come from his quivering lips—“or else war to the knife!” + </p> + <p> + “War to the knife!” she echoed with flashing eyes. “But one thing more. I + have proof that the emerald which Hiram sold belonged to me. By all the + saints—proof!” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better for you,” he said. “Woe to us both, if you force me to + forget that you are a woman!” + </p> + <p> + And he left the room with a rapid step. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + Orion went down stairs scowling and clenching his fists. His heart ached + to bursting. + </p> + <p> + What had he done, what had befallen him? That a woman should dare to treat + him so!—a woman whom he had deigned to love—the loveliest and + noblest of women; but at the same time the haughtiest, most vengeful, and + most hateful. + </p> + <p> + He had once read this maxim: “When a man has committed a base action, if + only one other knows of it he carries the death-warrant of his peace in + the bosom of his garment.” He felt the full weight of this sentence; and + the other—the one who knew—was Paula, the woman of all others + whom he most wished should look up to him. But yesterday it had been a + vision of heaven on earth to dream of holding her in his arms and calling + her his; now he had but one wish: that he could humble and punish her. Oh, + that his hands should be tied, that he should be dependent on her mercy + like a condemned criminal! It was inconceivable—intolerable! + </p> + <p> + But she should be taught to know him. He had passed through life hitherto + as white as a swan; if this luckless hour and this woman made him appear + as a vulture, it was not his fault, it was hers. She should soon see which + was the stronger of the two. He would punish her in every way in which a + woman can be punished, even if the way to it led through crime and misery! + He was not afraid that the leech bad won her affections, for he knew, with + strange certainty that, in spite of the hostility she displayed, her heart + was his and his alone. “The gold coin called love,” said he to himself, + “has two faces: tender devotion and bitter aversion; just now she is + showing me the latter. But, however different the image and superscription + may be on the two sides, if you ring it, it always gives out the same + tone; and I can hear it even in her most insulting words.” + </p> + <p> + When the family met at table he made Paula’s excuses; he himself ate only + a few mouthfuls, for the judges had assembled some time since and were + waiting for him. + </p> + <p> + The right of life and death had been placed in the hands of the ancestors + of the Mukaukas, powerful princes of provinces; they had certainly wielded + it even in the dynasty of Psammitichus, whose power had been put to a + terrible end by Cambyses the Persian. And still the Uraeus snake—the + asp whose bite caused almost instant death, reared its head as the + time-honored emblem of this privilege, by the side of St. George the + Dragon-slayer, over the palaces of the Mukaukas at Memphis, and at + Lykopolis in Upper Egypt. And in both these places the head of the family + retained the right of arbitrary judgment and capital punishment over the + retainers of his house and the inhabitants of the district he governed, + after Justinian first, and then the Emperor Heraclius, had confirmed them + in their old prerogative. The chivalrous St. George was placed between the + snakes so as to replace a heathen symbol by a Christian one. Formerly + indeed the knight himself had had the head of a sparrow-hawk: that is to + say of the god Horus, who had overthrown the evil-spirit, Seth-Typhon, to + avenge his father; but about two centuries since the heathen + crocodile-destroyer had been transformed into the Christian conqueror of + the dragon. + </p> + <p> + After the Arab conquest the Moslems had left all ancient customs and + rights undisturbed, including those of the Mukaukas. + </p> + <p> + The court which assembled to sit in judgment on all cases concerning the + adherents of the house consisted of the higher officials of the governor’s + establishment. The Mukaukas himself was president, and his grown-up son + was his natural deputy. During Orion’s absence, Nilus, the head of the + exchequer, a shrewd and judicious Egyptian, had generally represented his + invalid master; but on the present occasion Orion was appointed to take + his place, and to preside over the assembly. + </p> + <p> + The governor’s son hastened to his father’s bedroom to beg him to lend him + his ring as a token of the authority transferred to him; the Mukaukas had + willingly allowed him to take it off his finger, and had enjoined him to + exercise relentless severity. Generally he inclined to leniency; but + breaking into a house was punishable with death, and in this instance it + was but right to show no mercy, out of deference to the Arab merchant. But + Orion, mindful of his covenant with Paula, begged his father to give him + full discretion. The old Moslem was a just man, who would agree to a + mitigated sentence under the circumstances; besides, the culprit was not + in strict fact a member of the household, but in the service of a + relation. + </p> + <p> + The Mukaukas applauded his son’s moderation and judgment. If only he had + been in rather better health he himself would have had the pleasure of + being present at the sitting, to see him fulfil for the first time so + important a function, worthy of his birth and position. + </p> + <p> + Orion kissed his father’s hand with heart-felt but melancholy emotion, for + this praise from the man he so truly loved was a keen pleasure; and yet he + felt that it was of ill-omen that his duties as judge, of which he knew + the sacred solemnity, should be thus—thus begun. + </p> + <p> + It was in a softened mood, sunk in thought as to how he could best save + Hiram and leave Paula’s name altogether out of the matter, that he went to + the hall of justice; and there he found the nurse Perpetua in eager + discussion with Nilus. + </p> + <p> + The old woman was quite beside herself. In the clatter of her loom she had + heard nothing of what had been going on till a few minutes ago; now she + was ready to swear to the luckless Hiram’s innocence. The stone he had + sold had belonged to his young mistress, and thank God there was no lack + of evidence of the fact; the setting of the emerald was lying safe and + sound in Paula’s trunk. Happily she had had an opportunity of speaking to + her; and that she, the daughter of Thomas, should be brought before the + tribunal, like a citizen’s daughter or slave-girl, was unheard of, + shameful! + </p> + <p> + At this Orion roughly interfered; he desired the old gate-keeper to + conduct Perpetua at once to the storeroom next to the tablinum, where the + various stuffs prepared for the use of the household were laid by, and to + keep her there under safe guard till further notice. The tone in which he + gave the order was such that even the nurse did not remonstrate; and + Nilus, for his part obeyed in silence when Orion bid him return to his + place among the judges. + </p> + <p> + Nilus went back to the judgment-hall in uneasy consternation. Never before + had he seen his young lord in this mood. As he heard the nurse’s statement + the veins had swelled in his smooth youthful forehead, his nostrils had + quivered with convulsive agitation, his voice had lost all its sweetness, + and his eyes had a sinister gleam. + </p> + <p> + Orion was now alone; he ground his teeth with rage. Paula had betrayed him + in spite of her promise, and how mean was her woman’s cunning! She could + be silent before the judges—yes. Silent in all confidence now, to + the very last; but the nurse, her mouthpiece, had already put Nilus, the + keenest and most important member of the court, in possession of the + evidence which spoke for her and against him. It was shocking, + disgraceful! Base and deliberately malicious treachery. But the end was + not yet: he still was free to act and to ward off the spiteful stroke by a + counterthrust. How it should be dealt was clear from Perpetua’s statement; + but his conscience, his instincts and long habits of submission to what + was right, good, and fitting held him back. Not only had he never himself + done a base or a mean action; he loathed it in another, and the only thing + he could do to render Paula’s perfidy harmless was, as he could not deny, + original and bold, but at the same time detestable and shameful. + </p> + <p> + Still, he could not and he would not succumb in this struggle. Time + pressed. Long reflection was impossible; suddenly he felt carried away by + a fierce and mad longing to fight it out—he felt as he had felt on a + race-day in the hippodrome, when he had driven his own quadriga ahead of + all the rest. + </p> + <p> + Onwards, then, onwards; and if the chariot were wrecked, if the horses + were killed, if his wheels maimed his comrades overthrown in the + arena-still, onwards, onwards! + </p> + <p> + A few hasty steps brought him to the lodge of the gate-keeper, a sturdy + old man who had held his post for forty years. He had formerly been a + locksmith and it still was part of his duty to undertake the repairs of + the simple household utensils. Orion as a youth had been a beautiful and + engaging boy and a great favorite with this worthy man; he had delighted + in sitting in his little room and handing him the tools for his work. He + himself had remarkable mechanical facility and had been the old man’s apt + pupil; nay, he had made such progress as to be able to carve pretty little + boxes, prayer-book cases, and such like, and provide them with locks, as + gifts to his parents on their birth days—a festival always kept with + peculiar solemnity in Egypt, and marked by giving and receiving presents. + He understood the use of tools, and he now hastily selected such as he + needed. On the window-ledge stood a bunch of flowers which he had ordered + for Paula the day before, and which he had forgotten to fetch this + terrible morning. With this in one hand, and the tools in the breast of + his robe he hastened upstairs. + </p> + <p> + “Onwards, I must keep on!” he muttered, as he entered Paula’s room, bolted + the door inside and, kneeling before her chest, tossed the flowers aside. + If he was discovered, he would say that he had gone into his cousin’s + chamber to give her the bouquet. + </p> + <p> + “Onwards; I must go on!” was still his thought, as he unscrewed the hinge + on which the lid of the trunk moved. His hands trembled, his breath came + fast, but he did his task quickly. This was the right way to work, for the + lock was a peculiar one, and could not have been opened without spoiling + it. He raised the lid, and the first thing his hand came upon in the chest + was the necklace with the empty medallion—it was as though some kind + Genius were aiding him. The medallion hung but slightly to the + elegantly-wrought chain; to detach it and conceal it about his person was + the work of a minute. + </p> + <p> + But now the most resolute. “On, on....” was of no further avail. This was + theft: he had robbed her whom, if she only had chosen it, he was ready to + load with everything wherewith fate had so superabundantly blessed him. + No, this—this.... + </p> + <p> + A singular idea suddenly flashed through his brain; a thought which + brought a smile to his lips even at this moment of frightful tension. He + acted upon it forth with: he drew out from within his under-garment a gem + that hung round his neck by a gold chain. This jewel—a masterpiece + by one of the famous Greek engravers of heathen antiquity—had been + given him in Constantinople in exchange for a team of four horses to which + his greatest friend there had taken a fancy. It was in fact of greater + price than half a dozen fine horses. Half beside himself, and as if + intoxicated, Orion followed the wild impulse to which he had yielded; + indeed, he was glad to have so precious a jewel at hand to hang in the + place of the worthless gold frame-work. It was done with a pinch; but + screwing up the hinge again was a longer task, for his hands trembled + violently—and as the moment drew near in which he meant to let Paula + feel his power, the more quickly his heart beat, and the more difficult he + found it to control his mind to calm deliberation. + </p> + <p> + After he had unbolted the door he stood like a thief spying the long + corridor of the strangers’ wing, and this increased his excitement to a + frenzy of rage with the world, and fate, and most of all with her who had + compelled him to stoop to such base conduct. But now the charioteer had + the reins and goad in his hand. Onwards now, onwards! + </p> + <p> + He flew down stairs, three steps at a time, as he had been wont when a + boy. In the anteroom he met Eudoxia, Mary’s Greek governess, who had just + brought her refractory pupil into the house, and he tossed her the nosegay + he still held in his hands; then, without heeding the languishing glances + the middle-aged damsel sent after him with her thanks, he hastened back to + the gate-keeper’s lodge where he hurriedly disburdened himself of the + locksmith’s tools. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later he entered the judgment-hall. Nilus the treasurer + showed him to the governor’s raised seat, but an overpowering bashfulness + kept him from taking this position of honor. It was with a burning brow, + and looks so ominously dark that the assembly gazed at him with timid + astonishment, that he opened the proceedings with a few broken sentences. + He himself scarcely knew what he was saying, and heard his own voice as + vaguely as though it were the distant roar of waves. However, he succeeded + in clearly stating all that had happened: he showed the assembly the stone + which had been stolen and recovered; he explained how the thief had been + taken; he declared Paula’s freedman to be guilty of the robbery, and + called upon him to bring forward anything he could in his own defence. But + the accused could only stammer out that he was not guilty. He was not able + to defend himself, but his mistress could no doubt give evidence that + would justify him. + </p> + <p> + Orion pushed the hair from his forehead, proudly raised his aching head, + and addressed the judges: + </p> + <p> + “His mistress is a lady of rank allied to our house. Let us keep her out + of this odious affair as is but seemly. Her nurse gave Nilus some + information which may perhaps avail to save this unhappy man. We will + neglect nothing to that end; but you, who are less familiar with the + leading circumstances, must bear this in mind to guard yourselves against + being misled: This lady is much attached to the accused; she clings to him + and Perpetua as the only friends remaining to her from her native home. + Moreover, there is nothing to surprise me or you in the fact that a noble + woman, as she is, should assume the onus of another’s crime, and place + herself in a doubtful light to save a man who has hitherto been honest and + faithful. The nurse is here; shall she be called, or have you, Nilus, + heard from her everything that her mistress can say in favor of her + freedman?” + </p> + <p> + “Perpetua told me, and told you, too, my lord, certain credible facts,” + replied the treasurer. “But I could not repeat them so exactly as she + herself, and I am of opinion that the woman should be brought before the + court.” + </p> + <p> + “Then call her,” said Orion, fixing his eyes on vacancy above the heads of + the assembly, with a look of sullen dignity. + </p> + <p> + After a long and anxious pause the old woman was brought in. Confident in + her righteous cause she came forward boldly; she blamed Hiram somewhat + sharply for keeping silence so long, and then explained that Paula, to + procure money for her search for her father, had made the freedman take a + costly emerald out of its setting in her necklace, and that it was the + sale of this gem that had involved her fellow-countryman in this + unfortunate suspicion. + </p> + <p> + The nurse’s deposition seemed to have biased the greater part of the + council in favor of the accused; but Orion did not give them time to + discuss their impressions among themselves. Hardly had Perpetua ceased + speaking, when Orion took up the emerald, which was lying on the table + before him, exclaiming excitedly, nay, angrily: + </p> + <p> + “And the stone which is recognized by the man who sold it—an expert + in gems—as being that which was taken from the hanging, and unique + of its kind, is supposed, by some miracle of nature, to have suddenly + appeared in duplicate?—Malignant spirits still wander through the + world, but would hardly dare to play their tricks in this Christian house. + You all know what ‘old women’s tales’ are; and the tale that old woman has + told us is one of the most improbable of its class. ‘Tell that to Apelles + the Jew,’ said Horace the Roman; but his fellow-Israelite, Gamaliel’—and + he turned to the jeweller who was sitting with the other witnesses will + certainly not believe it; still less I, who see through this tissue of + falsehood. The daughter of the noble Thomas has condescended to weave it + with the help of that woman—a skilled weaver, she—to spread it + before us in order to mislead us, and so to save her faithful servant from + imprisonment, from the mines, or from death. These are the facts.—Do + I err, woman, or do you still adhere to your statement?” + </p> + <p> + The nurse, who had hoped to find in Orion her mistress’ advocate, had + listened to his speech with growing horror. Her eyes flashed as she looked + at him, first with mockery and then with vehement disgust; but, though + they filled with tears at this unlooked-for attack, she preserved her + presence of mind, and declared she had spoken the truth, and nothing but + the truth, as she always did. The setting of her mistress’ emerald would + prove her statement. + </p> + <p> + Orion shrugged his shoulders, desired the woman to fetch her mistress, + whose presence was now indispensable, and called to the treasurer: + </p> + <p> + “Go with her, Nilus! And let a servant bring the trunk here that the owner + may open it in the presence of us all and before any one else touches the + contents. I should not be the right person to undertake it since no one in + this Jacobite household—hardly even one of yourselves—has + found favor in the eyes of the Melchite. She has unfortunately a special + aversion for me, so I must depute to others every proceeding that could + lead to a misunderstanding.—Conduct her hither, Nilus; of course + with the respect due to a maiden of high rank.” + </p> + <p> + While the envoy was gone Orion paced the room with swift, restless steps, + Once only he paused and addressed the judges: + </p> + <p> + “But supposing the empty setting should be found, how do you account for + the existence of two—two gems, each unique of its kind? It is + distracting. Here is a soft-hearted girl daring to mislead a serious + council of justice for the sake, for the sake of....” he stamped his foot + with rage and continued his silent march. + </p> + <p> + “He is as yet but a beginner,” thought the assembled officials as they + watched his agitation. “Otherwise how could he allow such an absurd + attempt to clear an accused thief to affect him so deeply, or disturb his + temper?” + </p> + <p> + Paula’s arrival presently put an end to Orion’s pacing the room. He + received her with a respectful bow and signed to her to be seated. Then he + bid Nilus recapitulate the results of the proceedings up to the present + stage, and what he and his colleagues supposed to be her motive for + asserting that the stolen emerald was her property. He would as far as + possible leave it to the others to question her, since she knew full well + on what terms she was with himself. Even before he had come into the + council-room she had offered her explanation of the robbery to Nilus, + through her nurse Perpetua; but it would have seemed fairer and more + friendly in his eyes—and here he raised his voice—if she had + chosen to confide to him, Orion, her plan for helping the freedman. Then + he might have been able to warn her. He could only regard this mode of + action, independently of him, as a fresh proof of her dislike, and she + must hold herself responsible for the consequences. Justice must now take + its course with inexorable rigor. + </p> + <p> + The wrathful light in his eyes showed her what she had to expect from him, + and that he was prepared to fight her to the end. She saw that he thought + that she had broken the promise she had but just now given him; but she + had not commissioned Perpetua to interfere in the matter; on the contrary, + she had desired the woman to leave it to her to produce her evidence only + in the last extremity. Orion must believe that she had done him a wrong; + still, could that make him so far forget himself as to carry out his + threats, and sacrifice an innocent man—to divert suspicion from + himself, while he branded her as a false witness? Aye, even from that he + would not shrink! His flaming glance, his abrupt demeanor, his laboring + breath, proclaimed it plainly enough.—Then let the struggle begin! + At this moment she would have died rather than have tried to mollify him + by a word of excuse. The turmoil in his whole being vibrated through hers. + She was ready to throw herself at his feet and implore him to control + himself, to guard himself against further wrong-doing—but she + maintained her proud dignity, and the eyes that met his were not less + indignant and defiant than his own. + </p> + <p> + They stood face to face like two young eagles preparing to fight, with + feathers on end, arching their pinions and stretching their necks. She, + confident of victory in the righteousness of her cause, and far more + anxious for him than for herself; he, almost blind to his own danger, but, + like a gladiator confronting his antagonist in the arena, far more eager + to conquer than to protect his own life and limb. + </p> + <p> + While Nilus explained to her what, in part, she already knew, and repeated + their suspicion that she had been tempted to make a false declaration to + save the life of her servant, whose devotion, no doubt, to his missing + master had led him to commit the robbery; she kept her eye on Orion rather + than on the speaker. At last Nilus referred to the trunk, which had been + brought from Paula’s room under her own eyes, informing her that the + assembly were ready to hear and examine into anything she had to say in + her own defence. + </p> + <p> + Orion’s agitation rose to its highest pitch. He felt that the blood had + fled from his cheeks, and his thoughts were in utter confusion. The + council, the accused, his enemy Paula—everything in the room lay + before him shrouded in a whirl of green mist. All he saw seemed to be + tinted with light emerald green. The hair, the faces, the dresses of those + present gleamed and floated in a greenish light; and not till Paula went + up to the chest with a firm, haughty step, drew out a small key, gave it + to the treasurer, and answered his speech with three words: “Open the + box!”—uttering them with cold condescension as though even this were + too much—not till then did he see clearly once more: her bright + brown hair, the fire of her blue eyes, the rose and white of her + complexion, the light dress which draped her fine figure in noble folds, + and her triumphant smile. How beautiful, how desirable was this woman! A + few minutes and she would be worsted in this contest; but the triumph had + cost him not only herself, but all that was good and pure in his soul, and + worthy of his forefathers. An inward voice cried it out to him, but he + drowned it in the shout of “Onwards,” like a chariot-driver. Yes—on; + still on towards the goal; away over ruins and stones, through blood and + dust, till she bowed her proud neck, crushed and beaten, and sued for + mercy. + </p> + <p> + The lid of the trunk flew open. Paula stooped, lifted the necklace, held + it out to the judges, pulling it straight by the two ends.... Ah! what a + terrible, heartrending cry of despair! Orion even, never, never wished to + hear the like again. Then she flung the jewel on the table, exclaiming: + “Shameful, shameful! atrocious!” she tottered backwards and clung to her + faithful Betta; for her knees were giving way, and she felt herself in + danger of sinking to the ground. + </p> + <p> + Orion sprang forward to support her, but she thrust him aside, with a + glance so full of anguish, rage and intense contempt that he stood + motionless, and clasped his hand over his heart.—And this deed, + which was to work such misery for two human beings, he had smiled in + doing! This practical joke which concealed a death-warrant—to what + fearful issues might it not lead? + </p> + <p> + Paula had sunk speechless on to a seat, and he stood staring in silence, + till a burst of laughter broke from the assembly and old Psamtik, the + captain of the guard, who had long been a member of the council of + justice, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “By my soul, a splendid stone! There is the heathen god Eros with his + winged sweetheart Psyche smiling in his face. Did you never read that + pretty story by Apuleius—‘The Golden Ass’ it is called? The passage + is in that. Holy Luke! how finely it is carved. The lady has taken out the + wrong necklace. Look, Gamaliel, where could your green pigeon’s egg have + found a place in that thing?” and he pointed to the gem. + </p> + <p> + “Nowhere,” said the Jew. “The noble lady...” But Orion roughly bid the + witness to be silent, and Nilus, taking up the engraved gem, examined it + closely. Then he—he the grave, just man, on whose support Paula had + confidently reckoned—went up to her and with a regretful shrug asked + her whether the other necklace with the setting of which she had spoken + was in the trunk. + </p> + <p> + The blood ran cold in her veins. This thing that had happened was as + startling as a miracle. But no! No higher Power had anything to do with + this blow. Orion believed that she had failed in her promise of screening + him by her silence, and this, this was his revenge. By what means—how + he had gone to work, was a mystery. What a trick!—and it had + succeeded! But should she take it like a patient child? No. A thousand + times no! Suddenly all her old powers of resistance came back; hatred + steeled her wavering will; and, as in fancy, he had seen himself in the + circus, driving in a race, so she pictured herself seated at the + chess-board. She felt herself playing with all her might to win; but not, + as with his father, for flowers, trifling presents or mere glory; nay, for + a very different stake Life or Death! + </p> + <p> + She would do everything, anything to conquer him; and yet, no—come + what might—not everything. Sooner would she succumb than betray him + as the thief or reveal what she had discovered in the viridarium. She had + promised to keep the secret; and she would repay the father’s kindness by + screening the son from this disgrace. How beautiful, how noble had Orion’s + image been in her heart. She would not stain it with this disgrace in her + own eyes and in those of the world. But every other reservation must be + cast far, far away, to snatch the victory from him and to save Hiram. + Every fair weapon she might use; only this treachery she could not, might + not have recourse to. He must be made to feel that she was more + magnanimous than he; that she, under all conceivable circumstances, kept + her word. That was settled; her bosom once more rose and fell, and her eye + brightened again; still it was some little time before she could find the + right words with which to begin the contest. + </p> + <p> + Orion could see the seething turmoil in her soul; he felt that she was + arming herself for resistance, and he longed to spur her on to deal the + first blow. Not a word had she uttered of surprise or anger, not a + syllable of reproach had passed her lips. What was she thinking of, what + was she plotting? The more startling and dangerous the better; the more + bravely she bore herself, the more completely in the background might he + leave the painful sense of fighting against a woman. Even heroes had + boasted of a victory over Amazons. + </p> + <p> + At last, at last!—She rose and went towards Hiram. He had been tied + to the stake to which criminals were bound, and as an imploring glance + from his honest eyes met hers, the spell that fettered her tongue was + unloosed; she suddenly understood that she had not merely to protect + herself, but to fulfil a solemn duty. With a few rapid steps she went up + to the table at which her judges sat in a semi-circle, and leaning on it + with her left hand, raised her right high in the air, exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “You are the victims of a cruel fraud; and I of an unparalleled and wicked + trick, intended to bring me to ruin!—Look at that man at the stake. + Does he look like a robber? A more honest and faithful servant never + earned his freedom, and the gratitude Hiram owed to his master, my father, + he has discharged to the daughter for whose sake he quitted his home, his + wife and child. He followed me, an orphan, here into a strange land.—But + that matters not to you.—Still, if you will hear the truth, the + strict and whole....” + </p> + <p> + “Speak!” Orion put in; but she went on, addressing herself exclusively to + Nilus, and his peers, and ignoring him completely: + </p> + <p> + “Your president, the son of the Mukaukas, knows that, instead of the + accused, I might, if I chose, be the accuser. But I scorn it—for + love of his father, and because I am more high-minded than he. He will + understand!—With regard to this particular emerald Hiram, my + freedman, took it out of its setting last evening, under my eyes, with his + knife; other persons besides us, thank God! have seen the setting, empty, + on the chain to which it belonged. This afternoon it was still in the + place to which some criminal hand afterwards found access, and attached + that gem instead. That I have just now seen for the first time—I + swear it by Christ’s wounds. It is an exquisite work. Only a very rich man—the + richest man here, can give away such a treasure, for whatever purpose he + may have in view—to destroy an enemy let us say.—Gamaliel,” + and she turned to the Jew—“At what sum would you value that onyx?” + </p> + <p> + The Israelite asked to see the gem once more; he turned it about, and then + said with a grin: “Well, fair lady, if my black hen laid me little things + like that I would feed it on cakes from Arsinoe and oysters from Canopus. + The stone is worth a landed estate, and though I am not a rich man, I + would pay down two talents for it at any moment, even if I had to borrow + the money.” + </p> + <p> + This statement could not fail to make a great impression on the judges. + Orion, however, exclaimed: “Wonders on wonders mark this eventful day! The + prodigal generosity which had become an empty name has revived again among + us! Some lavish demon has turned a worthless plate of gold into a costly + gem.—And may I ask who it was that saw the empty setting hanging to + your chain?” Paula was in danger of forgetting even that last reserve she + had imposed on herself; she answered with trembling accents: + </p> + <p> + “Apparently your confederates or you yourself did. You, and you alone, + have any cause....” + </p> + <p> + But he would not allow her to proceed. He abruptly interrupted her, + exclaiming: “This is really too much! Oh, that you were a man! How far + your generosity reaches I have already seen. Even hatred, the bitterest + hostility....” + </p> + <p> + “They would have every right to ruin you completely!” she cried, roused to + the utmost. “And if I were to charge you with the most horrible crime. + ...” + </p> + <p> + “You yourself would be committing a crime, against me and against this + house,” he said menacingly. “Beware! Can self-delusion go so far that you + dare to appeal to me to testify to the fable you have trumped up....” + </p> + <p> + “No. Oh, no! That would be counting on some honesty in you yet,” she + loudly broke in. “I have other witnesses: Mary, the granddaughter of the + Mukaukas,” and she tried to catch his eye. + </p> + <p> + “The child whose little heart you have won, and who follows you about like + a pet dog!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “And besides Mary, Katharina, the widow Susannah’s daughter,” she added, + sure of her triumph, and the color mounted to her cheeks. “She is no + longer a child, but a maiden grown, as you know. I therefore demand of you—” + and she again turned to the assembly—“that you will fulfil your + functions worthily and promote justice in my behalf by calling in both + these witnesses and hearing their evidence.” + </p> + <p> + On this Orion interposed with forced composure: “As to whether a + soft-hearted child ought to be exposed to the temptation to save the + friend she absolutely worships by giving evidence before the judges, be it + what it may, only her grandparents can decide. Her tender years would at + any rate detract from the validity of her evidence, and I am averse to + involving a child of this house in this dubious affair. With regard to + Katharina, it is, on the contrary, the duty of this court to request her + presence, and I offer myself to go and fetch her.” + </p> + <p> + He resolutely resisted Paula’s attempts to interrupt him again: she should + have a patient hearing presently in the presence of her witness. The gem + no doubt had come to her from her father. But at this her righteous + indignation was again too much for her; she cried out quite beside + herself: + </p> + <p> + “No, and again no. Some reprobate scoundrel, an accomplice of yours—yes, + I repeat it—made his way into my room while I was in the sick-room, + and either forced the lock of my trunk or opened it with a false key.” + </p> + <p> + “That can easily be proved,” said Orion. In a confident tone he desired + that the box should be placed on the table, and requested one of the + council, who understood such matters, to give his opinion. Paula knew the + man well. He was one of the most respected members of the household, the + chief mechanician whose duty it was to test and repair the water-clocks, + balances, measures and other instruments. He at once proceeded to examine + the lock and found it in perfect order, though the key, which was of + peculiar form, could certainly not have found a substitute in any false + key; and Paula was forced to admit that she had left the trunk locked at + noon and had worn the key round her neck ever since. Orion listened to his + opinion with a shrug, and before going to seek Katharina gave orders that + Paula and the nurse should be conducted to separate rooms. To arrive at + any clear decision in this matter, it was necessary that any communication + between these two should be rendered impossible. As soon as the door was + shut on them he hastened into the garden, where he hoped to find + Katharina. + </p> + <p> + The council looked after him with divided feelings. They were here + confronted by riddles that were hard to solve. No one of them felt that he + had a right to doubt the good intentions of their lord’s son, whom they + looked up to as a talented and high-minded youth. His dispute with Paula + had struck them painfully, and each one asked himself how it was that such + a favorite with women should have failed to rouse any sentiment but that + of hatred in one of the handsomest of her sex. The marked hostility she + displayed to Orion injured her cause in the eyes of her judges, who knew + only too well how unpleasant her relations were with Neforis. It was more + than audacious in her to accuse the Mukaukas’ son of having broken open + her trunk; only hatred could have prompted her to utter such a charge. + Still, there was something in her demeanor which encouraged confidence in + her assertions, and if Katharina could really testify to having seen the + empty medallion on the chain there would be no alternative but to begin + the enquiry again from a fresh point of view, and to inculpate another + robber. But who could have lavished such a treasure as this gem in + exchange for mere rubbish? It was inconceivable; Ammonius the mechanician + was right when he said that a woman full of hatred was capable of + anything, even the incredible and impossible. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile it was growing dusk and the scorching day had turned to the + tempered heat of a glorious evening. The Mukaukas was still in his room + while his wife with Susannah and her daughter, Mary and her governess, + were enjoying the air and chatting in the open hall looking out on the + garden and the Nile. The ladies had covered their heads with gauze veils + as a protection against the mosquitoes, which were attracted in swarms + from the river by the lights, and also against the mists that rose from + the shallowing Nile; they were in the act of drinking some cooling + fruit-syrup which had just been brought in, when Orion made his + appearance. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened?” cried his mother in some anxiety, for she concluded + from his dishevelled hair and heated cheeks that the meeting had gone + anything rather than smoothly. + </p> + <p> + “Incredible things,” he replied. “Paula fought like a lioness for her + father’s freedman...” + </p> + <p> + “Simply to annoy us and put us in a difficulty,” replied Neforis. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Mother,” replied Orion with some warmth. “But she has a will of + iron; a woman who never pauses at anything when she wants to carry her + point; and at the same time she goes to work with a keen wit that is + worthy of the greatest lawyer that I ever heard defend a cause in the high + court of the capital. Besides this her air of superiority, and her divine + beauty turn the heads of our poor household officers. It is fine and + noble, of course, to be so zealous in the cause of a servant; but it can + do no good, for the evidence against her stammering favorite is + overwhelming, and when her last plea is demolished the matter is ended. + She says that she showed a necklace to the child, and to you, charming + Katharina.” + </p> + <p> + “Showed it?” cried the young girl. “She took it away from us—did not + she, Mary?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we had taken it without her leave,” replied the child. + </p> + <p> + “And she wants our children to appear in a court of justice to bear + witness for her highness?” asked Neforis indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” replied Orion. “But Mary’s evidence is of no value in law.” + </p> + <p> + “And even if it were,” replied his mother, “the child should not be mixed + up with this disgraceful business under any circumstances.” + </p> + <p> + “Because I should speak for Paula!” cried Mary, springing up in great + excitement. + </p> + <p> + “You will just hold your tongue,” her grandmother exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “And as for Katharina,” said the widow, “I do not at all like the notion + of her offering herself to be stared at by all those gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen!” observed the girl. “Men—household officials and such + like. They may wait long enough for me!” + </p> + <p> + “You must nevertheless do their bidding, haughty rosebud,” said Orion + laughing. “For you, thank God, are no longer a child, and a court of + justice has the right of requiring the presence of every grown person as a + witness. No harm will come to you, for you are under my protection. Come + with me. We must learn every lesson in life. Resistance is vain. Besides, + all you will have to do will be to state what you have seen, and then, if + I possibly can, I will bring you back under the tender escort of this arm, + to your mother once more. You must entrust your jewel to me to-day, + Susannah, and this trustworthy witness shall tell you afterwards how she + fared under my care.” + </p> + <p> + Katharina was quite capable of reading the implied meaning of these words, + and she was not ill-pleased to be obliged to go off alone with the + governor’s handsome son, the first man for whom her little heart had beat + quicker; she sprang up eagerly; but Mary clung to her arm, and insisted so + vehemently and obstinately on being taken with them to bear witness in + Paula’s behalf, that her governess and Dame Neforis had the greatest + difficulty in reducing her to obedience and letting the pair go off + without her. Both mothers looked after them with great satisfaction, and + the governor’s wife whispered to Susannah: “Before the judges to-day, but + ere long, please God, before the altar at Church!” + </p> + <p> + To reach the hall of judgment they could go either through the house or + round it. If the more circuitous route were chosen, it lay first through + the garden; and this was the course taken by Orion. He had made a very + great effort in the presence of the ladies to remain master of the + agitation that possessed him; he saw that the battle he had begun, and + from which he, at any rate, could not and would not now retire, was raging + more and more fiercely, obliging him to drag the young creature who must + become his wife—the die was already cast—into the course of + crime he had started on. + </p> + <p> + When he had agreed with his mother that he was not to prefer his suit for + Katharina till the following day, he had hoped to prove to her in the + interval that this little thing was no wife for him; and now—oh! + Irony of Fate—he found himself compelled to the very reverse of what + he longed to do: to fight the woman he loved—Yes, still loved—as + if she were his mortal foe, and pay his court to the girl who really did + not suit him. It was maddening, but inevitable; and once more spurring + himself with the word “Onwards!” he flung himself into the accomplishment + of the unholy task of subduing the inexperienced child at his elbow into + committing even a crime for his sake. His heart was beating wildly; but no + pause, no retreat was possible: he must conquer. “Onwards, then, onwards!” + </p> + <p> + When they had passed out of the light of the lamps into the shade he took + his young companion’s slender hand-thankful that the darkness concealed + his features—and pressed the delicate fingers to his lips. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!—Orion!” she exclaimed shyly, but she did not resist. + </p> + <p> + “I only claim my due, sunshine of my soul!” he said insinuatingly. “If + your heart beat as loud as mine, our mothers might hear them!” + </p> + <p> + “But it does!” she joyfully replied, her curly head bent on one side. + </p> + <p> + “Not as mine does,” he said with a sigh, laying her little hand on his + heart. He could do so in all confidence, for its spasmodic throbbing + threatened to suffocate him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes indeed,” she said. “It is beating...” + </p> + <p> + “So that they can hear it indoors,” he added with a forced laugh. “Do you + think your dear mother has not long since read our feelings?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course she has,” whispered Katharina. “I have rarely seen her in such + good spirits as since your return.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, you little witch?” + </p> + <p> + “I? Of course I was glad—we all were.—And your parents!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, Katharina! What you yourself felt when we met once more, that + is what I want to know.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, let that pass! How can I describe such a thing?” + </p> + <p> + “Is that quite impossible?” he asked and clasped her arm more closely in + his own. He must win her over, and his romantic fancy helped him to paint + feelings he had never had, in glowing colors. He poured out sweet words of + love, and she was only too ready to believe them. At a sign from him she + sat down confidingly on a wooden bench in the old avenue which led to the + northern side of the house. Flowers were opening on many of the shrubs and + shedding rich, oppressive perfume. The moonlight pierced through the + solemn foliage of the sycamores, and shimmering streaks and rings of light + played in the branches, on the trunks, and on the dark ground. The heat of + the day still lingered in the leafy roofs overhead, sultry and heavy even + now; and in this alley he called her for the first time his own, his + betrothed, and enthralled her heart in chains and bonds. Each fervent word + thrilled with the wild and painful agitation that was torturing his soul, + and sounded heartfelt and sincere. The scent of flowers, too, intoxicated + her young and inexperienced heart; she willingly offered her lips to his + kisses, and with exquisite bliss felt the first glow of youthful love + returned. + </p> + <p> + She could have lingered thus with him for a lifetime; but in a few minutes + he sprang up, anxious to put an end to this tender dalliance which was + beginning to be too much even for him, and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “This cursed, this infernal trial! But such is the fate of man! Duty + calls, and he must return from all the bliss of Paradise to the world + again. Give me your arm, my only love, my all!” + </p> + <p> + And Katharina obeyed. Dazzled and bewildered by the extraordinary + happiness that had come to meet her, she allowed him to lead her on, + listening with suspended breath as he added: “Out of this beatitude back + to the sternest of duties!—And how odious, how immeasurably + loathesome is the case in question! How gladly would I have been a friend + to Paula, a faithful protector instead of a foe!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he felt the girl’s left hand clench tighter on his arm, and + this spurred him on in his guilty purpose. Katharina herself had suggested + to his mind the course he must pursue to attain his end. He went on to + influence her jealousy by praising Paula’s charm and loftiness, excusing + himself in his own eyes by persuading himself that a lover was justified + in inducing his betrothed to save his happiness and his honor. + </p> + <p> + Still, as he uttered each flattering word, he felt that he was lowering + himself and doing a fresh injustice to Paula. He found it only too easy to + sing her praises; but as he did so with growing enthusiasm Katharina hit + him on the arm exclaiming, half in jest and half seriously vexed: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, she is a goddess! And pray do you love her or me? You had better not + make me jealous! Do you hear?” + </p> + <p> + “You little simpleton!” he said gaily; and then he added soothingly: “She + is like the cold moon, but you are the bright warming sun. Yes, Paula!—we + will leave Paula to some Olympian god, some archangel. I rejoice in my + gladsome little maiden who will enjoy life with me, and all its + pleasures!” + </p> + <p> + “That we will!” she exclaimed triumphantly; the horizon of her future was + radiant with sunshine. + </p> + <p> + “Good Heavens!” he exclaimed as if in surprise. “The lights are already + shining in that miserable hall of justice! Ah, love, love! Under that + enchantment we had forgotten the object for which we came out.—Tell + me, my darling, do you remember exactly what the necklace was like that + you and Mary were playing with this afternoon?” + </p> + <p> + “It was very finely wrought, but in the middle hung a rubbishy broken + medallion of gold.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a pretty judge of works of art! Then you overlooked the fine + engraved gem which was set in that modest gold frame?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not.” + </p> + <p> + “I assure you, little wise-head!” + </p> + <p> + “No, my dearest.” As she spoke she looked up saucily, as though she had + achieved some great triumph. “I know very well what gems are. My father + left a very fine collection, and my mother says that by his will they are + all to belong to my future husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I can set you, my jewel, in a frame of the rarest gems.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” she cried gaily. “Let me have a setting indeed, for I am but a + fugitive thing; but only, only in your heart.” + </p> + <p> + “That piece of goldsmith’s work is already done.—But seriously my + child; with regard to Paula’s necklace: it really was a gem, and you must + have happened to see only the back of it. That is just as you describe it: + a plain setting of gold.” + </p> + <p> + “But Orion....” + </p> + <p> + “If you love me, sweetheart, contradict me no further. In the future I + will always accept your views, but in this case your mistake might involve + us in a serious misunderstanding, by compelling me to give in to Paula and + make her my ally.—Here we are! But wait one moment longer.—And + once more, as to this gem. You see we may both be wrong—I as much as + you; but I firmly believe that I am in the right. If you make a statement + contrary to mine I shall appear before the judges as a liar. We are now + betrothed—we are but one, wholly one; what damages or dignifies one + of us humiliates or elevates the other. If you, who love me—you, + who, as it is already whispered, are soon to be the mistress of the + governor’s house—make a statement opposed to mine they are certain + to believe it. You see, your whole nature is pure kindness, but you are + still too young and innocent quite to understand all the duties of that + omnipotent love which beareth and endureth all things. If you do not yield + to me cheerfully in this case you certainly do not love me as you ought. + And what is it to ask? I require nothing of you but that you should state + before the court that you saw Paula’s necklace at noon to-day, and that + there was a gem hanging to it—a gem with Love and Psyche engraved on + it.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am to say that before all those men?” asked Katharina doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “You must indeed, you kind little angel!” cried Orion tenderly. “And do + you think it pretty in a betrothed bride to refuse her lover’s first + request so grudgingly, suspiciously, and ungraciously? Nay, nay. If there + is the tiniest spark of love for me in your heart, if you do not want to + see me reduced to implore Paula for mercy....” + </p> + <p> + “But what is it all about? How can it matter so much to any one whether a + gem or a mere plate of gold...?” + </p> + <p> + “All that I will explain later,” he hastily replied. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me now....” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible. We have already put the patience of the judges to too severe + a test. We have not a moment to lose.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well then; but I shall die of confusion and shame if I have to make + a declaration....” + </p> + <p> + “Which is perfectly truthful, and by which you can prove to me that you + love me,” he urged. + </p> + <p> + “But it is dreadful!” she exclaimed anxiously. “At least fasten my veil + closely over my face.—All those bearded men....” + </p> + <p> + “Like the ostrich,” said Orion, laughing as he complied. “If you really + cannot agree with your... What is it you called me just now? Say it + again.” + </p> + <p> + “My dearest!” she said shyly but tenderly. + </p> + <p> + She helped Orion to fold her veil twice over her face, and did not thrust + him aside when he whispered in her ear: “Let us see if a kiss cannot be + sweet even through all that wrapping!—Now, come. It will be all over + in a few minutes.” + </p> + <p> + He led the way into the anteroom to the great hall, begged her to wait a + moment, and then went in and hastily informed the assembly that Dame + Susannah had entrusted her daughter to him only on condition that he + should escort her back again as soon as she had given her testimony. Then + Paula was brought in and he desired her to be seated. + </p> + <p> + It was with a sinking and anxious heart that Katharina had entered the + anteroom. She had screened herself from a scolding before now by trivial + subterfuges, but never had told a serious lie; and every instinct rebelled + against the demand that she should now state a direct falsehood. But could + Orion, the noblest of mankind, the idol of the whole town, so pressingly + entreat her to do anything that was wrong? Did not love—as he had + said—make it her duty to do everything that might screen him from + loss or injury? It did not seem to her to be quite as it should be, but + perhaps she did not altogether understand the matter; she was so young and + inexperienced. She hated the idea, too, that, if she opposed her lover, he + would have to come to terms with Paula. She had no lack of + self-possession, and she told herself that she might hold her own with any + girl in Memphis; still, she felt the superiority of the handsome, tall, + proud Syrian, nor could she forget how, the day before yesterday, when + Paula had been walking up and down the garden with Orion the chief officer + of Memphis had exclaimed: “What a wonderfully handsome couple!” She + herself had often thought that no more beautiful, elegant and lovable + creature than Thomas’ daughter walked the earth; she had longed and + watched for a glance or a kind word from her. But since hearing those + words a bitter feeling had possessed her soul against Paula, and there had + been much to foster it. Paula always treated her like a child instead of a + grown-up girl, as she was. Why, that very morning, had she sought out her + betrothed—for she might call him so now—and tried to keep her + away from him? And how was it that Orion, even while declaring his love + for her, had spoken more than warmly—enthusiastically of Paula? She + must be on her guard, and though others should speak of the great good + fortune that had fallen to her lot, Paula, at any rate, would not rejoice + in it, for Katharina felt and knew that she was not indifferent to Orion. + She had not another enemy in the world, but Paula was one; her love had + everything to fear from her—and suddenly she asked herself whether + the gold medallion she had seen might not indeed have been a gem? Had she + examined the necklace closely, even for a moment? And why should she fancy + she had sharper sight than Orion with his large, splendid eyes? + </p> + <p> + He was right, as he always was. Most engraved gems were oval in form, and + the pendant which she had seen and was to give evidence about, was + undoubtedly oval. Then it was not like Orion to require a falsehood of + her. In any case it was her duty to her betrothed to preserve from evil, + and prevent him from concluding any alliance with that false Siren. She + knew what she had to say; and she was about to loosen a portion of her + veil from her face that she might look Paula steadfastly in the eyes, when + Orion came back to fetch her into the hall where the Court was sitting. To + his delight—nay almost to his astonishment—she stated with + perfect confidence that a gem had been hanging to Paula’s necklace at noon + that day; and when the onyx was shown her and she was asked if she + remembered the stone, she calmly replied: + </p> + <p> + “It may or it may not be the same; I only remember the oval gold back to + it: besides I was only allowed to have the necklace in my hands for a very + short time.” + </p> + <p> + When Nilus, the treasurer, desired her to look more closely at the figures + of Eros and Psyche to refresh her memory, she evaded it by saying: “I do + not like such heathen images: we Jacobite maidens wear different + adornments.” + </p> + <p> + At this Paula rose and stepped towards her with a look of stern reproof; + little Katharina was glad now that it had occurred to her to cover her + face with a double veil. But the utter confusion she felt under the Syrian + girl’s gaze did not last long. Paula exclaimed reproach fully: “You speak + of your faith. Like mine, it requires you to respect the truth. Consider + how much depends on your declaration; I implore you, child...” + </p> + <p> + But the girl interrupted her rival exclaiming with much irritation and + vehement excitement: + </p> + <p> + “I am no longer a child, not even as compared with you; and I think before + I speak, as I was taught to do.” + </p> + <p> + She threw back her little head with a confident air, and said very + decidedly: + </p> + <p> + “That onyx hung to the middle of the chain.” + </p> + <p> + “How dare you, you audacious hussy!” It was Perpetua, quite unable to + contain herself, who flung the words in her face. Katharina started as + though an asp had stung her and turned round on the woman who had dared to + insult her so grossly and so boldly. She was on the verge of tears as she + looked helplessly about her for a defender; but she had not long to wait, + for Orion instantly gave orders that Perpetua should be imprisoned for + bearing false witness. Paula, however, as she had not perjured herself, + but had merely invented an impossible tale with a good motive, was + dismissed, and her chest was to be replaced in her room. + </p> + <p> + At this Paula once more stepped forth; she unhooked the onyx from the + chain and flung it towards Gamaliel, who caught it, while she exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “I make you a present of it, Jew! Perhaps the villain who hung it to my + chain may buy it back again. The chain was given to my great-grandmother + by the saintly Theodosius, and rather than defile it by contact with that + gift from a villain, I will throw it into the Nile!—You—you, + poor, deluded judges—I cannot be wroth with you, but I pity you!—My + Hiram...” and she looked at the freedman, “is an honest soul whom I shall + remember with gratitude to my dying day; but as to that unrighteous son of + a most righteous father, that man...” and she raised her voice, while she + pointed straight at Orion’s face; but the young man interrupted her with a + loud: + </p> + <p> + “Enough!” + </p> + <p> + She tried to control herself and replied: + </p> + <p> + “I will submit. Your conscience will tell you a hundred times over what I + need not say. One last word...” She went close up to him and said in his + ear: + </p> + <p> + “I have been able to refrain from using my deadliest weapon against you + for the sake of keeping my word. Now you, if you are not the basest wretch + living, keep yours, and save Hiram.” + </p> + <p> + His only reply was an assenting nod; Paula paused on the threshold and, + turning to Katharina, she added: “You, child—for you are but a child—with + what nameless suffering will not the son of the Mukaukas repay you for the + service you have rendered him!” Then she left the room. Her knees trembled + under her as she mounted the stairs, but when she had again taken her + place by the side of the hapless, crazy girl a merciful God granted her + the relief of tears. Her friend saw her and left her to weep undisturbed, + till she herself called him and confided to him all she had gone through + in the course of this miserable day. + </p> + <p> + Orion and Katharina had lost their good spirits; they went back to the + colonnade in a dejected mood. On the way she pressed him to explain to her + why he had insisted on her making this declaration, but he put her off + till the morrow. They found Susannah alone, for his mother had been sent + for by her husband, who was suffering more than usual, and she had taken + Mary with her. + </p> + <p> + After bidding the widow good-night and escorting her to her chariot, he + returned to the hall where the Court was still sitting. There he + recapitulated the case as it now stood, and all the evidence against the + freed man. The verdict was then pronounced: Hiram was condemned to death + with but one dissentient voice that of Nilus the treasurer. + </p> + <p> + Orion ordered that the execution of the sentence should be postponed; he + did not go back into the house, however, but had his most spirited horse + saddled and rode off alone into the desert. He had won, but he felt as + though in this race he had rushed into a morass and must be choked in it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + Paula’s report of the day’s proceedings, of Orion’s behavior, and of the + results of the trial angered the leech beyond measure; he vehemently + approved the girl’s determination to quit this cave of robbers, this house + of wickedness, of treachery, of imbecile judges and false witnesses, as + soon as possible. But she had no opportunity for a quiet conversation with + him, for Philippus soon had his hands full in the care of the sufferers. + </p> + <p> + Rustem, the Masdakite, who till now had been lying unconscious, had been + roused from his lethargy by some change of treatment, and loudly called + for his master Haschim. When the Arab did not appear, and it was explained + to him that he could not hope to see him before the morning, the young + giant sat up among his pillows, propping himself on his arms set firmly + against the couch behind him, looked about him with a wandering gaze, and + shook his big head like an aggrieved lion—but that his thick mane of + hair had been cut off—abusing the physician all the time in his + native tongue, and in a deep, rolling, bass voice that rang through the + rooms though no one understood a word. Philippus, quite undaunted, was + trying to adjust the bandage over his wound, when Rustem suddenly flung + his arms round his body and tried with all his might, and with foaming + lips, to drag him down. He clung to his antagonist, roaring like a wild + beast; even now Philippus never for an instant lost his presence of mind + but desired the nun to fetch two strong slaves. The Sister hurried away, + and Paula remained the eyewitness of a fearful struggle. The physician had + twisted his ancles round those of the stalwart Persian, and putting forth + a degree of strength which could hardly have been looked for in a stooping + student, tall and large-boned as he was, he wrenched the Persian’s hands + from his hips, pressed his fingers between those of Rustem, forced him + back on to his pillows, set his knees against the brazen frame of the + couch, and so effectually held him down that he could not sit up again. + Rustem exerted every muscle to shake off his opponent; but the leech was + the stronger, for the Masdakite was weakened by fever and loss of blood. + Paula watched this contest between intelligent force and the animal + strength of a raving giant with a beating heart, trembling in every limb. + She could not help her friend, but she followed his every movement as she + stood at the head of the bed; and as he held down the powerful creature + before whom her frail uncle had cowered in abject terror, she could not + help admiring his manly beauty; for his eyes sparkled with unwonted fire, + and the mean chin seemed to lengthen with the frightful effort he was + putting forth, and so to be brought into proportion with his wide forehead + and the rest of his features. Her spirit quaked for him; she fancied she + could see something great and heroic in the man, in whom she had hitherto + discovered no merit but his superior intellect. + </p> + <p> + The struggle had lasted some minutes before Philip felt the man’s arms + grow limp, and he called to Paula to bring him a sheet—a rope—what + not—to bind the raving man. She flew into the next room, quite + collected; fetched her handkerchief, snatched off the silken girdle that + bound her waist, rushed back and helped the leech to tie the maniac’s + hands. She understood her friend’s least word, or a movement of his + finger; and when the slaves whom the nun had fetched came into the room, + they found Rustem with his hands firmly bound, and had only to prevent him + from leaping out of bed or throwing himself over the edge. Philippus, + quite out of breath, explained to the slaves how they were to act, and + when he opened his medicine-chest Paula noticed that his swollen, purple + fingers were trembling. She took out the phial to which he pointed, mixed + the draught according to his orders, and was not afraid to pour it between + the teeth of the raving man, forcing them open with the help of the + slaves. + </p> + <p> + The soothing medicine calmed him in a few minutes, and the leech himself + could presently wash the wound and apply a fresh dressing with the + practised aid of the Sister. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the crazy girl had been waked by the ravings of the Persian, and + was anxiously enquiring if the dog—the dreadful dog—was there. + But she soon allowed herself to be quieted by Paula, and she answered the + questions put to her so rationally and gently, that her nurse called the + physician who could confirm Paula in her hope that a favorable change had + taker place in her mental condition. Her words were melancholy and mild; + and when Paula remarked on this Philippus observed: + </p> + <p> + “It is on the bed of sickness that we learn to know our fellow-creatures. + The frantic girl, who perhaps fell on the son of this house with murderous + intent, now reveals her true, sweet nature. And as for that poor fellow, + he is a powerful creature, an honest one too; I would stake my ten fingers + on it!” + </p> + <p> + “What makes you so sure of that?” + </p> + <p> + “Even in his delirium he did hot once scratch or bite, but only defended + himself like a man.—Thank you, now, for your assistance. If you had + not flung the cord round his hands, the game might have ended very + differently.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely not!” exclaimed Paula decidedly. “How strong you are, Philip. I + feel quite alarmed!” + </p> + <p> + “You?” said the leech laughing. “On the contrary, you need never be + alarmed again now that you have seen by chance that your champion is no + weakling.—Pfooh! I shall be glad now of a little rest.” She offered + him her handkerchief, and while he thankfully used it to wipe his brow—controlling + with much difficulty the impulse to press it to his lips, he added + lightly: + </p> + <p> + “With such an assistant everything must go well. There is no merit in + being strong; every one can be strong who comes into the world with + healthy blood and well-knit bones, who keeps all his limbs well exercised, + as I did in my youth, and who does not destroy his inheritance by + dissipated living.—However, I still feel the struggle in my hands; + but there is some good wine in the next room yet, and two or three cups of + it will do me good.” They went together into the adjoining room where, by + this time, most of the lamps were extinguished. Paula poured out the wine, + touched the goblet with her lips, and he emptied it at a draught; but he + was not to be allowed to drink off a second, for he had scarcely raised + it, when they heard voices in the Masdakite’s room, and Neforis came in. + The governor’s careful wife had not quitted her husband’s couch—even + Rustem’s storming had not induced her to leave her post; but when she was + informed by the slaves what had been going on, and that Paula was still + up-stairs with the leech, she had come to the strangers’ rooms as soon as + her husband could spare her to speak to Philippus, to represent to Paula + what the proprieties required, and to find out what the strange noises + could be which still seemed to fill the house—at this hour usually + as silent as the grave. They proceeded from the sick-rooms, but also from + Orion, who had just come in, and from Nilus the treasurer, who had been + called by the former into his room, though the night was fast drawing on + to morning. To the governor’s wife everything seemed ominous at the close + of this terrible day, marked in the calendar as unlucky; so she made her + way up-stairs, escorted by her husband’s night watcher, and holding in her + hand a small reliquary to which she ascribed the power of banning vile + spirits. + </p> + <p> + She came into the sick-room swiftly and noiselessly, put the nun through a + strict cross-examination with the fretful sharpness of a person disturbed + in her night’s rest. Then she went into the sitting-room where Philippus + was on the point of pledging Paula in his second cup of wine, while she + stood before him with dishevelled hair and robe ungirt. All this was an + offence against good manners such as she would not suffer in her house, + and she stoutly ordered her husband’s niece to go to bed. After all the + offences that had been pardoned her this day—no, yesterday—she + exclaimed, it would have been more becoming in the girl to examine herself + in silence, in her own room, to exorcise the lying spirits which had her + in their power, and implore her Saviour for forgiveness, than to pretend + to be nursing the sick while she was carrying on, with a young man, an + orgy which, as the Sister had just told her, had lasted since mid-day. + </p> + <p> + Paula spoke not a word, though the color changed in her face more than + once as she listened to this speech. But when Neforis finally pointed to + the door, she said, with all the cold pride she had at her command when + she was the object of unworthy suspicions: + </p> + <p> + “Your aim is easily seen through. I should scorn to reply, but that you + are the wife of the man who, till you set him against me, was glad to call + himself my friend and protector, and who is also related to me. As usual, + you attribute to me an unworthy motive. In showing me the door of this + room consecrated by suffering, you are turning me out of your house, which + you and your son—for I must say it for once—have made a hell + to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I! And my—No! this is indeed—” exclaimed the matron in + panting rage. She clasped her hands over her heaving bosom and her pale + face was dyed crimson, while her eyes flashed wrathful lightnings. “That + is too much; a thousand times too much—a thousand times—do you + hear?—And I—I condescend to answer you! We picked her up in + the street, and have treated her like a daughter, spent enormous sums on + her, and now....” + </p> + <p> + This was addressed to the leech rather than to Paula; but she took up the + gauntlet and replied in a tone of unqualified scorn: + </p> + <p> + “And now I plainly declare, as a woman of full age, free to dispose of + myself, that to-morrow morning I leave this house with everything that + belongs to me, even if I should go as a beggar;—this house, where I + have been grossly insulted, where I and my faithful servant have been + falsely condemned, and where he is even now about to be murdered.” + </p> + <p> + “And where you have been dealt with far too mildly,” Neforis shrieked at + her audacious antagonist, “and preserved from sharing the fate of the + robber you smuggled into the house. To save a criminal—it is unheard + of:—you dared to accuse the son of your benefactor of being a + corrupt judge.” + </p> + <p> + “And so he is,” exclaimed Paula furious. “And what is more, he has + inveigled the child whom you destine to be his wife into bearing false + witness. More—much more could I say, but that, even if I did not + respect the mother, your husband has deserved that I should spare him.” + </p> + <p> + “Spare him-spare!” cried Neforis contemptuously. “You—you will spare + us! The accused will be merciful and spare the judge! But you shall be + made to speak;—aye, made to speak! And as to what you, a slanderer, + can say about false witness...” + </p> + <p> + “Your own granddaughter,” interrupted the leech, “will be compelled to + repeat it before all the world, noble lady, if you do not moderate + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Neforis laughed hysterically. + </p> + <p> + “So that is the way the wind blows!” she exclaimed, quite beside herself. + “The sick-room is a temple of Bacchus and Venus; and this disgraceful + conduct is not enough, but you must conspire to heap shame and disgrace on + this righteous house and its masters.” + </p> + <p> + Then, resting her left hand which held the reliquary on her hip, she added + with hasty vehemence: + </p> + <p> + “So be it. Go away; go wherever you please! If I find you under this roof + to-morrow at noon, you thankless, wicked girl, I will have you turned out + into the streets by the guard. I hate you—for once I will ease my + poor, tormented heart—I loathe you; your very existence is an + offence to me and brings misfortune on me and on all of us; and besides—besides, + I should prefer to keep the emeralds we have left.” + </p> + <p> + This last and cruelest taunt, which she had brought out against her better + feelings, seemed to have relieved her soul of a hundred-weight of care; + she drew a deep breath, and turning to Philippus, went on far more quietly + and rationally: + </p> + <p> + “As for you, Philip, my husband needs you. You know well what we have + offered you and you know George’s liberal hand. Perhaps you will think + better of it, and will learn to perceive...” + </p> + <p> + “I!...” said the leech with a lofty smile. “Do you really know me so + little? Your husband, I am ready to admit, stands high in my esteem, and + when he wants me he will no doubt send for me. But never again will I + cross this threshold uninvited, or enter a house where right is trodden + underfoot, where defenceless innocence is insulted and abandoned to + despair. + </p> + <p> + “You may stare in astonishment! Your son has desecrated his father’s + judgment-seat, and the blood of guiltless Hiram is on his head.—You—well, + you may still cling to your emeralds. Paula will not touch them; she is + too high-souled to tell you who it is that you would indeed do well to + lock up in the deepest dungeon-cell! What I have heard from your lips + breaks every tie that time had knit between us. I do not demand that my + friends should be wealthy, that they should have any attractions or charm, + any special gifts of mind or body; but we must meet on common ground: that + of honorable feeling. That you did not bring into the world, or you have + lost it; and from this hour I am a stranger to you and never wish to see + you again, excepting by the side of your husband when he requires me.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke the last words with such immeasurable dignity that Neforis was + startled and bereft of all self-control. She had been treated as a wretch + worthy of utter scorn by a man beneath her in rank, but whom she always + regarded as one of the most honest, frank and pure-minded she had ever + known; a man indispensable to her husband, because he knew how to mitigate + his sufferings, and could restrain him from the abuse of his narcotic + anodyne. He was the only physician of repute, far and wide. She was to be + deprived of the services of this valuable ally, to whom little Mary and + many of the household owed their lives, by this Syrian girl; and she + herself, sure that she was a good and capable wife and mother, was to + stand there like a thing despised and avoided by every honest man, through + this evil genius of her house! + </p> + <p> + It was too much. Tortured by rage, vexation, and sincere distress, she + said in a complaining voice, while the tears started to her eyes: + </p> + <p> + “But what is the meaning of all this? You, who know me, who have seen me + ruling and caring for my family, you turn your back upon me in my own + house and point the finger at me? Have I not always been a faithful wife, + nursing my husband for years and never leaving his sick-bed, never + thinking of anything but how to ease his pain? I have lived like a recluse + from sheer sense of duty and faithful lose, while other wives, who have + less means than I, live in state and go to entertainments.—And whose + slaves are better kept and more often freed than ours? Where is the beggar + so sure of an alms as in our house, where I, and I alone, uphold piety?—And + now am I so fallen that the sun may not shine on me, and that a worthy man + like you should withdraw his friendship all in a moment, and for the sake + of this ungrateful, loveless creature—because, because, what did you + call it—because the mind is wanting in me—or what did you call + it that I must have before you...?” + </p> + <p> + “It is called feeling,” interrupted the leech, who was sorry for the + unhappy woman, in whom he knew there was much that was good. “Is the word + quite new to you, my lady Neforis?—It is born with us; but a firm + will can elevate the least noble feeling, and the best that nature can + bestow will deteriorate through self-indulgence. But, in the day of + judgment, if I am not very much mistaken, it is not our acts but our + feeling that will be weighed. It would ill-become me to blame you, but I + may be allowed to pity you, for I see the disease in your soul which, like + gangrene in the body...” + </p> + <p> + “What next!” cried Neforis. + </p> + <p> + “This disease,” the physician calmly went on—“I mean hatred, should + be far indeed from so pious a Christian. It has stolen into your heart + like a thief in the night, has eaten you up, has made bad blood, and led + you to treat this heavily-afflicted orphan as though you were to put + stocks and stones in the path of a blind man to make him fall. If, as it + would seem, my opinion still weighs with you a little, before Paula leaves + your house you will ask her pardon for the hatred with which you have + persecuted her for years, which has now led you to add an intolerable + insult—in which you yourself do not believe—to all the rest.” + </p> + <p> + At this Paula, who had been watching the physician all through his speech, + turned to Dame Neforis, and unclasped her hands which were lying in her + lap, ready to shake hands with her uncle’s wife if she only offered hers, + though she was still fully resolved to leave the house. + </p> + <p> + A terrible storm was raging in the lady’s soul. She felt that she had + often been unkind to Paula. That a painful doubt still obscured the + question as to who had stolen the emerald she had unwillingly confessed + before she had come up here. She knew that she would be doing her husband + a great service by inducing the girl to remain, and she would only too + gladly have kept the leech in the house;—but then how deeply had + she, and her son, been humiliated by this haughty creature! + </p> + <p> + Should she humble herself to her, a woman so much younger, offer her hand, + make.... + </p> + <p> + At this moment they heard the tinkle of the silver bowl, into which her + husband threw a little ball when he wanted her. His pale, suffering face + rose before her inward eye, she could hear him asking for his opponent at + draughts, she could see his sad, reproachful gaze when she told him + to-morrow that she, Neforis, had driven his niece, the daughter of the + noble Thomas, out of the house—, with a swift impulse she went + towards Paula, grasping the reliquary in her left hand and holding out her + right, and said in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “Shake hands, girl. I often ought to have behaved differently to you; but + why have you never in the smallest thing sought my love? God is my witness + that at first I was fully disposed to regard you as a daughter, but you—well, + let it pass. I am sorry now that I should—if I have distressed you.” + </p> + <p> + At the first words Paula had placed her hand in that of Neforis. Hers was + as cold as marble, the elder woman’s was hot and moist; it seemed as + though their hands were typical of the repugnance of their hearts. They + both felt it so, and their clasp was but a brief one. When Paula withdrew + hers, she preserved her composure better than the governor’s wife, and + said quite calmly, though her cheeks were burning: + </p> + <p> + “Then we will try to part without any ill-will, and I thank you for having + made that possible. To-morrow morning I hope I may be permitted to take + leave of my uncle in peace, for I love him; and of little Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “But you need not go now! On the contrary, I urgently request you to + stay,” Neforis eagerly put in. + </p> + <p> + “George will not let you leave. You yourself know how fond he is of you.” + </p> + <p> + “He has often been as a father to me,” said Paula, and even her eyes shone + through tears. “I would gladly have stayed with him till the end. Still, + it is fixed—I must go.” + </p> + <p> + “And if your uncle adds his entreaties to mine?” + </p> + <p> + “It will be in vain.” + </p> + <p> + Neforis took the maiden’s hand in her own again, and tried with genuine + anxiety to persuade her,—but Paula was firm. She adhered to her + determination to leave the governor’s house in the morning. + </p> + <p> + “But where will you find a suitable house?” cried Neforis. “A residence + that will be fit for you?” + </p> + <p> + “That shall be my business,” replied the physician. “Believe me, noble + lady, it would be best for all that Paula should seek another home. But it + is to be hoped that she may decide on remaining in Memphis.” + </p> + <p> + At this Neforis exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Here, with us, is her natural home!—Perhaps God may turn your heart + for your uncle’s sake, and we may begin a new and happier life.” Paula’s + only reply was a shake of the head; but Neforis did not see it the metal + tinkle sounded for the third time, and it was her duty to respond to its + call. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she had left the room Paula drew a deep breath, exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “O God! O God! How hard it was to refrain from flinging in her teeth the + crime her wicked son.... No, no; nothing should have made me do that. But + I cannot tell you how the mere sight of that woman angers me, how + light-hearted I feel since I have broken down the bridge that connected me + with this house and with Memphis.” + </p> + <p> + “With Memphis?” asked Philippus. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Paula gladly. “I go away—away from hence, out of the + vicinity of this woman and her son!—Whither? Oh! back to Syria, or + to Greece—every road is the right one, if it only takes me away from + this place.” + </p> + <p> + “And I, your friend?” asked Philippus. + </p> + <p> + “I shall bear the remembrance of you in a grateful heart.” + </p> + <p> + The physician smiled, as though something had happened just as he + expected; after a moment’s reflection he said: + </p> + <p> + “And where can the Nabathaean find you, if indeed he discovers your father + in the hermit of Sinai?” + </p> + <p> + The question startled and surprised Paula, and Philippus now adduced every + argument to convince her that it was necessary that she should remain in + the City of the Pyramids. In the first place she must liberate her nurse—in + this he could promise to help her—and everything he said was so + judicious in its bearing on the circumstances that had to be reckoned + with, and the facts actual or possible, that she was astonished at the + practical good sense of this man, with whom she had generally talked only + of matters apart from this world. Finally she yielded, chiefly for the + sake of her father and Perpetua; but partly in the hope of still enjoying + his society. She would remain in Memphis, at any rate for the present, + under the roof of a friend of the physician’s—long known to her by + report—a Melchite like herself, and there await the further + development of her fate. + </p> + <p> + To be away from Orion and never, never to see him again was her heartfelt + wish. All places were the same to her where she had no fear of meeting + him. She hated him; still she knew that her heart would have no peace so + long as such a meeting was possible. Still, she longed to free herself + from a desire to see what his further career would be, which came over her + again and again with overwhelming and terrible power. For that reason, and + for that only, she longed to go far, far away, and she was hardly + satisfied by the leech’s assurance that her new protector would be able to + keep away all visitors whom she might not wish to receive. And he himself, + he added, would make it his business to stand between her and all + intruders the moment she sent for him. + </p> + <p> + They did not part till the sun was rising above the eastern hills; as they + separated Paula said: + </p> + <p> + “So this morning a new life begins for me, which I can well imagine will, + by your help, be pleasanter than that which is past.” + </p> + <p> + And Philippus replied with happy emotion: “The new life for me began + yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + Between morning and noon Mary was sitting on a low cane seat under the + sycamores which yesterday had shaded Katharina’s brief young happiness; by + her side was her governess Eudoxia, under whose superintendence she was + writing out the Ten Commandments from a Greek catechism. + </p> + <p> + The teacher had been lulled to sleep by the increasing heat and the + pervading scent of flowers, and her pupil had ceased to write. Her eyes, + red with tears, were fixed on the shells with which the path was strewn, + and she was using her long ruler, at first to stir them about, and then to + write the words: “Paula,” and “Paula, Mary’s darling,” in large capital + letters. Now and again a butterfly, following the motion of the rod, + brought a smile to her pretty little face from which the dark spirit + “Trouble” had not wholly succeeded in banishing gladness. Still, her heart + was heavy. Everything around her, in the garden and in the house, was + still; for her grandfather’s state had become seriously worse at sunrise, + and every sound must be hushed. Mary was thinking of the poor sufferer: + what pain he had to bear, and how the parting from Paula would grieve him, + when Katharina came towards her down the path. + </p> + <p> + The young girl did little credit to-day to her nickname of “the + water-wagtail;” her little feet shuffled through the shelly gravel, her + head hung wearily, and when one of the myriad insects, that were busy in + the morning sunshine, came within her reach she beat it away angrily with + her fan. As she came up to Mary she greeted her with the usual “All hail!” + but the child only nodded in response, and half turning her back went on + with her inscription. + </p> + <p> + Katharina, however, paid no heed to this cool reception, but said in + sympathetic tones: + </p> + <p> + “Your poor grandfather is not so well, I hear?” Mary shrugged her + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “They say he is very dangerously ill. I saw Philippus himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed?” said Mary without looking up, and she went on writing. + </p> + <p> + “Orion is with him,” Katharina went on. “And Paula is really going away?” + </p> + <p> + The child nodded dumbly, and her eyes again filled with tears. + </p> + <p> + Katharina now observed how sad the little girl was looking, and that she + intentionally refused to answer her. At any other time she would not have + troubled herself about this, but to-day this taciturnity provoked her, nay + it really worried her; she stood straight in front of Mary, who was still + indefatigably busy with the ruler, and said loudly and with some + irritation: + </p> + <p> + “I have fallen into disgrace with you, it would seem, since yesterday. + Every one to his liking; but I will not put up with such bad manners, I + can tell you!” + </p> + <p> + The last words were spoken loud enough to wake Eudoxia, who heard them, + and drawing herself up with dignity she said severely: + </p> + <p> + “Is that the way to behave to a kind and welcome visitor, Mary?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not see one,” retorted the child with a determined pout. + </p> + <p> + “But I do,” cried the governess. “You are behaving like a little + barbarian, not like a little girl who has been taught Greek manners. + Katharina is no longer a child, though she is still often kind enough to + play with you. Go to her at once and beg her pardon for being so rude.” + </p> + <p> + “I!” exclaimed Mary, and her tone conveyed the most positive refusal to + obey this behest. She sprang to her feet, and with flashing eyes, she + cried: “We are not Greeks, neither she nor I, and I can tell you once for + all that she is not my kind and welcome visitor, nor my friend any more! + We have nothing, nothing whatever to do with each other any more!” + </p> + <p> + “Are you gone mad?” cried Eudoxia, and her long face assumed a threatening + expression, while she rose from her easy-chair in spite of the increasing + heat, intending to capture her pupil and compel her to apologize; but Mary + was more nimble than the middle-aged damsel and fled down the alley + towards the river, as nimble as a gazelle. + </p> + <p> + Eudoxia began to run after her; but the heat was soon too much for her, + and when she stopped, exhausted and panting, she perceived that Katharina, + worthy once more of her name of “water-wagtail,” had flown past her and + was chasing the little girl at a pace that she shuddered to contemplate. + Mary soon saw that no one but Katharina was in pursuit; she moderated her + pace, and awaited her cast-off friend under the shade of a tall shrub. In + a moment Katharina was facing her; with a heightened color she seized both + her hands and exclaimed passionately: + </p> + <p> + “What was it you said? You—you—If I did not know what a + wrong-headed little simpleton you were, I could....” + </p> + <p> + “You could accuse me falsely!—But now, leave go of my hands or I + will bite you. And as Katharina, at this threat, released her she went on + vehemently. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I know you now—since yesterday! And I tell you, once for all, I + say thank you for nothing for such friends. You ought to sink into the + earth for shame of the sin you have committed. I am only ten years old, + but rather than have done such a thing I would have let myself be shut up + in that hot hole with poor, innocent Perpetua, or I would have let myself + be killed, as you want poor, honest Hiram to be! Oh, shame!” + </p> + <p> + Katharina’s crimson cheeks bad turned pale at this address and, as she had + no answer ready, she could only toss her head and say, with as much pride + and dignity as she could assume: + </p> + <p> + “What can a child like you know about things that puzzle the heads of + grown-up people?” + </p> + <p> + “Grown-up people!” laughed Mary, who was not three inches shorter than her + antagonist. “You must be a great deal taller before I call you grown up! + In two years time, you will scarcely be up to my eyes.” At this the + irascible Egyptian fired up; she gave the child a slap in the face with + the palm of her hand. Mary only stood still as if petrified, and after + gazing at the ground for a minute or two without a cry, she turned her + back on her companion and silently went back into the shaded walk. + </p> + <p> + Katharina watched her with tears in her eyes. She felt that Mary was + justified in disapproving of what she had done the day before; for she + herself had been unable to sleep and had become more and more convinced + that she had acted wrongly, nay, unpardonably. And now again she had done + an inexcusable thing. She felt that she had deeply hurt the child’s + feelings, and this sincerely grieved her. She followed Mary in silence, at + some little distance, like a maid-servant. She longed to hold her back by + her dress, to say something kind to her, nay, to ask her pardon. As they + drew near to the spot where the governess had dropped into her chair + again, a hapless victim to the heat of Egypt, Katharina called Mary by her + name, and when the child paid no heed, laid her hand on her shoulder, + saying in gentle entreaty: “Forgive me for having so far forgotten myself. + But how can I help being so little? You know very well when any one laughs + at me for it....” + </p> + <p> + “You get angry and slap!” retorted the child, walking on. “Yesterday, + perhaps, I might have laughed over a box on the ear—it is not the + first—or have given it to you back again; but to-day!—Just + now,” and she shuddered involuntarily, “just now I felt as if some black + slave had laid his dirty hand on my cheek. You are not what you were. You + walk quite differently, and you look—depend upon it you do not look + as nice and as bright as you used, and I know why: You did a very bad + thing last evening.” + </p> + <p> + “But dear pet,” said the other, “you must not be so hard. Perhaps I did + not really tell the judges everything I knew, but Orion, who loves me so, + and whose wife I am to be....” + </p> + <p> + “He led you into sin!—Yes; and he was always merry and kind till + yesterday; but since—Oh, that unlucky day!” + </p> + <p> + Here she was interrupted by Eudoxia, who poured out a flood of reproaches + and finally desired her to resume her task. The child obeyed + unresistingly; but she had scarcely settled to her wax tablets again when + Katharina was by her side, whispering to her that Orion would certainly + not have asserted anything that he did not believe to be true, and that + she had really been in doubt as to whether a gem with a gold back, or a + mere gold frame-work, had been hanging to Paula’s chain. At this Mary + turned sharply and quickly upon her, looked her straight in the eyes and + exclaimed—but in Egyptian that the governess might not understand, + for she had disdained to learn a single word of it: + </p> + <p> + “A rubbishy gold frame with a broken edge was hanging to the chain, and, + what is more, it caught in your dress. Why, I can see it now! And, when + you bore witness that it was a gem, you told a lie—Look here; here + are the laws which God Almighty himself gave on the sacred Mount of Sinai, + and there it stands written: ‘Thou shalt not bear false witness against + thy neighbor.’ And those who do, the priest told me, are guilty of mortal + sin, for which there is no forgiveness on earth or in Heaven, unless after + bitter repentance and our Saviour’s special mercy. So it is written; and + you could actually declare before the judges a thing that was false, and + that you knew would bring others to ruin?” + </p> + <p> + The young criminal looked down in shame and confusion, and answered + hesitatingly: + </p> + <p> + “Orion asserted it so positively and clearly, and then—I do not know + what came over me—but I was so angry, so—I could have murdered + her!” + </p> + <p> + “Whom?” asked Mary in surprise. “You know very well: Paula.” + </p> + <p> + “Paula!” said Mary, and her large eyes again filled with tears. “Is it + possible? Did you not love her as much as I do? Have not you often and + often clung about her like a bur?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, very true. But before the judges she was so intolerably proud, + and then.—But believe me, Mary you really and truly cannot + understand anything of all this.” + </p> + <p> + “Can I not?” asked the child folding her arms. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you think me so stupid?” + </p> + <p> + “You are in love with Orion—and he is a man whom few can match, over + head and ears in love; and because Paula looks like a queen by the side of + you, and is so much handsomer and taller than you are, and Orion, till + yesterday—I could see it all—cared a thousand times more for + her than for you, you were jealous and envious of her. Oh, I know all + about it.—And I know that all the women fall in love with him, and + that Mandaile had her ears cut off on his account, and that it was a lady + who loved him in Constantinople that gave him the little white dog. The + slave-girls tell me what they hear and what I like.—And after all, + you may well be jealous of Paula, for if she only made a point of it, how + soon Orion would make up his mind never to look at you again! She is the + handsomest and the wisest and the best girl in the whole world, and why + should she not be proud? The false witness you bore will cost poor Hiram + his life: but the merciful Saviour may forgive you at last. It is your + affair, and no concern of mine; but when Paula is forced to leave the + house and all through you, so that I shall never, never, never see her any + more—I cannot forget it, and I do not think I ever shall; but I will + pray God to make me.” + </p> + <p> + She burst into loud sobs, and the governess had started up to put an end + to a dialogue which she could not understand, and which was therefore + vexatious and provoking, when the water-wagtail fell on her knees before + the little girl, threw her arms round her, and bursting into tears, + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Mary—darling little Mary forgive me. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The German has the diminutive ‘Mariechen’. To this Dr. Ebers + appends this note. “An ignorant critic took exception to the use of + the diminutive form of names (as for instance ‘Irenchen’, little + Irene) in ‘The Sisters,’ as an anachronism. It is nevertheless a + fact that the Greeks settled in Egypt were so fond of using the + diminutive form of woman’s names that they preferred them, even in + the tax-rolls. This form was common in Attic Greek.] +</pre> + <p> + Oh, if you could but know what I endured before I came out here! Forgive + me, Mary; be my sweet, dear little Mary once more. Indeed and indeed you + are much better than I am. Merciful Saviour, what possessed me last + evening? And all through him, through the man no one can help loving—through + Orion!—And would you believe it: I do not even know why he led me + into this sin. But I must try to care for him no more, to forget him + entirely, although, although,—only think, he called me his + betrothed; but now that he has betrayed me into sin, can I dare to become + his wife? It has given me no peace all night. I love him, yes I love him, + you cannot think how dearly; still, I cannot be his! Sooner will I go into + a convent, or drown myself in the Nile!—And I will say all this to + my mother, this very day.” + </p> + <p> + The Greek governess had looked on in astonishment, for it was indeed + strange to see the young girl kneeling in front of the child. She listened + to her eager flow of unintelligible words, wondering whether she could + ever teach her pupil—with her grandmother’s help if need should be—to + cultivate a more sedate and Greek demeanor. + </p> + <p> + At this juncture Paula came down the path. Some slaves followed her, + carrying several boxes and bundles and a large litter, all making their + way to the Nile, where a boat was waiting to ferry her up the river to her + new home. + </p> + <p> + As she lingered unobserved, her eye rested on the touching picture of the + two young things clasped in each other’s arms, and she overheard the last + words of the gentle little creature who had done her such cruel wrong. She + could only guess at what had occurred, but she did not like to be a + listener, so she called Mary; and when the child started up and flew to + throw her arms round her neck with vehement and devoted tenderness, she + covered her little face and hair with kisses. Then she freed herself from + the little girl’s embrace, and said, with tearful eyes: + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, my darling! In a few minutes I shall no longer belong here; + another and a strange home must be mine. Love me always, and do not forget + me, and be quite sure of one thing: you have no truer friend on earth than + I am.” + </p> + <p> + At this, fresh tears flowed; the child implored her not to go away, not to + leave her; but Paula could but refuse, though she was touched and + astonished to find that she had reaped so rich a harvest of love, here + where she had sown so little. Then she gave her hand at parting to the + governess, and when she turned to Katharina, to bid farewell, hard as it + was, to the murderer of her happiness, the young girl fell at her feet + bathed in tears of repentance, covered her knees and hands with kisses, + and confessed herself guilty of a terrible sin. Paula, however, would not + allow her to finish; she lifted her up, kissed her forehead, and said that + she quite understood how she had been led into it, and that she, like + Mary, would try to forgive her. + </p> + <p> + Standing by the governor’s many-oared barge, to which the young girls now + escorted her, she found Orion. Twice already this morning he had tried in + vain to get speech with her, and he looked pale and agitated. He had a + splendid bunch of flowers in his hand; he bestowed a hasty greeting on + Mary and his betrothed, and did not heed the fact that Katharina returned + it hesitatingly and without a word. + </p> + <p> + He went close up to Paula, told her in a low voice that Hiram was safe, + and implored her, as she hoped to be forgiven for her own sins, to grant + him a few minutes. When she rejected his prayer with a silent shrug, and + went on towards the boat he put out his hand to help her, but she + intentionally overlooked it and gave her hand to the physician. At this he + sprang after her into the barge, saying in her ear in a tremulous whisper: + </p> + <p> + “A wretch, a miserable man entreats your mercy. I was mad yesterday. I + love you, I love you—how deeply!—you will see!” + </p> + <p> + “Enough,” she broke in firmly, and she stood up in the swaying boat. + Philippus supported her, and Orion, laying the flowers in her lap, cried + so that all could hear: “Your departure will sorely distress my father. He + is so ill that we did not dare allow you to take leave of him. If you have + anything to say to him...” + </p> + <p> + “I will find another messenger,” she replied sternly. + </p> + <p> + “And if he asks the reason for your sudden departure?” + </p> + <p> + “Your mother and Philippus can give him an answer.” + </p> + <p> + “But he was your guardian, and your fortune, I know...” + </p> + <p> + “In his hands it is safe.” + </p> + <p> + “And if the physician’s fears should be justified?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will demand its restitution through a new Kyrios.” + </p> + <p> + “You will receive it without that! Have you no pity, no forgiveness?” For + all answer she flung the flowers he had given her into the river; he + leaped on shore, and regardless of the bystanders, pushed his fingers + through his hair, clasping his hands to his burning brow. + </p> + <p> + The barge was pushed off, the rowers plied their oars like men; Orion + gazed after it, panting with laboring breath, till a little hand grasped + his, and Mary’s sweet, childish voice exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Be comforted, uncle. I know just what is troubling you.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you know?” he asked roughly. + </p> + <p> + “That you are sorry that you and Katharina should have spoken against her + last evening, and against poor Hiram.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” he angrily broke in. “Where is Katharina?” + </p> + <p> + “I was to tell you that she could not see you today. She loves you dearly, + but she, too, is so very, very sorry.” + </p> + <p> + “She may spare herself!” said the young man. “If there is anything to be + sorry for it falls on me—it is crushing me to death. But what is + this!—The devil’s in it! What business is it of the child’s? Now, be + off with you this minute. Eudoxia, take this little girl to her tasks.” + </p> + <p> + He took Mary’s head between his hands, kissed her forehead with impetuous + affection, and then pushed her towards her governess, who dutifully led + her away. + </p> + <p> + When Orion found himself alone, he leaned against a tree and groaned like + a wounded wild beast. His heart was full to bursting. + </p> + <p> + “Gone, gone! Thrown away, lost! The best on earth!” He laid his hands on + the tree-stem and pressed his head against it till it hurt him. He did not + know how to contain himself for misery and self-reproach. He felt like a + man who has been drunk and has reduced his own house to ashes in his + intoxication. How all this could have come to pass he now no longer knew. + After his nocturnal ride he had caused Nilus the treasurer to be waked, + and had charged him to liberate Hiram secretly. But it was the sight of + his stricken father that first brought him completely to his sober senses. + By his bed-side, death in its terrible reality had stared him in the face, + and he had felt that he could not bear to see that beloved parent die till + he had made his peace with Paula, won her forgiveness, brought her whom + his father loved so well into his presence, and besought his blessing on + her and on himself. + </p> + <p> + Twice he had hastened from the chamber of suffering to her room, to + entreat her to hear him, but in vain; and now, how terrible had their + parting been! She was hard, implacable, cruel; and as he recalled her + person and individuality as they had struck him before their quarrel, he + was forced to confess that there was something in her present behavior + which was not natural to her. This inhuman severity in the beautiful woman + whose affection had once been his, and who, but now, had flung his flowers + into the water, had not come from her heart; it was deliberately planned + to make him feel her anger. What had withheld her, under such great + provocation, from betraying that she had detected him in the theft of the + emerald? All was not yet lost; and he breathed more freely as he went back + to the house where duty, and his anxiety for his father, required his + presence. There were his flowers, floating on the stream. + </p> + <p> + “Hatred cast them there,” thought he, “but before they reach the sea many + blossoms will have opened which were mere hard buds when she flung them + away. She can never love any man but me, I feel it, I know it. The first + time we looked into each other’s eyes the fate of our hearts was sealed. + What she hates in me is my mad crime; what first set her against me was + her righteous anger at my suit for Katharina. But that sin was but a dream + in my life, which can never recur; and as for Katharina—I have + sinned against her once, but I will not continue to sin through a whole, + long lifetime. I have been permitted to trifle with love unpunished so + often, that at last I have learnt to under-estimate its power. I could + laugh as I sacrificed mine to my mother’s wishes; but that, and that + alone, has given rise to all these horrors. But no, all is not yet lost! + Paula will listen to me; and when she sees what my inmost feelings are—when + I have confessed all to her, good and evil alike—when she knows that + my heart did but wander, and has returned to her who has taught me that + love is no jest, but solemn earnest, swaying all mankind, she will come + round—everything will come right.” + </p> + <p> + A noble and rapturous light came into his face, and as he walked on, his + hopes rose: + </p> + <p> + “When she is mine I know that everything good in me that I have inherited + from my forefathers will blossom forth. When my mother called me to my + father’s bed-side, she said: ‘Come, Orion, life is earnest for you and me + and all our house, your father...’ Yes, it is earnest indeed, however all + this may end! To win Paula, to conciliate her, to bring her near to me, to + have her by my side and do something great, something worthy of her—this + is such a purpose in life as I need! With her, only with her I know I + could achieve it; without her, or with that gilded toy Katharina, old age + will bring me nothing but satiety, sobering and regrets—or, to call + it by its Christian designation: bitter repentance. As Antaeus renewed his + strength by contact with mother earth, so, father do I feel myself grow + taller when I only think of her. She is salvation and honor; the other is + ruin and misery in the future. My poor, dear Father, you will, you must + survive this stroke to see the fulfilment of all your joyful hopes of your + son. You always loved Paula; perhaps you may be the one to appease her and + bring her back to me; and how dear will she be to you, and, God willing, + to my mother, too, when you see her reigning by my side an ornament to + this house, to this city, to this country—reigning like a queen, + your son’s redeeming and guardian angel!” + </p> + <p> + Uplifted, carried away by these thoughts, he had reached the viridarium. + He there found Sebek the steward waiting for his young master: “My lord is + asleep now,” he whispered, “as the physician foretold, but his face.... + Oh, if only we had Philippus here again!” + </p> + <p> + “Have you sent the chariot with the fast horses to the Convent of St. + Cecilia?” asked Orion eagerly; and when Sebek had replied in the + affirmative and vanished again indoors, the young man, overwhelmed with + painful forebodings, sank on his knees near a column to which a crucifix + was hung, and lifted up his hands and soul in fervent prayer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + The physician had installed Paula in her new home, and had introduced her + to the family who were henceforth to be her protectors, and to enable her + to lead a happier life. + </p> + <p> + He had but a few minutes to devote to her and her hosts; for scarcely had + he taken her into the spacious rooms, gay with flowers, of which she now + took possession, when he was enquired for by two messengers, both anxious + to speak with him. Paula knew how critical her uncle’s state was, and now, + contemplating the probability of losing him, she first understood what he + had been to her. Thus sorrow was her first companion in her new abode—a + sorrow to which the comfort of her pretty, airy rooms added keenness. + </p> + <p> + One of the messengers was a young Arab from the other side of the river, + who handed to Philippus a letter from the merchant Haschim. The old man + informed him that, in consequence of a bad fall his eldest son had had, he + was forced to start at once for Djiddah on the Red Sea. He begged the + physician to take every care of his caravan-leader, to whom he was much + attached, to remove him when he thought fit from the governor’s house, and + to nurse him till he was well, in some quiet retreat. He would bear in + mind the commission given him by the daughter of the illustrious Thomas. + He sent with this letter a purse well-filled with gold pieces. + </p> + <p> + The other messenger was to take the leech back again in the light chariot + with the fast horses to the suffering Mukaukas. He at once obeyed the + summons, and the steeds, which the driver did not spare, soon carried him + back to the governor’s house. + </p> + <p> + A glance at his patient told him that this was the beginning of the end; + still, faithful to his principle of never abandoning hope till the heart + of the sufferer had ceased to beat, he raised the senseless man, heedless + of Orion, who was on his knees by his father’s pillow, signed to the + deaconess in attendance, an experienced nurse, and laid cool, wet cloths + on the head and neck of the sufferer, who was stricken with apoplexy. Then + he bled him. + </p> + <p> + Presently the Mukaukas wearily opened his eyes, turned uneasily from side + to side, and recognizing his kneeling son and his wife, bathed in tears, + he murmured, almost inarticulately, for his paralyzed tongue no longer did + his will: “Two pillules, Philip!” + </p> + <p> + The physician unhesitatingly acceded to the request of the dying man, who + again closed his eyes; but only to reopen them, and to say, with the same + difficulty, but with perfect consciousness: “The end is at hand! The + blessing of the Church—Orion, the Bishop.” + </p> + <p> + The young man hastened out of the room to fetch the prelate, who was + waiting in the viridarium with two deacons, an exorcist, and a sacristan + bearing the sacred vessels. + </p> + <p> + The governor listened in devout composure to the service of the last + sacrament, looked on at the ceremonies performed by the exorcist as, with + waving of hands and pious ejaculations he banned the evil spirits and cast + out from the dying man the devil that might have part in him; but he could + no longer swallow the bread which, in the Jacobite rite, was administered + soaked in the wine. Orion took the holy elements for him, and the dying + man, with a smile, murmured to his son: + </p> + <p> + “God be with thee, my son! The Lord, it seems, denies me His precious + Blood—and yet—let me try once more.” + </p> + <p> + This time he succeeded in swallowing the wine and a few crumbs of bread; + and the bishop Ptolimus, a gentle old man of a beautiful and dignified + presence, spoke comfort to him, and asked him whether he felt that he was + dying penitent and in perfect faith in the mercy of his Lord and Saviour, + and whether he repented of his sins and forgave his enemies. + </p> + <p> + The sick man bowed his head with an effort and murmured: + </p> + <p> + “Even the Melchites who murdered my sons—and even the head of our + Church, the Patriarch, who was only too glad to leave it to me to achieve + things which he scrupled to do himself. That—that—But you, + Ptolimus—a wise and worthy servant of the Lord—tell me to the + best of your convictions: May I die in the belief that it was not a sin to + conclude a peace with the Arab conquerors of the Greeks?—May I, even + at this hour, think of the Melchites as heretics?” + </p> + <p> + The prelate drew his still upright figure to its full height, and his mild + features assumed a determined—nay a stern expression as he + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “You know the decision pronounced by the Synod of Ephesus—the words + which should be graven on the heart of every true Jacobite as on marble + and brass ‘May all who divide the nature of Christ—and this is what + the Melchites do—be divided with the sword, be hewn in pieces and be + burnt alive!’—No Head of our Church has ever hurled such a curse at + the Moslems who adore the One God!” + </p> + <p> + The sufferer drew a deep breath, but he presently added with a sigh: + </p> + <p> + “But Benjamin the Patriarch, and John of Niku have tormented my soul with + fears! Still, you too, Ptolimus, bear the crosier, and to you I will + confess that your brethren in office, the shepherds of the Jacobite fold, + have ruined my peace for hundreds of days and nights, and I have been near + to cursing them. But before the night fell the Lord sent light into my + soul, and I forgave them, and now, through you, I crave their pardon and + their blessing. The Church has but reluctantly opened the doors to me in + these last years; but what servant can be allowed to complain of the + Master from whom he expects grace? So listen to me. I close my eyes as a + faithful and devoted adherent of the Church, and in token thereof I will + endow her to the best of my power and adorn her with rich and costly + gifts; I will—but I can say no more.—Speak for me, Orion. You + know—the gems—the hanging....” + </p> + <p> + His son explained to the bishop what a splendid gift, in priceless jewels, + the dying man intended to offer to the Church. He desired to be buried in + the church of St. John at Alexandria by his father’s side, and to be + prayed for in front of the mortuary chapel of his ancestors in the + Necropolis; he had set aside a sum of money, in his will, to pay for the + prayers to be offered for his soul. The priests were well pleased to hear + this, and they absolved him unconditionally and completely; then, after + blessing him fervently, they quitted the room. + </p> + <p> + Philippus heaved a sigh of relief when the ecclesiastics had departed, and + constantly renewed the wet compress, while the dying governor lay for a + long time in silence with his eyes shut. Presently he rubbed them as + though he felt revived, raised his head a little with the physician’s + help, and looking up, said: + </p> + <p> + “Draw the ring off my finger, Orion, and wear it worthily.—Where is + little Mary, where is Paula? I should wish to bid them farewell too.” + </p> + <p> + The young man and his mother exchanged uneasy glances, but Neforis + collected herself at once and replied: + </p> + <p> + “We have sent for Mary; but Paula—you know she never was happy with + us—and since the events of yesterday....” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked the invalid. + </p> + <p> + “She hastily quitted the house; but we parted friends, I can assure you of + that; she is still in Memphis, and she spoke of you most affectionately + and wished to see you, and charged me with many loving messages for you; + so, if you really care to see her....” + </p> + <p> + The sick man tried to nod his head, but in vain. He did not, however, + insist on her being sent for, but his face wore an expression of deep + melancholy and the words came faintly from his lips. + </p> + <p> + “Thomas’ daughter! The noblest and loveliest of all.” + </p> + <p> + “The noblest and loveliest,” echoed Orion, in a voice that was tremulous + with strong, deep and sincere emotion; then he begged the leech and the + deaconess to leave him alone with his parents. As soon as they had left + the room the young man spoke softly but urgently into his father’s ear: + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right, Father,” he said. “She is better and more noble, + more beautiful and more highminded than any girl living. I love her, and + will stake everything to win her heart. Oh, God! Oh, God! Merciful Heaven!—Are + you glad, do you give your consent, Father? You dearest and best of men; I + see it in your face.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, yes,” murmured the governor; his yellow, bloodshot eyes looked + up to Heaven, and with a terrible effort he stammered out: “Blessing—my + blessing, on you and Paula.—Tell her from me.... If she had confided + in her old uncle, as she used to do, the freedman would never have robbed + us.—She is a brave soul; how she fought for the poor fellow. I will + hear more about it if my strength holds out.—Why is she not here?” + </p> + <p> + “She wished so much to bid you farewell,” replied Neforis, “but you were + asleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Was she in such a hurry to be gone?” asked her husband with a bitter + smile. “Fear about the emerald may have had something to do with it? But + how could I be angry with her? Hiram acted without her knowledge, I + suppose? Yes, I knew it!—Ah; that dear, sweet face! If I could but + see it once more. The joy—of my eyes, and my companion at draughts! + A faithful heart too; how she clung to her father! she was ready to + sacrifice everything for him.—And you, you, my old.... But no—no + reproaches at such a time. You, Mother—you, my Neforis, thanks, a + thousand thanks for all your love and kindness. What a mystical and magic + bond is that of a Christian marriage like ours? Mark that, Orion. And you, + Mother: I am anxious about this. You—do not hurt the girl’s feelings + again. Say—say you bless this union; it will make me happier at the + last.—Paula and Orion; both of them-both.—I never dared before—but + what better could we wish?” + </p> + <p> + The matron clasped her hands and sobbed out: + </p> + <p> + “Anything, everything you wish! But Father, Orion, our faith!—And + then, merciful Saviour, that poor little Katharina!” + </p> + <p> + “Katharina!” repeated the sick man, and his feeble lips parted in a + compassionate smile. “Our boy and the water—water—you know + what I would say.” + </p> + <p> + Then his eyes began to sparkle more brightly and he said in a low voice, + but still eagerly, as though death were yet far from him: + </p> + <p> + “My name is George, the son of the Mukaukas; I am the great Mukaukas and + our family—all fine men of a proud race; all: My father, my uncle, + our lost sons, and Orion here—all palms and oaks! And shall a dwarf, + a mere blade of rice be grafted on to the grand old stalwart stock? What + would come of that?—Oh, ho! a miserable little brood! But Paula! The + cedar of Lebanon—Paula; she would give new life to the grand old + race.” + </p> + <p> + “But our faith, our faith,” moaned Neforis. “And you, Orion, do you even + know what her feeling is towards you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes and no. Let that rest for the present,” said the youth, who was + deeply moved. “Oh Father! if I only knew that your blessing...” + </p> + <p> + “The Faith, the Faith,” interrupted the Mukaukas in a broken voice. + </p> + <p> + “I will be true to my own!” cried Orion, raising his father’s hand to his + lips. “But think, picture to yourself, how Paula and I would reign in this + house, and how another generation would grow up in it worthy of the great + Mukaukas and his ancestors!” + </p> + <p> + “I see it, I see it,” murmured the sick man sinking back on his pillows, + unconscious. + </p> + <p> + Philippus was immediately called in, and, with him, little Mary came + weeping into the room. The physician’s efforts to revive the sufferer were + presently successful; again the sick man opened his eyes, and spoke more + distinctly and loudly than before: + </p> + <p> + “There is a perfume of musk. It is the fragrance that heralds the Angel of + Death.” + </p> + <p> + After this he lay still and silent for a long time. His eyes were closed, + but his brows were knit and showed that he was thinking with a painful + effort. At length, with a sigh, he said, almost inaudibly: “So it was and + so it is: The Greek oppressed my people with arbitrary cruelty as if we + were dogs; the Moslem, too, is a stranger, but he is just. That which + happened it was out of my power to prevent; and it is well, it is very + well that it turned out so.—Very well,” he repeated several times, + and then he shivered and said with a groan: + </p> + <p> + “My feet are so cold! But never mind, never mind, I like to be cool.” + </p> + <p> + The leech and the deaconess at once set to work to heat blocks of wood to + warm his feet; the sick man looked up gratefully and went on: “At church, + in the House of God, I have often found it deliciously cool and to-day it + is the Church that eases my death-bed by her pardon. Do you, my Son, be + faithful to her. No member of our house should ever be an apostate. As to + the new faith—it is overspreading land after land with incredible + power; ambition and covetousness are driving thousands into its fold. But + we—we are faithful to Christ Jesus, we are no traitors. If I, I the + Mukaukas, had consented to go over to the Khaliff I might have been a + prince in purple, and have governed my own country in his name. How many + have deserted to the Moslems! And the temptation will come to you, too, + and their faith offers much that is attractive to the crowd. They imagine + a Paradise full of unspeakably alluring joys—but we, my son—we + shall meet again in our own, shall we not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, Father!” cried the young man. “I will remain a Christian, + staunch and true...” + </p> + <p> + “That is right,” interrupted the sick man. He was determined to forget + that his son wished to marry a Melchite and went on quickly: “Paula.... + But no more of that. Remain faithful to your own creed—otherwise.... + However, child, seek your own road; you are—but you will walk in the + right way, and it is because I know that, know it surely, that I can die + so calmly. + </p> + <p> + “I have provided abundantly for your temporal welfare. I have been a good + husband, a faithful father, have I not, O Saviour?—Have I not, + Neforis? And that which is my best and surest comfort is that for many + long years I have administered justice in this land, and never, never once—and + Thou my Refuge and Comforter art my witness!—never once consciously + or willingly have I been an unrighteous judge. Before me the poor were + equal with the rich, the powerful with the helpless widow. Who would have + dared....” Here he broke off; his eyes, wandering feebly round the room, + fell on Mary who had sunk on her knees, opposite to Orion on the other + side of the bed. The dying man, who had thus summed up the outcome of a + long and busy life, ceased his reflections, and when the child saw that he + was vainly trying to turn his powerless head towards her, she threw her + arms round him with passionate grief; unscared by his fixed gaze or the + altered hue of his beloved face, she kissed his lips and cheeks, + exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “Grandfather, dear grandfather, do not leave us; stay with us, pray, pray + stay with us!” + </p> + <p> + Something faintly resembling a smile parted his parched lips, and all the + tenderness with which his soul was overflowing for this sweet young bud of + humanity would have found expression in his voice but that he could only + mutter huskily: + </p> + <p> + “Mary, my darling! For your sake I should be glad to live a long while + yet, a very long while; but the other world—I am standing already on + its threshold. Good-bye—I must indeed say good-bye.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no—I will pray; oh! I will pray so fervently that you may get + well again!” cried the child. But he replied: + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay. The Saviour is already taking me by the hand. Farewell, and + again farewell. Did you bring Paula? I do not see her. Did you bring Paula + with you, sweetheart? She—did she leave us in anger? If she only + knew; ah! your Paula has treated us ill.” The child’s heart was still full + of the horrible crime which had so revolted her truthful nature, and which + had deprived her of rest all through an evening, a long night and a + morning; she laid her little head close to that of the old man—her + dearest and best friend. For years he had filled her father’s place, and + now he was dying, leaving her forever! But she could not let him depart + with a false idea of the woman whom she worshipped with all the fervor of + her child’s heart; in a subdued voice, but with eager feeling, she said, + close to his ear: + </p> + <p> + “But Grandfather, there is one thing you must know before the Saviour + takes you away to be happy in Heaven. Paula told the truth, and never, + never told a lie, not even for Hiram’s sake. An empty gold frame hung to + her necklace and no gem at all. Whatever Orion may say, I saw it myself + and cannot be mistaken, as truly as I hope to see you and my poor father + in heaven! And Katharina, too, thought better of it, and confessed to me + just now that she had committed a great sin and had borne false witness + before the judges to please her dear Orion. I do not know what Hiram had + done to offend him; but on the strength of Katharina’s evidence the judges + condemned him to death. But Paula—you must understand that Paula had + nothing, positively nothing whatever to do with the stealing of the + emerald.” + </p> + <p> + Orion, kneeling there, was condemned to hear every word the little girl so + vehemently whispered, and each one pierced his heart like a dagger-thrust. + Again and again he felt inclined to clutch at her across the bed and fling + her on the ground before his father’s eyes; but grief and astonishment + seemed to have paralyzed his whole being; he had not even the power to + interrupt her with a single word. + </p> + <p> + She had spoken, and all was told. + </p> + <p> + He clung to the couch like a shattered wretch; and when his father turned + his eyes on him and gasped out: “Then the Court—our Court of justice + pronounced an unrighteous sentence?” he bowed his head in contrition. + </p> + <p> + The dying man murmured even less articulately and incoherently than + before: “The gem—the hanging—you, you perhaps—was it + you? that emerald—I cannot...” + </p> + <p> + Orion helped his father in his vain efforts to utter the dreadful words. + Sooner would he have died with the old man than have deceived him in such + a moment; he replied humbly and in a low voice: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Father—I took it. But as surely as I love you and my mother + this, the first reckless act of my life, which has brought such horrors in + its train... Shall be the last,” he would have said; but the words “I took + it,” had scarcely passed his lips when his father was shaken by a violent + trembling, the expression of his eyes changed fearfully, and before the + son had spoken his vow to the end the unhappy father was, by a tremendous + effort, sitting upright. Loud sobs of penitence broke from the young man’s + heaving breast, as the Mukaukas wrathfully exclaimed, in thick accents, as + quickly as the heavy, paralyzed tongue would allow: + </p> + <p> + “You, you! A disgrace to our ancient and blameless Court! You?—Away + with you! A thief, an unjust judge, a false witness,—and the only + descendant of Menas! If only these hands were able—you—you—Go, + villain!” And with this wild outcry, George, the gentle and just Mukaukas, + sank back on his pillows; his bloodshot eyes were staring, fixed on + vacancy; his gasping lips repeated again and again, but less and less + audibly the one word “Villain;” his swollen fingers clutched at the light + coverlet that lay over him; a strange, shrill wheezing came through his + open mouth, and the heavy corpse of the great dignitary fell, like a + falling palm-tree, into Orion’s arms. + </p> + <p> + Orion started up, his eyes inflamed, his hair all dishevelled, and shook + the dead man as though to compel him back to life again, to hear his oath + and accept his vow, to see his tears of repentance, to pardon him and take + back the name of infamy which had been his parting word to his loved and + spoilt child. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this wild outbreak the physician came back, glanced at the + dead man’s distorted features, laid a hand on his heart, and said with + solemn regret as he led little Mary away from the couch: + </p> + <p> + “A good and just man is gone from the land of the living.” + </p> + <p> + Orion cried aloud and pushed away Mary, who had stolen close to him; for, + young as she was, she felt that it was she who had brought the worst woe + on her uncle, and that it was her part to show him some affection. + </p> + <p> + She ran then to her grandmother; but she, too, put her aside and fell on + her knees by the side of her wretched son to weep with him; to console him + who was inconsolable, and in whom, a few minutes since, she had hoped to + find her own best consolation; but her fond words of motherly comfort + found no echo in his broken spirit. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + When Philippus had parted from Paula he had told her that the Mukaukas + might indeed die at any moment, but that it was possible that he might yet + struggle with death for weeks to come. This hope had comforted her; for + she could not bear to think that the only true friend she had had in + Memphis, till she had become more intimate with the physician, should quit + the world forever without having heard her justification. Nothing could be + more unlikely than that any one in Neforis’ household—excepting her + little grandchild should ever remember her with kindness; and she scarcely + desired it; but she rebelled against the idea of forfeiting the respect + she had earned, even in the governor’s house. If her friend should succeed + in prolonging her uncle’s life, by a confidential interview with him she + might win back his old affection and his good opinion. + </p> + <p> + Her new home she felt was but a resting-place, a tabernacle in the + desert-journey of her solitary pilgrimage, and she here meant to avail + herself of the information she had gathered from her Melchite dependents. + Hope had now risen supreme in her heart over grief and disappointment. + Orion’s presence alone hung like a threatening hail-cloud over the + sprouting harvest of her peace of mind. And yet, next to the necessity of + waiting at Memphis for the return of her messenger, nothing tied her to + the place so strongly as her interest in watching the future course of his + life, at any rate from a distance. What she felt for him-and she told + herself it was deep aversion-nevertheless constituted a large share of her + inner life, little as she would confess it to herself. + </p> + <p> + Her new hosts had received her as a welcome guest, and they certainly did + not seem to be poor. The house was spacious, and though it was old and + unpretentious it was comfortable and furnished with artistic taste. The + garden had amazed her by the care lavished on it; she had seen a + hump-backed gardener and several children at work in it. A strange + party-for every one of them, like their chief, was in some way deformed or + crippled. + </p> + <p> + The plot of ground—which extended towards the river to the road-way + for foot passengers, vehicles and the files of men towing the Nile-boats—was + but narrow, and bounded on either side by extensive premises. Not far from + the spot where it lay nearest to the river was the bridge of boats + connecting Memphis with the island of Rodah. To the right was the + magnificent residence—a palace indeed—belonging to Susannah; + to the left was an extensive grove, where tall palms, sycamores with + spreading foliage, and dense thickets of blue-green tamarisk trees cast + their shade. Above this bower of splendid shrubs and ancient trees rose a + long, yellow building crowned with a turret; and this too was not unknown + to her, for she had often heard it spoken of in her uncle’s house, and had + even gone there now and then escorted by Perpetua. It was the convent of + St. Cecilia, the refuge of the last nuns of the orthodox creed left in + Memphis; for, though all the other sisterhoods of her confession had long + since been banished, these had been allowed to remain in their old home, + not only because they were famous sick-nurses, a distinction common to all + the Melchite orders, but even more because the decaying municipality could + not afford to sacrifice the large tax they annually paid to it. This tax + was the interest on a considerable capital bequeathed to the convent by a + certain wise predecessor of the Mukaukas’, with the prudent proviso, + ratified under the imperial seal of Theodosius II., that if the convent + were at any time broken up, this endowment, with the land and buildings + which it likewise owed to the generosity of the same benefactor, should + become the property of the Christian emperor at that time reigning. + </p> + <p> + Mukaukas George, notwithstanding his well-founded aversion for everything + Melchite, had taken good care not to press this useful Sisterhood too + hardly, or to deprive his impoverished capital of its revenues only to + throw them into the hands of the wealthy Moslems. The title-deed on which + the Sisters relied was good; and the governor, who was a good lawyer as + well as a just man, had not only left them unmolested, but in spite of his + fears—during the last few years—for his own safety, had shown + himself no respecter of persons by defending their rights firmly and + resolutely against the powerful patriarch of the Jacobite Church. The + Senate of the ancient capital naturally, approved his course, and had not + merely suffered the heretic Sisterhood to remain, but had helped and + encouraged it. + </p> + <p> + The Jacobite clergy of the city shut their eyes, and only opened them to + watch the convent at Easter-tide; for on the Saturday before Easter, the + nuns, in obedience to an agreement made before the Monophysite Schism, + were required to pay a tribute of embroidered vestments to the head of the + Christian Churches, with wine of the best vintages of Kochome near the + Pyramid of steps, and a considerable quantity of flowers and + confectionary. So the ancient coenobium of women was maintained, and + though all Egypt was by this time Jacobite or Moslem, and many of the + older Sisters had departed this life within the last year, no one had + thought of enquiring how it was that the number of the nuns remained still + the same, till the Jacobite archbishop Benjamin filled the patriarchal + throne of Alexandria in the place of the Melchite Cyrus. + </p> + <p> + To Benjamin the heretical Sisters at Memphis—the hawks in a + dove-cote, as he called them—were an offence, and he thought that + the deed might bear a new interpretation: that as there was no longer a + Christian emperor, and as the word “Christian” was used in the document, + if the convent were broken up the property should pass into the hands of + the only Christian magnate then existing in the country: himself, namely, + and his Church. The ill-feeling which the Patriarch fostered against the + Mukaukas had been aggravated to hostility by their antagonism on this + matter. + </p> + <p> + A musical dirge now fell on Paula’s ear from the convent chapel. Was the + worthy Mother Superior dead? No, this lament must be for some other death, + for the strange skirling wail of the Egyptian women came up to her corner + window from the road, from the bridge, and from the boats on the river. No + Jacobite of Memphis would have dared to express her grief so publicly for + the death of a Melchite; and as the chorus of voices swelled, the thought + struck her with a chill that it must be her uncle and friend who had + closed his weary eyes in death. + </p> + <p> + It was with deep emotion and many tears that she perceived how sincerely + the death of this righteous man was bewailed by all his fellow-citizens. + Yes, he only, and no other Egyptian, could have called forth this great + and expressive regret. The wailing women in the road were daubing the mud + of the river on their foreheads and bosoms; men were standing in large + groups and beating their heads and breasts with passionate gestures. On + the bridge of boats the men would stop others, and from thence, too, + piercing shrieks came across to her. + </p> + <p> + At last Philippus came in and confirmed her fears. The governor’s death + had shocked him no less than it did her, and he had to tell Paula all he + knew of the dead man’s last hours. + </p> + <p> + “Still, one good thing has come out of this misery,” he said. “There is + nothing so comforting as the discovery that we have been deceived in + thinking ill of a man and of his character. This Orion, who has sinned so + basely against himself and against you, is not utterly reprobate.” + </p> + <p> + “Not?” interrupted Paula. “Then he has taken you in too!” + </p> + <p> + “Taken me in?” said the leech. “Hardly, I think. I have, alas! stood by + many a death-bed; for I am too often sent for when Death is already + beckoning the sick man away. I have met thousands of mourners in these + melancholy scenes, which, I can assure you, are the very best school for + training any one who desires to search the hearts of his fellow-creatures. + By the bed of death, or in the mart, where everything is a question of + Mine and Thine, it is easy to see how some—we for instance—are + as careful to hide from the world all that is great and noble in us as + others are to conceal what is petty and mean—we read men’s hearts as + an open page. From my observations of the dying and of those who sorrow + for them, I, who am not Menander not Lucian, could draw a series of + portraits which should be as truthful likenesses as though the men had + turned themselves inside out before me.” + </p> + <p> + “That a dying man should show himself as he really is I can well believe,” + replied Paula. “He need have no further care for the opinions of others; + but the mourners? Why, custom requires them to assume an air of grief and + to shed tears.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true; regret repeats itself by the side of the dead,” replied the + physician. “But the chamber of the dying is like a church. Death + consecrates it, and the man who stands face to face with death often drops + the mask by which he cheats his fellows. There we may see faces which you + would shudder to look on, but others, too, which merely to see is enough + to make us regard the degenerate species to which we belong with renewed + respect.” + </p> + <p> + “And you found such a comforting vision in Orion,—the thief, the + false witness, the corrupt judge!” exclaimed Paula, starting up in + indignant astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “There! you see,” laughed Philippus. “Just like a woman! A little + juggling, and lo! what was only rose color is turned to purple. No. The + son of the Mukaukas has not yet undergone such a dazzling change of hue; + but he has a feeling and impressible heart—and I hold even that in + high esteem. I have no doubt that he loved his father deeply, nay + passionately; though I have ample reason to believe him capable of the + very worst. So long as I was present at the scene of death the father and + son were parting in all friendship and tenderness, and when the good old + man’s heart had ceased to beat I found Orion in a state which is only + possible to have when love has lost what it held dearest.” + </p> + <p> + “All acting!” Paula put in. + </p> + <p> + “But there was no audience, dear friend. Orion would not have got up such + a performance for his mother and little Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is a poet—and a highly-gifted one too. He sings beautiful + songs of his own invention to the lyre; his ecstatic and versatile mind + works him up into any frame of feeling; but his soul is perverted; it is + soaked in wickedness as a sponge drinks up water. He is a vessel full of + beautiful gifts, but he has forfeited all that was good and noble in him—all!” + </p> + <p> + The words came in eager haste from her indignant lips. Her cheeks glowed + with her vehemence, and she thought she had won over the physician; but he + gravely shook his head, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Your righteous anger carries you too far. How often have you blamed me + for severity and suspicions but now I have to beg you to allow me to ask + your sympathy for an experience to which you would probably have raised no + objection the day before yesterday: + </p> + <p> + “I have met with evil-doers of every degree. Think, for instance, how many + cases of wilful poisoning I have had to investigate.” + </p> + <p> + “Even Homer called Egypt the land of poison,” exclaimed Paula. “And it + seems almost incredible that Christianity has not altered it in the least. + Kosmas, who had seen the whole earth, could nowhere find more malice, + deceit, hatred, and ill-will than exist here.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you see in what good schools my experience of the wickedness of men + has ripened,” said Philippus smiling, “and they have taught me chiefly + that there is never a criminal, a sinner, or a scapegrace, however + infamous he may be, however cruel or lost to virtue, in whom some good + quality or other may not be discovered.—Do you remember Nechebt, the + horrible woman who poisoned her two brothers and her own father? She was + captured scarcely three weeks ago; and that very monster in human form + could almost die of hunger and thirst for the sake of her rascally son, + who is a common soldier in the imperial army; at last she took to + concocting poisons, not to improve her own wretched condition, but to send + the shameless wretch means for a fresh debauch. I have known a thousand + similar cases, but I will only mention that of one of the wildest and + blood-thirstiest of robbers, who had evaded the vigilance of the watch + again and again, but at last fell into their hands—and how? Because + he had heard that his old mother was ill and he longed to see the withered + old woman once more and give her a kiss, since he was her own child! In + the same way Orion, however reprobate we may think him, has at any rate + one characteristic which we must approve of: a tender affection for his + father and mother. Your sponge is not utterly steeped in wickedness; there + are still some pores, some cells which resist it; and if in him, as in so + many others, the heart is one of them, then I say hopefully, like Horace + the Roman: ‘Nil desperandum.’ It would be unjust to give him up altogether + for lost.” + </p> + <p> + To this assurance Paula found no answer; indeed, it struck her that—if + Orion had told her the truth—it was only to please his mother that + he had asked Katharina to marry him, while she herself occupied his heart.—The + physician, wishing to change the subject, was about to speak again of the + death of the Mukaukas, when one of the crippled serving girls came to + announce a woman who asked to speak with Paula. A few minutes later she + was clasped in the embrace of her faithful old friend and nurse, who + rejoiced as heartily, laughing and crying for sheer delight, as if no + tidings of misfortune had reached her; while Paula, though so much + younger, was cut to the heart, and could not shake off the spell of her + grief. + </p> + <p> + Perpetua understood this and owed her no grudge for the coolness with + which she met her joyful excitement. + </p> + <p> + She told Paula that she had been well treated in her hot cell, and that + about half an hour since Orion himself, the young Master now, had opened + the door of her prison. He had been very gracious to her, but looked so + pale and sad. The overbearing young man was quite altered; his eyes, which + were dim with weeping, had moved her, Perpetua, to tears. She trusted that + God would forgive him for his sins against herself and Paula; he must have + been possessed by some evil demon; he had not been at all like himself; + for he had a kind, warm heart, and though he had been so hard and unjust + yesterday to poor Hiram he had made it up to him the first thing this + morning, and had not only let him out of prison but had sent him and his + son home to Damascus with large gifts and two horses. Nilus had told her + this. He who hoped to be forgiven by his neighbor must also be ready to + forgive. The great Augustine, even, had been no model of virtue in his + youth and yet he had become a shining light in the Church; and now the son + of the Mukaukas would tread in his father’s footsteps. He was a handsome, + engaging man, who would be the joy of their hearts yet, they might be very + sure. Why, he had been as grave and as solemn as a bishop to-day; perhaps + he had already turned over a new leaf. He himself had put her into his + mother’s chariot and desired the charioteer to drive her hither: what + would Paula say to that? Her things were to be given over to her to-morrow + morning, and packed under her own eyes, and sent after her. Nilus, the + treasurer, had come with her to deliver a message to Paula; but he had + gone first to the convent. + </p> + <p> + Paula desired the old woman to go thither and fetch him; as soon as + Perpetua had left the room, she exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “There, you see, is some one who is quite of your opinion. What creatures + we are! Last evening my good Betta would have thought no pit of hell too + deep for our enemy, and now? To be led to a chariot by such a fine + gentleman in person is no doubt flattering; and how quickly the old body + has forgotten all her grievances, how soothed and satisfied she is by the + gracious permission to pack her precious and cherished possessions with + her own hands.—You told me once that the Jacobites had made a Saint + Orion out of the pagan god Osiris, and my old Betta sees a future Saint + Augustine in the governor’s son. I can see that she already regards him as + her tutelary patron, and when we get back to Syria, she will be begging me + to join her in a pilgrimage to his shrine!” + </p> + <p> + “And you will perhaps consent,” replied the physician, to whom Paula at + this moment, for the first time since his heart had glowed with love for + her, did not seem to be quite what a man looks for in the woman he adores. + Hitherto he had seen and heard nothing that was not high-minded and worthy + of her; but her last words had, been spoken with vehement and indignant + irony—and in Philip’s opinion irony, blame which was intended to + wound and not to improve its object, was unbecoming in a noble woman. The + scornful laugh, with which she had triumphantly ended her speech, had + opened as it were a wide abyss between his mind and hers. He, as he freely + confessed to himself, was of a coarser and humbler grain than Paula, and + he was apt to be satirical oftener than was right. She had been wont to + dislike this habit in him; he had been glad that she did; it answered to + the ideal he had formed of what the woman he loved should be. But now she + had turned satirical; and her irony was no jest of the lips. It sprang, + full of passion, from her agitated soul; this it was that grieved the + leech who knew human nature, and at the same time roused his + apprehensions. Paula read his disapproval in his face, and felt that there + was a deep significance in his words, “And you will perhaps consent.” + </p> + <p> + “Men are vexed,” thought she, “when, after they have decisively expressed + an opinion, we women dare unhesitatingly to assert a different one,” so, + as she would on no account hurt the feelings of the friend to whom she + owed so much, she said kindly: + </p> + <p> + “I do not care to enquire into the meaning of your strange + prognostication. Thank God, by your kindness and care I have severed every + tie that could have bound me to my poor uncle’s son!—Now we will + drop the subject; we have said too much about him already.” + </p> + <p> + “That is quite my opinion,” replied Philippus. “And, indeed, I would beg + you quite to forget my ‘perhaps.’ I live wholly in the present and am no + prophet; but I foresee, nevertheless, that Orion will make every effort, + cost what it may....” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “To approach you again, to win your forgiveness, to touch your heart, + to....” + </p> + <p> + “Let him dare” exclaimed Paula lifting her hand with a threatening + gesture. + </p> + <p> + “And when he, gifted as he is in every way, has found his better self + again and can come forward purified and worthy of the approbation of the + best....” + </p> + <p> + “Still I will never, never forget how he has sinned and what he brought + upon me!—Do you think that I have already forgotten your + conversation with Neforis? You ask nothing of your friends but honest + feeling akin to your own,—and what is it that repels me from Orion + but feeling? Thousands have altered their behavior, but—answer me + frankly—surely not what we mean by their feeling?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that too,” said the leech with stern gravity. “Feeling, too, may + change. Or do you range yourself on the side of the Arab merchant and his + fellow-Moslems, who regard man as the plaything of a blind Fate?—But + our spiritual teachers tell us that the evil to which we are predestined, + which is that born into the world with us, may be averted, turned and + guided to good by what they call spiritual regeneration. But who that + lives in the tumult of the world can ever succeed in ‘killing himself’ in + their sense of the word, in dying while yet he lives, to be born again, a + new man? The penitent’s garb does not suit the stature of an Orion; + however, there is for him another way of returning to the path he has + lost. Fortune has hitherto offered her spoilt favorite so much pleasure, + that sheer enjoyment has left him no time to think seriously on life + itself; now she is showing him its graver side, she is inviting him to + reflect; and if he only finds a friend to give him the counsel which my + father left in a letter for me, his only child, as a youth—and if he + is ready to listen, I regard him as saved.” + </p> + <p> + “And that word of counsel—what is it?” asked Paula with interest. + </p> + <p> + “To put it briefly, it is this: Life is not a banquet spread by fate for + our enjoyment, but a duty which we are bound to fulfil to the best of our + power. Each one must test his nature and gifts, and the better he uses + them for the weal and benefit of the body of which he was born a member, + the higher will his inmost gladness be, the more certainly will he attain + to a beautiful peace of mind, the less terrors will Death have for him. In + the consciousness of having sown seed for eternity he will close his eyes + like a faithful steward at the end of each day, and of the last hour + vouchsafed to him on earth. If Orion recognizes this, if he submits to + accept the duties imposed on him by existence, if he devotes himself to + them now for the first time to the best of his powers, a day may come when + I shall look up to him with respect—nay, with admiration. The + shipwreck of which the Arab spoke has overtaken him. Let us see how he + will save himself from the waves, and behave when he is cast on shore.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us see!” repeated Paula, “and wish that he may find such an adviser! + As you were speaking it struck me that it was my part.—But no, no! + He has placed himself beyond the pale of the compassion which I might have + felt even for an enemy after such a frightful blow. He! He can and shall + never be anything to me till the end of time. I have to thank you for + having found me this haven of rest. Help me now to keep out everything + that can intrude itself here to disturb my peace. If Orion should ever + dare, for whatever purpose, to force or steal a way into this house, I + trust to you, my friend and deliverer!” + </p> + <p> + She held out her hand to Philippus, and as he took it the blood seethed in + his veins with tender emotion. + </p> + <p> + “My strength, like my heart, is wholly yours!” he exclaimed ardently. + “Command them, and if the devoted love of a faithful, plain-spoken man—” + </p> + <p> + “Say no more, no, no!” Paula broke in with anxious vehemence. “Let us + remain closely bound together by friendship-as brother and sister.” + </p> + <p> + “As brother and sister?” he dully echoed with a melancholy smile. “Aye, + friendship too is a beautiful, beautiful thing. But yet—let me speak—I + have dreamed of love, the tossing sea of passion; I have felt its surges + here—in here; I feel them still.... But man, man,” and he struck his + forehead with his fist, “have you forgotten, like a fool, what your image + is in the mirror; have you forgotten that you are an ugly, clumsy fellow, + and that the gorgeous flower you long for....” + </p> + <p> + Paula had shrunk back, startled by her friend’s vehemence; but she now + went up to him, and taking his hand with frank spirit, she said + impressively: + </p> + <p> + “It is not so, Philippus, my dear, kind, only friend. The gorgeous flower + you desire I can no longer give you—or any one. It is mine no + longer; for when it had opened, once for all, cruel feet trod it down. Do + not abuse your mirrored image; do not call yourself a clumsy fellow. The + best and fairest might be proud of your love, just as you are. Am I not + proud, shall I not always be proud of your friendship?” + </p> + <p> + “Friendship, friendship!” he retorted, snatching away his hand. “This + burning, longing heart thirsts for other feelings! Oh, woman! I know the + wretch who has trodden down the flower of flowers in your heart, and I, + madman that I am, can sing his praises, can take his part; and cost what + it may, I will still do so as long as you.... But perhaps the glorious + flower may strike new roots in the soil of hatred and I, the hapless + wretch who water it, may see it.” + </p> + <p> + At this, Paula again took both his hands, and exclaimed in deep and + painful agitation of mind: + </p> + <p> + “Say no more, I beg and entreat you. How can I live in peace here, under + your protection and in constant intercourse with you, without knowing + myself guilty of a breach of propriety such as the most sacred feelings of + a young girl bid her avoid, if you persist in overstepping the limits + which bound true and faithful friendship? I am a lonely girl and should + give myself up to despair, as lost, if I could not take refuge in the + belief that I can rely upon myself. Be satisfied with what I have to offer + you, my friend, and may God reward you! Let us both remain worthy of the + esteem which, thank Heaven! we are fully justified in feeling for each + other.” + </p> + <p> + The physician, deeply moved, bent his head; scarcely able to control + himself, he pressed her firm white hand to his lips, while, just at this + moment, Perpetua and the treasurer came into the room. + </p> + <p> + This worthy official—a perfectly commonplace man, neither tall nor + short, neither old nor young, with a pale, anxious face, furrowed by work + and responsibility, but shrewd and finely cut-glanced keenly at the pair, + and then proceeded to lay a considerable sum in gold pieces before Paula. + His young master had sent it, in obedience to his deceased father’s + wishes, for her immediate needs; the rest, the larger part of her fortune, + with a full account, would be given over to her after the Mukaukas was + buried. Nilus could, however, give her an approximate idea of the sum, and + it was so considerable that Paula could not believe her ears. She now saw + herself secure against external anxiety, nay, in such ease that she was + justified in living at some expense. + </p> + <p> + Philippus was present throughout the interview, and it cut him to the + heart. It had made him so happy to think that he was all in all to the + poor orphan, and could shelter her against pressing want. He had been + prepared to take upon himself the care of providing Paula with the home + she had found and everything she could need; and now, as it turned out, + his protege was not merely higher in rank than himself, but much richer. + </p> + <p> + He felt as though Orion’s envoy had robbed him of the best joy in life. + After introducing Paula to her worthy host and his family, he quitted the + house of Rufinus with a very crushed aspect. + </p> + <p> + When night came Perpetua once more enjoyed the privilege of assisting her + young mistress to undress; but Paula could not sleep, and when she joined + her new friends next morning she told herself that here, if anywhere, was + the place where she might recover her lost peace, but that she must still + have a hard struggle and a long pilgrimage before she could achieve this. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + During all these hours Orion had been in the solitude of his own rooms. + Next to them was little Mary’s sleeping-room; he had not seen the child + again since leaving his father’s death-bed. He knew that she was lying + there in a very feverish state, but he could not so far command himself as + to enquire for her. When, now and again, he could not help thinking of + her, he involuntarily clenched his fists. His soul was shaken to the + foundations; desperate, beside himself, incapable of any thought but that + he was the most miserable man on earth—that his father’s curse had + blighted him—that nothing could undo what had happened—that + some cruel and inexorable power had turned his truest friend into a foe + and had sundered them so completely that there was no possibility of + atonement or of moving him to a word of pardon or a kindly glance—he + paced the long room from end to end, flinging himself on his knees at + intervals before the divan, and burying his burning face in the soft + pillows. From time to time he could pray, but each time he broke off; for + what Power in Heaven or on earth could unseal those closed eyes and stir + that heart to beat again, that tongue to speak—could vouchsafe to + him, the outcast, the one thing for which his soul thirsted and without + which he thought he must die: Pardon, pardon, his father’s pardon! Now and + then he struck his forehead and heart like a man demented, with cries of + anguish, curses and lamentations. + </p> + <p> + About midnight—it was but just twelve hours since that fearful + scene, and to him it seemed like as many days—he threw himself on + the couch, dressed as he was in the dark mourning garments, which he had + half torn off in his rage and despair, and broke out into such loud groans + that he himself was almost frightened in the silence of the night. Full of + self-pity and horror at his own deep grief, he turned his face to the wall + to screen his eyes from the clear, full moon, which only showed him things + he did not want to see, while it hurt him. + </p> + <p> + His torture was beginning to be quite unbearable; he fancied his soul was + actually wounded, riven, and torn; it had even occurred to him to seize + his sharpest sword and throw himself upon it like Ajax in his fury—and + like Cato—and so put a sudden end to this intolerable and + overwhelming misery. + </p> + <p> + He started up for—surely it was no illusion, no mistake-the door of + his room was softly opened and a white figure came in with noiseless, + ghostly steps. He was a brave man, but his blood ran cold; however, in a + moment he recognized his nocturnal visitor as little Mary. She came across + the moonlight without speaking, but he exclaimed in a sharp tone: + </p> + <p> + “What is the meaning of this? What do you want?” + </p> + <p> + The child started and stood still in alarm, stretching out imploring hands + and whispering timidly: + </p> + <p> + “I heard you lamenting. Poor, poor Orion! And it was I who brought it all + on you, and so I could not stay in bed any longer—I must—I + could not help....” But she could say no more for sobs. Orion exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Very well, very well: go back to your own room and sleep. I will try not + to groan so loud.” + </p> + <p> + He ended his speech in a less rough tone, for he observed that the child + had come to see him, though she was ill, with bare feet and only in her + night-shift, and was trembling with cold, excitement, and grief. Mary, + however, stood still, shook her head, and replied, still weeping though + less violently: + </p> + <p> + “No, no. I shall stop here and not go away till you tell me that you—Oh, + God, you never can forgive me, but still I must say it, I must.” + </p> + <p> + With a sudden impulse she ran straight up to him, threw her arms round his + neck, laid her head against his, and then, as he did not immediately push + her away, kissed his cheeks and brow. + </p> + <p> + At this a strange feeling came over him; he himself did not know what it + was, but it was as though something within him yielded and gave way, and + the moisture which felt warm in his eyes and on his cheeks was not from + the child’s tears but his own. This lasted through many minutes of + silence; but at last he took the little one’s arms from about his neck, + saying: + </p> + <p> + “How hot your hands and your cheeks are, poor thing! You are feverish, and + the night air blows in chill—you will catch fresh cold by this mad + behavior.” + </p> + <p> + He had controlled his tears with difficulty, and as he spoke, in broken + accents, he carefully wrapped her in the black robe he had thrown off and + said kindly: + </p> + <p> + “Now, be calm, and I will try to compose myself. You did not mean any + harm, and I owe you no grudge. Now go; you will not feel the draught in + the anteroom with that wrap on. Go; be quick.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” she eagerly replied. “You must let me say what I have to say or + I cannot sleep. You see I never thought of hurting you so dreadfully, so + horribly—never, never! I was angry with you, to be sure, because—but + when I spoke I really and truly did not think of you, but only of poor + Paula. You do not know how good she is, and grandfather was so fond of her + before you came home; and he was lying there and going to die so soon, and + I knew that he believed Paula to be a thief and a liar, and it seemed to + me so horrible, so unbearable to see him close his eyes with such a + mistake in his mind, such an injustice!—Not for his sake, oh no! but + for Paula’s; so then I—Oh Orion! the Merciful Saviour is my witness, + I could not help it; if I had had to die for it I could not have helped + it! I should have died, if I had not spoken!” + </p> + <p> + “And perhaps it was well that you spoke,” interrupted the young man, with + a deep sigh. “You see, child, your lost father’s miserable brother is a + ruined man and it matters little about him; but Paula, who is a thousand + times better than I am, has at least had justice done her; and as I love + her far more dearly than your little heart can conceive of, I will gladly + be friends with you again: nay, I shall be more fond of you than ever. + That is nothing great or noble, for I need love—much love to make + life tolerable. The best love a man may have I have forfeited, fool that I + am! and now dear, good little soul, I could not bear to lose yours! So + there is my hand upon it; now, give me another kiss and then go to bed and + sleep.” + </p> + <p> + But still Mary would not do his bidding, but only thanked him vehemently + and then asked with sparkling eyes: + </p> + <p> + “Really, truly? Do you love Paula so dearly?” At this point however she + suddenly checked herself. “And little Katharina...” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind about that,” he replied with a sigh. “And learn a lesson from + all this. I, you see, in an hour of recklessness did a wrong thing; to + hide it I had to do further wrong, till it grew to a mountain which fell + on me and crushed me. Now, I am the most miserable of men and I might + perhaps have been the happiest. I have spoilt my own life by my own folly, + weakness, and guilt; and I have lost Paula, who is dearer to me than all + the other creatures on earth put together. Yes, Mary, if she had been + mine, your poor uncle would have been the most enviable fellow in the + world, and he might have been a fine fellow, too, a man of great + achievements. But as it is!—Well, what is done cannot be undone! Now + go to bed child; you cannot understand it all till you are older.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh I understand it already and much better perhaps than you suppose,” + cried the ten years’ old child. “And if you love Paula so much why should + not she love you? You are so handsome, you can do so many things, every + one likes you, and Paula would have loved you, too, if only.... Will you + promise not to be angry with me, and may I say it?” + </p> + <p> + “Speak out, little simpleton.” + </p> + <p> + “She cannot owe you any grudge when she knows how dreadfully you are + suffering on her account and that you are good at heart, and only that + once ever did—you know what. Before you came home, grandfather said + a hundred times over what a joy you had been to him all your life through, + and now, now.... Well, you are my uncle, and I am only a stupid little + girl; still, I know that it will be just the same with you as it was with + the prodigal son in the Bible. You and grandfather parted in anger....” + </p> + <p> + “He cursed me,” Orion put in gloomily. + </p> + <p> + “No, no! For I heard every word he said. He only spoke of your evil deed + in those dreadful words and bid you go out of his sight.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is the difference—Cursed or outcast?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! a very great difference! He had good reason to be angry with you; but + the prodigal son in the Bible became his father’s best beloved, and he had + the fatted calf slain for him and forgave him all; and so will grandfather + in heaven forgive, if you are good again, as you used to be to him and to + all of us. Paula will forgive you, too; I know her—you will see. + Katharina loved you of course; but she, dear Heaven! She is almost as much + a child as I am; and if only you are kind to her and make her some pretty + present she will soon be comforted. She really deserves to be punished for + bearing false witness, and her punishment cannot, at any rate, be so heavy + as yours.” + </p> + <p> + These words from the lips of an innocent child could not but fall like + seed corn on the harrowed field of the young man’s tortured soul and + refresh it as with morning dew. Long after Mary had gone to rest he lay + thinking them over. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + The funeral rites over the body of the deceased Mukaukas were performed on + the day after the morrow. Since the priesthood had forbidden the old + heathen practice of mummifying the dead, and even cremation had been + forbidden by the Antonines, the dead had to be interred soon after + decease; only those of high rank were hastily embalmed and lay in state in + some church or chapel to which they had contributed an endowment. Mukaukas + George was, by his own desire, to be conveyed to Alexandria and there + buried in the church of St. John by his father’s side; but the carrier + pigeon, by which the news of the governor’s death had been sent to the + Patriarch, had returned with instructions to deposit the body in the + family tomb at Memphis, as there were difficulties in the way of the + fulfillment of his wishes. + </p> + <p> + Such a funeral procession had not been seen there within the memory of + man. Even the Moslem viceroy, the great general Amru, came over from the + other side of the Nile, with his chief military and civil officers, to pay + the last honors to the just and revered governor. Their brown, sinewy + figures, and handsome calm faces, their golden helmets and shirts of mail, + set with precious stones—trophies of the war of destruction in + Persia and Syria—their magnificent horses with splendid trappings, + and the authoritative dignity of their bearing made a great impression on + the crowd. They arrived with slow and impressive solemnity; they returned + like a cloud driven before the storm, galloping homewards from the + burial-ground along the quay, and then thundering and clattering over the + bridge of boats. Vivid and dazzling lightnings had flashed through the + wreaths of white dust that shrouded them, as their gold armor reflected + the sun. Verily, these horsemen, each of them worthy to be a prince in his + pride, could find it no very hard task to subdue the mightiest realms on + earth. + </p> + <p> + Men and women alike had gazed at them with trembling admiration: most of + all at the heroic stature and noble dusky face of Amru, and at the son of + the deceased Mukaukas, who, by the Moslem’s desire, rode at his side in + mourning garb on a fiery black horse. + </p> + <p> + The handsome youth, and the lordly, powerful man were a pair from whom the + women were loth to turn their eyes; for both alike were of noble demeanor, + both of splendid stature, both equally skilled in controlling the + impatience of their steeds, both born to command. Many a Memphite was more + deeply impressed by the head of the famous warrior, erect on a long and + massive throat, with its sharply-chiselled aquiline nose and flashing + black eyes, than by the more regular features and fine, slightly-waving + locks of the governor’s son—the last representative of the oldest + and proudest race in all Egypt. + </p> + <p> + The Arab looked straight before him with a steady, commanding gaze; the + youth, too, looked up and forwards, but turned from time to time to survey + the crowd of mourners. As he caught sight of Paula, among the group of + women who had joined the procession, a gleam of joy passed over his pale + face, and a faint flush tinged his cheeks; his fixed outlook had knit his + brows and had given his features an expression of such ominous sternness + that one and another of the bystanders whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Our gay and affable young lord will make a severe ruler.” + </p> + <p> + The cause of his indignation had not escaped the notice either of his + noble companion or of the crowd. He alone knew as yet that the Patriarch + had prohibited the removal of his father’s remains to Alexandria; but + every one could see that the larger portion of the priesthood of Memphis + were absent from this unprecedented following. The Bishop alone marched in + front of the six horses drawing the catafalque on which the costly + sarcophagus was conveyed to the burying-place, in accordance with ancient + custom:—Bishop Plotinus, with John, a learned and courageous priest, + and a few choristers bearing a crucifix and chanting psalms. + </p> + <p> + On arriving at the Necropolis they all dismounted, and the barefooted + runners in attendance on the Arabs came forward to hold the horses. By the + tomb the Bishop pronounced a few warm words of eulogy, after which the + thin chant of the choristers sounded trivial and meagre enough; but + scarcely had they ceased when the crowd uplifted its many thousand voices, + and a hymn of mourning rang out so loud and grand that this burial ground + had scarcely ever heard the like. The remaining ceremonies were hasty and + incomplete, since the priests who were indispensable to their performance + had not made their appearance. + </p> + <p> + Amru, whose falcon eye nothing could escape, at once noted the omission + and exclaimed, in so loud and inconsiderate a voice that it could be heard + even at some distance. + </p> + <p> + “The dead is made to atone for what the living, in his wisdom, did for his + country’s good, hand-in-hand with us Moslems.” + </p> + <p> + “By the Patriarch’s orders,” replied Orion, and his voice quavered, while + the veins in his forehead swelled with rage. “But I swear, by my father’s + soul, that as surely as there is a just God, it shall be an evil day for + Benjamin when he closes the gate of Heaven against this noblest of noble + souls.” + </p> + <p> + “We carry the key of ours under our own belt,” replied the general, + striking his deep chest, while he smiled consciously and with a kindly eye + on the young man. “Come and see me on Saturday, my young friend; I have + something to say to you! I shall expect you at sundown at my house over + there. If I am not at home by dusk, you must wait for me.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he twisted his hand in his horse’s mane and Orion prepared to + assist him to mount; but the Arab, though a man of fifty, was too quick + for him. He flung himself into the saddle as lightly as a youth, and gave + his followers the signal for departure. + </p> + <p> + Paula had been standing close to the entrance of the tomb with Dame + Neforis, and she had heard every word of the dialogue between the two men. + Pale, as she beheld him, in costly but simple, flowing, mourning robes, + stricken by solemn and manly indignation, it was impossible that she + should not confess that the events of the last days had had a powerful + effect on the misguided youth. + </p> + <p> + When Paula had led the grief-worn but tearless widow to her chariot, and + had then returned home with Perpetua, the image of the handsome and + wrathful youth as he lifted his powerful arm and tightly-clenched fist and + shook them in the air, still constantly haunted her. She had not failed to + observe that he had seen her standing opposite to him by the open tomb and + she had been able to avoid meeting his eye; but her heart had throbbed so + violently that she still felt it quivering, she had not succeeded in + thinking of the beloved dead with due devotion. + </p> + <p> + Orion, as yet, had neither come near her in her peaceful retreat, nor sent + any messenger to deliver her belongings, and this she thought very + natural; for she needed no one to tell her how many claims there must be + on his time. + </p> + <p> + But though, before the funeral, she had firmly resolved to refuse to see + him if he came, and had given her nurse fall powers to receive from his + hand the whole of her property, after the ceremony this line of conduct no + longer struck her as seemly; indeed, she considered it no more than her + duty to the departed not to repel Orion if he should crave her + forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + And there was another thing which she owed to her uncle. She desired to be + the first to point out to Orion, from Philip’s point of view, that life + was a post, a duty; and then, if his heart seemed opened to this + admonition, then—but no, this must be all that could pass between + them—then all must be at an end, extinct, dead, like the fires in a + sunken raft, like a soap-bubble that the wind has burst, like an echo that + has died away—all over and utterly gone. + </p> + <p> + And as to the counsel she thought of offering to the man she had once + looked up to? What right had she to give it? Did he not look like a man + quite capable of planning and living his own life in his own strength? Her + heart thirsted for him, every fibre of her being yearned to see him again, + to hear his voice, and it was this longing, this craving to which she gave + the name of duty, connecting it with the gratitude she owed to the dead. + </p> + <p> + She was so much absorbed in these reflections and doubts that she scarcely + heard all the garrulous old nurse was saying as she walked by her side. + </p> + <p> + Perpetua could not be easy over such a funeral ceremony as this; so + different to anything that Memphis had been wont to see. No priests, a + procession on horseback, mourners riding, and among them the son even of + the dead—while of old the survivors had always followed the body on + foot, as was everywhere the custom! And then a mere chirping of crickets + at the tomb of such illustrious dead, followed by the disorderly squalling + of an immense mob—it had nearly cracked her ears! However, the + citizens might be forgiven for that, since it was all in honor of their + departed governor!—this thought touched even her resolute heart and + brought the tears to her eyes; but it roused her wrath, too, for had she + not seen quite humble folk buried in a more solemn manner and with + worthier ceremonial than the great and good Mukaukas George, who had made + such a magnificent gift to the Church. Oh those Jacobites! They only were + capable of such ingratitude, only their heretical prelate could commit + such a crime. Every one in the Convent of St. Cecilia, from the abbess + down to the youngest novice, knew that the Patriarch had sent word by a + carrier pigeon forbidding the Bishop to allow the priests to take part in + the ceremony. Plotinus was a worthy man, and he had been highly indignant + at these instructions; it was not in his power to contravene them; but at + any rate he had led the procession in person, and had not forbidden John’s + accompanying him. Orion, however, had not looked as though he meant to + brook such an insult to his father or let it pass unpunished. And whose + arm was long enough to reach the Patriarch’s throne if not.... But no, it + was impossible! the mere thought of such a thing made her blood run cold. + Still, still.... And how graciously the Moslem leader had talked with him!—Merciful + Heaven! If he were to turn apostate from the holy Christian faith, like so + many reprobate Egyptians, and subscribe to the wicked doctrines of the + Arabian false prophet! It was a tempting creed for shameless men, allowing + them to have half a dozen wives or more without regarding it as a sin. A + man like Orion could afford to keep them, of course; for the abbess had + said that every one knew that the great Mukaukas was a very rich man, + though even the chief magistrate of the city could not fully satisfy + himself concerning the enormous amount of property left. Well, well; God’s + ways were past finding out. Why should He smother one under heaps of gold, + while He gave thousands of poor creatures too little to satisfy their + hunger! + </p> + <p> + By the end of this torrent of words the two women had reached the house; + and not till then was Paula clear in her own mind: Away, away with the + passion which still strove for the mastery, whether it were in deed hatred + or love! For she felt that she could not rightly enjoy her recovered + freedom, her new and quiet happiness in the pretty home she owed to the + physician’s thoughtful care, till she had finally given up Orion and + broken the last tie that had bound her to his house. + </p> + <p> + Could she desire anything more than what the present had to offer her? She + had found a true haven of rest where she lacked for nothing that she could + desire for herself after listening to the admonitions of Philip pus. Round + her were good souls who felt with and for her, many occupations for which + she was well-fitted, and which suited her tastes, with ample opportunities + of bestowing and winning love. Then, a few steps through pleasant shades + took her to the convent where she could every day attend divine service + among pious companions of her own creed, as she had done in her childhood. + She had longed intensely for such food for the spirit, and the abbess—who + was the widow of a distinguished patrician of Constantinople and had known + Paula’s parents—could supply it in abundance. How gladly she talked + to the girl of the goodness and the beauty of those to whom she owed her + being and whom she had so early lost! She could pour out to this motherly + soul all that weighed on her own, and was received by her as a beloved + daughter of her old age. + </p> + <p> + And her hosts—what kind-hearted though singular folks! nay, in their + way, remarkable. She had never dreamed that there could be on earth any + beings at once so odd and so lovable. + </p> + <p> + First there was old Rufinus, the head of the house, a vigorous, hale old + man, who, with his long silky, snow-white hair and beard, looked something + like the aged St. John and something like a warrior grown grey in service. + What an amiable spirit of childlike meekness he had, in spite of the rough + ways he sometimes fell into. Though inclined to be contradictory in his + intercourse with his fellow-men, he was merry and jocose when his views + were opposed to theirs. She had never met a more contented soul or a + franker disposition, and she could well understand how much it must fret + and gall such a man to live on,—day after day, appearing, in one + respect at any rate, different from what he really was. For he, too, + belonged to her confession; but, though he sent his wife and daughter to + worship in the convent chapel, he himself was compelled to profess himself + a Coptic Christian, and submit to the necessity of attending a Jacobite + church with all his family on certain holy days, averse as he was to its + unattractive form of worship. + </p> + <p> + Rufinus possessed a sufficient fortune to secure him a comfortable + maintenance; and yet he was hard at work, in his own way, from morning + till night. Not that his labors brought him any revenues; on the contrary, + they led to claims on his resources; every one knew that he was a man of + good means, and this would have certainly involved him in persecution if + the Patriarch’s spies had discovered him to be a Melchite, resulting in + exile and probably the confiscation of his goods. Hence it was necessary + to exercise caution, and if the old man could have found a purchaser for + his house and garden, in a city where there were ten times as many houses + empty as occupied, he would long since have set out with all his household + to seek a new home. + </p> + <p> + Most aged people of vehement spirit and not too keen intellect, adopt a + saying as a stop-gap or resting-place, and he was fond of using two + phrases one of which ran: “As sure as man is the standard of all things” + and the other—referring to his house—“As sure as I long to be + quit of this lumber.” But the lumber consisted of a well-built and very + spacious dwellinghouse, with a garden which had commanded a high price in + earlier times on account of its situation near the river. He himself had + acquired it at very small cost shortly before the Arab incursion, and—so + quickly do times change—he had actually bought it from a Jacobite + Christian who had been forced by the Melchite Patriarch Cyrus, then in + power, to fly in haste because he had found means to convert his orthodox + slaves to his confession. + </p> + <p> + It was Philippus who had persuaded his accomplished and experienced friend + to come to Memphis; he had clung to him faithfully, and they assisted each + other in their works. + </p> + <p> + Rufinus’ wife, a frail, ailing little woman, with a small face and rather + hollow cheeks, who must once have been very attractive and engaging, might + have passed for his daughter; she was, in fact, twenty years younger than + her husband. It was evident that she had suffered much in the course of + her life, but had taken it patiently and all for the best. Her restless + husband had caused her the greatest trouble and alarms, and yet she + exerted herself to the utmost to make his life pleasant. She had the art + of keeping every obstacle and discomfort out of his way, and guessed with + wonderful instinct what would help him, comfort him, and bring him joy. + The physician declared that her stooping attitude, her bent head, and the + enquiring expression of her bright, black eyes were the result of her + constant efforts to discover even a straw that might bring harm to Rufinus + if his callous and restless foot should tread on it. + </p> + <p> + Their daughter Pulcheria, was commonly called “Pul” for short, to save + time, excepting when the old man spoke of her by preference as “the poor + child.” There was at all times something compassionate in his attitude + towards his daughter; for he rarely looked at her without asking himself + what could become of this beloved child when he, who was so much older, + should have closed his eyes in death and his Joanna perhaps should soon + have followed him; while Pulcheria, seeing her mother take such care of + her father that nothing was left for her to do, regarded herself as the + most superfluous creature on earth and would have been ready at any time + to lay down her life for her parents, for the abbess, for her faith, for + the leech; nay, and though she had known her for no more than two days, + even for Paula. However, she was a very pretty, well-grown girl, with + great open blue eyes and a dreamy expression, and magnificent red-gold + hair which could hardly be matched in all Egypt. Her father had long known + of her desire to enter the convent as a novice and become a nursing + sister; but though he had devoted his whole life to a similar impulse, he + had more than once positively refused to accede to her wishes, for he must + ere long be gathered to his fathers and then her mother, while she + survived him, would want some one else to wear herself out for. + </p> + <p> + Just now “Pul” was longing less than usual to take the veil; for she had + found in Paula a being before whom she felt small indeed, and to whom her + unenvious soul, yearning and striving for the highest, could look up in + satisfied and rapturous admiration. In addition to this, there were under + her own roof two sufferers needing her care: Rustem, the wounded + Masdakite, and the Persian girl. Neforis, who since the fearful hour of + her husband’s death had seemed stunned and indifferent to all the claims + of daily life, living only in her memories of the departed, had been more + than willing to leave to the physician the disposal of these two and their + removal from her house. + </p> + <p> + In the evening after Paula’s arrival Philippus had consulted with his + friends as to the reception of these new guests, and the old man had + interrupted him, as soon as he raised the question of pecuniary + indemnification, exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “They are all very welcome. If they have wounds, we will make them heal; + if their heads are turned, we will screw them the right way round; if + their souls are dark, we will light up a flame in them. If the fair Paula + takes a fancy to us, she and her old woman may stay as long as it suits + her and us. We made her welcome with all our hearts; but, on the other + hand, you must understand that we must be free to bid her farewell—as + free as she is to depart. It is impossible ever to know exactly how such + grand folks will get on with humble ones, and as sure as I long to be quit + of this piece of lumber I might one day take it into my head to leave it + to the owls and jackals and fare forth, staff in hand.—You know me. + As to indemnification—we understand each other. A full purse hangs + behind the sick, and the sound one has ten times more than she needs, so + they may pay. You must decide how much; only—for the women’s sake, + and I mean it seriously—be liberal. You know what I need Mammon for; + and it would be well for Joanna if she had less need to turn over every + silver piece before she spends it in the housekeeping. Besides, the lady + herself will be more comfortable if she contributes to pay for the food + and drink. It would ill beseem the daughter of Thomas to be down every + evening under the roof of such birds of passage as we are with thanks for + favors received. When each one pays his share we stand on a footing of + give and take; and if either one feels any particular affection to another + it is not strangled by ‘thanks’ or ‘take it;’ it is love for love’s sake + and a joy to both parties.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen,” said the leech; and Paula had been quite satisfied by her friend’s + arrangements. + </p> + <p> + By the next day she felt herself one of the household, though she every + hour found something that could not fail to strike her as strange. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> + <p> + When Paula had eaten with Rufinus and his family after the funeral + ceremonies, she went into the garden with Pul and the old man—it had + been impossible to induce Perpetua to sit at the same table with her + mistress. The sun was now low, and its level beams gave added lustre to + the colors of the flowers and to the sheen of the thick, metallic foliage + of the south, which the drought and scorching heat had still spared. A + bright-hued humped ox and an ass were turning the wheel which raised + cooling waters from the Nile and poured them into a large tank from which + they flowed through narrow rivulets to irrigate the beds. This toil was + now very laborious, for the river had fallen to so low a level as to give + cause for anxiety, even at this season of extreme ebb. Numbers of birds + with ruffled feathers, with little splints on their legs, or with sadly + drooping heads, were going to roost in small cages hung from the branches + to protect them from cats and other beasts of prey; to each, as he went + by, Rufinus spoke a kindly word, or chirruped to encourage and cheer it. + Aromatic odors filled the garden, and rural silence; every object shone in + golden glory, even the black back of the negro working at the water-wheel, + and the white and yellow skin of the ox; while the clear voices of the + choir of nuns thrilled through the convent-grove. Pul listened, turning + her face to meet it, and crossing her arms over her heart. Her father + pointed to her as he said to Paula: + </p> + <p> + “That is where her heart is. May she ever have her God before her eyes! + That cannot but be the best thing for a woman. Still, among such as we + are, we must hold to the rule: Every man for his fellowman on earth, in + the name of the merciful Lord!—Can our wise and reasonable Father in + Heaven desire that brother should neglect brother, or—as in our case—a + child forsake its parents?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” replied Paula. “For my own part, nothing keeps me from + taking the veil but my hope of finding my long-lost father; I, like your + Pulcheria, have often longed for the peace of the cloister. How piously + rapt your daughter stands there! What a sweet and touching sight!—In + my heart all was dark and desolate; but here, among you all, it is already + beginning to feel lighter, and here, if anywhere, I shall recover what I + lost in my other home.—Happy child! Could you not fancy, as she + stands there in the evening light, that the pure devotion which fills her + soul, radiated from her? If I were not afraid of disturbing her, and if I + were worthy, how gladly would I join my prayers to hers!” + </p> + <p> + “You have a part in them as it is,” replied the old man with a smile. “At + this moment St. Cecilia appears to her under the guise of your features. + We will ask her—you will see.” + </p> + <p> + “No, leave her alone!” entreated Paula with a blush, and she led Rufinus + away to the other end of the garden. + </p> + <p> + They soon reached a spot where a high hedge of thorny shrubs parted the + old man’s plot from that of Susannah. Rufinus here pricked up his ears and + then angrily exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “As sure as I long to be quit of this lumber, they are cutting my hedge + again! Only last evening I caught one of the slaves just as he was going + to work on the branches; but how could I get at the black rascal through + the thorns? It was to make a peep-hole for curious eyes, or for spies, for + the Patriarch knows how to make use of a petticoat; but I will be even + with them! Do you go on, pray, as if you had seen and heard nothing; I + will fetch my whip.” + </p> + <p> + The old man hurried away, and Paula was about to obey him; but scarcely + had he disappeared when she heard herself called in a shrill girl’s voice + through a gap in the hedge, and looking round, she spied a pretty face + between the boughs which had yesterday been forced asunder by a man’s + hands—like a picture wreathed with greenery. + </p> + <p> + Even in the twilight she recognized it at once, and when Katharina put her + curly head forward, and said in a beseeching tone: “May I get through, and + will you listen to me?” she gladly signified her consent. + </p> + <p> + The water-wagtail, heedless of Paula’s hand held out to help her, slipped + through the gap so nimbly that it was evident that she had not long ceased + surmounting such obstacles in her games with Mary. As swift as the wind + she came down on her feet, holding out her arms to rush at Paula; but she + suddenly let them fall in visible hesitancy, and drew back a step. Paula, + however, saw her embarrassment; she drew the girl to her, kissed her + forehead, and gaily exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Trespassing! And why could you not come in by the gate? Here comes my + host with his hippopotamus thong.—Stop, stop, good Rufinus, for the + breach effected in your flowery wall was intended against me and not + against you. There stands the hostile power, and I should be greatly + surprised if you did not recognize her as a neighbor?” + </p> + <p> + “Recognize her?” said the old man, whose wrath was quickly appeased. “Do + we know each other, fair damsel—yes or no? It is an open question.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course!” cried Katharina, “I have seen you a hundred times from the + gnat-tower.” + </p> + <p> + “You have had less pleasure than I should have had, if I had been so happy + as to see you.—We came across each other about a year ago. I was + then so happy as to find you in my large peach-tree, which to this day + takes the liberty of growing over your garden-plot.” + </p> + <p> + “I was but a child then,” laughed Katharina, who very well remembered how + the old man, whose handsome white head she had always particularly + admired, had spied her out among the boughs of his peach-tree and had + advised her, with a good-natured nod, to enjoy herself there. + </p> + <p> + “A child!” repeated Rufinus. “And now we are quite grown up and do not + care to climb so high, but creep humbly through our neighbor’s hedge.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you really are strangers?” cried Paula in surprise. “And have you + never met Pulcheria, Katharina?” + </p> + <p> + “Pul?—oh, how glad I should have been to call her!” said Katharina. + “I have been on the point of it a hundred times; for her mere appearance + makes one fall in love with her,—but my mother....” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and what has your mother got to say against her neighbors?” asked + Rufinus. “I believe we are peaceable folks who do no one any harm.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, God forbid! But my mother has her own way of viewing things; you + and she are strangers still, and as you are so rarely to be seen in + church....” + </p> + <p> + “She naturally takes us for the ungodly. Tell her that she is mistaken, + and if you are Paula’s friend and you come to see her—but prettily, + through the gate, and not through the hedge, for it will be closely twined + again by to-morrow morning—if you come here, I say, you will find + that we have a great deal to do and a great many creatures to nurse and + care for—poor human creatures some of them, and some with fur or + feathers, just as it comes; and man serves his Maker if he only makes life + easier to the beings that come in his way; for He loves them all. Tell + that to your mother, little wagtail, and come again very often.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you very much. But let me ask you, if I may, where you heard that + odious nickname? I hate it.” + </p> + <p> + “From the same person who told you the secret that my Pulcheria is called + Pul!” said Rufinus; he laughed and bowed and left the two girls together. + </p> + <p> + “What a dear old man!” cried Katharina. “Oh, I know quite well how he + spends his Days! And his pretty wife and Pul—I know them all. How + often I have watched them—I will show you the place one day! I can + see over the whole garden, only not what goes on near the convent on the + other side of the house, or beyond those trees. You know my mother; if she + once dislikes any one.... But Pul, you understand, would be such a friend + for me!” + </p> + <p> + “Of course she would,” replied Paula. “And a girl of your age must chose + older companions than little Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you shall not say a word against her!” cried Katharina eagerly. “She + is only ten years old, but many a grown-up person is not so upright or so + capable as I have found her during these last few miserable days.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor child!” said Paula stroking her hair. + </p> + <p> + At this a bitter sob broke suddenly and passionately from Katharina; she + tried with all her might to suppress it, but could not succeed. Her fit of + weeping was so violent that she could not utter a word, till Paula had led + her to a bench under a spreading sycamore, had induced her with gentle + force to sit down by her side, clasping her in her arms like a suffering + child, and speaking to her words of comfort and encouragement. + </p> + <p> + Birds without number were going to rest in the dense branches overhead, + owls and bats had begun their nocturnal raids, the sky put on its spangled + glory of gold and silver stars, from the western end of the town came the + jackals’ bark as they left their lurking-places among the ruined houses + and stole out in search of prey, the heavy dew, falling through the mild + air silently covered the leaves, the grass, and the flowers; the garden + was more powerfully fragrant now than during the day-time, and Paula felt + that it was high time to take refuge from the mists that came up from the + shallow stream. But still she lingered while the little maiden poured out + all that weighed upon her, all she repented of, believing she could never + atone for it; and then all she had gone through, thinking it must break + her heart, and all she still had to live down and drive out of her mind. + </p> + <p> + She told Paula how Orion had wooed her, how much she loved him, how her + heart had been tortured by jealousy of her, Paula, and how she had allowed + herself to be led away into bearing false witness before the judges. And + then she went on to say it was Mary who had first opened her eyes to the + abyss by which she was standing. In the afternoon after the death of the + Mukaukas she had gone with her mother to the governor’s house to join in + her friends’ lamentations. She had at once asked after Mary, but had not + been allowed to see her, for she was still in bed and very feverish. She + was then on her way to the cool hall when she heard her mother’s voice—not + in grief, but angry and vehement—so, thinking it would be more + becoming to keep out of the way, she wandered off into the pillared + vestibule opening towards the Nile. She would not for worlds have met + Orion, and was terribly afraid she might do so, but as she went out, for + it was still quite light, there she found him—and in what a state! + He was sitting all in a heap, dressed in black, with his head buried in + his hands. He had not observed her presence; but she pitied him deeply, + for though it was very hot he was trembling in every limb, and his strong + frame shuddered repeatedly. She had therefore spoken to him, begging him + to be comforted, at which he had started to his feet in dismay, and had + pushed his unkempt hair back from his face, looking so pale, so desperate, + that she had been quite terrified and could not manage to bring out the + consoling words she had ready. For some time neither of them had uttered a + syllable, but at length he had pulled himself together as if for some + great deed, he came slowly towards her and laid his hands on her shoulders + with a solemn dignity which no one certainly had ever before seen in him. + He stood gazing into her face—his eyes were red with much weeping—and + he sighed from his very heart the two words: “Unhappy Child!”—She + could hear them still sounding in her ears. + </p> + <p> + And he was altered: from head to foot quite different, like a stranger. + His voice, even, sounded changed and deeper than usual as he went on: + </p> + <p> + “Child, child! Perhaps I have given much pain in my life without knowing + it; but you have certainly suffered most through me, for I have made you, + an innocent, trusting creature, my accomplice in crime. The great sin we + both committed has been visited on me alone, but the punishment is a + hundred—a thousand times too heavy!” + </p> + <p> + “And with this,” Katharina went on, “he covered his face with his hands, + threw himself on the couch again, and groaned and sighed. Then he sprang + up once more, crying out so loud and passionately that I felt as if I must + die of grief and pity: ‘Forgive me if you can! Forgive me, wholly, freely. + I want it—you must, you must! I was going to run up to him and throw + my arms round him and forgive him everything, his trouble distressed me so + much; but he gravely pushed me away—not roughly or sternly, and he + said that there was an end of all love-making and betrothal between us—that + I was young, and that I should be able to forget him. He would still be a + true friend to me and to my mother, and the more we required of him the + more gladly would he serve us. + </p> + <p> + “I was about to answer him, but he hastily interrupted me and said firmly + and decisively: ‘Lovable as you are, I cannot love you as you deserve; for + it is my duty to tell you, I have another and a greater love in my heart—my + first and my last; and though once in my life I have proved myself a + wretch, still, it was but once; and I would rather endure your anger, and + hurt both you and myself now, than continue this unrighteous tie and cheat + you and others.’—At this I was greatly startled, and asked: ‘Paula?’ + However, he did not answer, but bent over me and touched my forehead with + his lips, just as my father often kissed me, and then went quickly out + into the garden. + </p> + <p> + “Just then my mother came up, as red as a poppy and panting for breath: + she took me by the hand without a word, dragged me into the chariot after + her, and then cried out quite beside herself—she could not even shed + a tear for rage: ‘What insolence! what unheard-of behavior—How can I + find the heart to tell you, poor sacrificed lamb...’” + </p> + <p> + “And she would have gone on, but that I would not let her finish; I told + her at once that I knew all, and happily I was able to keep quite calm. I + had some bad hours at home; and when Nilus came to us yesterday, after the + opening of the will, and brought me the pretty little gold box with + turquoises and pearls that I have always admired, and told me that the + good Mukaukas had written with his own hand, in his last will, that it was + to be given to me I his bright little ‘Katharina,’ my mother insisted on + my not taking it and sent it back to Neforis, though I begged and prayed + to keep it. And of course I shall never go to that house again; indeed my + mother talks of quitting Memphis altogether and settling in Constantinople + or some other city under Christian rule. ‘Then our nice, pretty house must + be given up, and our dear, lovely garden be sold to the peasant folk, my + mother says. It was just the same a year and a half ago with Memnon’s + palace. His garden was turned into a corn-field, and the splendid + ground-floor rooms, with their mosaics and pictures, are now dirty stables + for cows and sheep, and pigs are fed in the rooms that belonged to Hathor + and Dorothea. Good Heavens! And they were my clearest friends! And I am + never to play with Mary any more; and mother has not a kind word for any + living soul, hardly even for me, and my old nurse is as deaf as a mole! Am + I not a really miserable, lonely creature? And if you, even you, will have + nothing to say to me, who is there in all Memphis whom I can trust in? But + you will not be so cruel, will you? And it will not be for long, for my + mother really means to go away. You are older than I am, of course, and + much graver and wiser....” + </p> + <p> + “I will be kind to you, child; but try to make friends with Pulcheria!” + </p> + <p> + “Gladly, gladly. But then my mother! I should get on very well by myself + if it were not... Well, you yourself heard what Orion said to me, that + time in the avenue. He surely loved me a little! What sweet, tender names + he gave me then. Oh God! no man can speak like that to any one he is not + fond of!—And he is rich himself; it cannot have been only my fortune + that bewitched him. And does he look like a man who would allow himself to + be parted from a girl by his mother, whether he would or no?” + </p> + <p> + “He was always fond of me I think; but then, afterwards, he remembered + what a high position he had to fill and regarded me as too little and too + childish. Oh, how many tears I have shed over being so absurdly little! A + Water-wagtail—that is what I shall always be. Your old host called + me so; and if a man like Orion feels that he must have a stately wife I + can hardly blame him. That other one whom he thinks he loves better than + he does me is tall and beautiful and majestic—like you; and I have + always told myself that his future wife ought to look like you. It is all + over between him and me, and I will submit humbly; but at the same time I + cannot help thinking that when he came home he thought me pretty and + attractive, and had a real fancy and liking for me. Yes, it was so, it + certainly was so!—But then he saw that other one, and I cannot + compare with her. She is indeed the woman he wants,—and that other, + Paula, is yourself. Yes, indeed, you yourself; an inner voice tells me so. + And I tell you truly, you may quite believe me: it is a pain no doubt, but + I can be glad of it too. I should hate any mere girl to whom he held out + his hand—but, if you are that other—and if you are his + wife...” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” exclaimed Paula decidedly. “Consider what you are saying. When + Orion tempted you to perjure yourself, did he behave as my friend or as my + foe, my bitterest and most implacable enemy?” + </p> + <p> + “Before the judges, to be sure...” replied the girl looking down + thoughtfully. But she soon looked up again, fixed her eyes on Paula’s face + with a sparkling, determined glance, and frankly and unhesitatingly + exclaimed: “And you?—In spite of it all he is so handsome, so + clever, so manly. You can hardly help it—you love him!” + </p> + <p> + Paula withdrew her arm, which had been round Katharina, and answered + candidly. + </p> + <p> + “Until to-day, at the funeral, I hated and abominated him; but there, by + his father’s tomb, he struck me as a new man, and I found it easy to + forgive him in my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you mean to say that you do not love him?” urged Katharina, clasping + her friend’s round arm with her slender fingers. + </p> + <p> + Paula started to feel how icy cold her hand was. The moon was up, the + stars rose higher and higher, so, simply saying: “Come away,” she rose. + “It must be within an hour of midnight,” she added. “Your mother will be + anxious about you.” + </p> + <p> + “Only an hour of midnight!” repeated the girl in alarm. “Good Heavens, I + shall have a scolding! She is still playing draughts with the Bishop, no + doubt, as she does every evening. Good-bye then for the present. The + shortest way is through the hedge again.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Paula firmly, “you are no longer a child; you are grown up, and + must feel it and show it. You are not to creep through the bushes, but to + go home by the gate. Rufinus and I will go with you and explain to your + mother...” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” cried Katharina in terror. “She is as angry with you as she is + with them. Only yesterday she forbid...” + </p> + <p> + “Forbid you to come to me?” asked Paula. “Does she believe...” + </p> + <p> + “That it was for your sake that Orion.... Yes, she is only too glad to lay + all the blame on you. But now that I have talked to you I.... Look, do you + see that light? It is in her sitting-room.” + </p> + <p> + And, before Paula could prevent her, she ran to the hedge and slipped + through the gap as nimbly as a weasel. + </p> + <p> + Paula looked after her with mingled feelings, and then went back to the + house, and to bed. Katharina’s story kept her awake for a long time, and + the suspicion—nay almost the conviction—that it was herself, + indeed, who had aroused that “great love” in Orion’s heart gave her no + rest. If it were she? There, under her hand was the instrument of revenge + on the miscreant; she could make him taste of all the bitterness he had + brewed for her aching spirit. But which of them would the punishment hurt + most sorely: him or herself? Had not the little girl’s confidences + revealed a world of rapture to her and her longing heart? No, no. It would + be too humiliating to allow the same hand that had smitten her so + ruthlessly to uplift her to heaven; it would be treason against herself. + </p> + <p> + Slumber overtook her in the midst of these conflicting feelings and + thoughts, and towards morning she had a dream which, even by daylight, + haunted her and made her shudder. + </p> + <p> + She saw Orion coming towards her, as pale as death, robed in mourning, + pacing slowly on a coal-black horse; she had not the strength to fly, and + without speaking to her or looking at her, he lifted her high in the air + like a child, and placed her in front of him on the horse. She put forth + all her strength to get free and dismount, but he clasped her with both + arms like iron clamps and quelled her efforts. Life itself would not have + seemed too great a price for escape from this constraint; but, the more + wildly she fought, the more closely she was held by the silent and + pitiless horseman. At their feet flowed the swirling river, but Orion did + not seem to notice it, and without moving his lips, he coolly guided the + steed towards the water. Beside herself now with horror and dread, she + implored him to turn away; but he did not heed her, and went on unmoved + into the midst of the stream. Her terror increased to an agonizing pitch + as the horse bore her deeper and deeper into the water; of her own free + will she threw her arms round the rider’s neck; his paleness vanished, his + cheeks gained a ruddy hue, his lips sought hers in a kiss; and, in the + midst of the very anguish of death, she felt a thrill of rapture that she + had never known before. She could have gone on thus for ever, even to + destruction; and, in fact, they were still sinking—she felt the + water rising breast high, but she cared not. Not a word had either of them + spoken. Suddenly she felt urged to break the silence, and as if she could + not help it she asked: “Am I the other?” At this the waves surged down on + them from all sides; a whirlpool dragged away the horse, spinning him + round, and with him Orion and herself, a shrill blast swept past them, and + then the current and the waves, the roaring of the whirlpool, the howling + of the storm—all at once and together, as with one voice, louder + than all else and filling her ears, shouted: “Thou!”—Only Orion + remained speechless. An eddy caught the horse and sucked him under, a wave + carried her away from him, she was sinking, sinking, and stretched out her + arms with longing.—A cold dew stood on her brow as she slept, and + the nurse, waking her from her uneasy dream, shook her head as she said: + </p> + <p> + “Why, child? What ails you? You have been calling Orion again and again, + at first in terror and then so tenderly.—Yes, believe me, tenderly.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> + <p> + In the neat rooms which Rufinus’ wife had made ready for her sick guests + perfect peace reigned, and it was noon. A soft twilight fell through the + thick green curtains which mitigated the sunshine, and the nurses had + lately cleared away after the morning meal. Paula was moistening the + bandage on the Masdakite’s head, and Pulcheria was busy in the adjoining + room with Mandane, who obeyed the physician’s instructions with + intelligent submission and showed no signs of insanity. + </p> + <p> + Paula was still spellbound by her past dream. She was possessed by such + unrest that, quite against her wont, she could not long remain quiet, and + when Pulcheria came to her to tell her this or that, she listened with so + little attention and sympathy that the humble-minded girl, fearing to + disturb her, withdrew to her patient’s bed-side and waited quietly till + her new divinity called her. + </p> + <p> + In fact, it was not without reason that Paula gave herself up to a certain + anxiety; for, if she was not mistaken, Orion must necessarily present + himself to hand over to her the remainder of her fortune; and though even + yesterday, on her way from the cemetery, she had said to herself that she + must and would refuse to meet him, the excitement produced by Katharina’s + story and her subsequent dream had confirmed her in her determination. + </p> + <p> + Perpetua awaited Orion’s visit on the ground-floor, charged to announce + him to Rufinus and not to her mistress. The old man had willingly + undertaken to receive the money as her representative; for Philippus had + not concealed from her that he had acquainted him with the circumstances + under which Paula had quitted the governor’s house, describing Orion as a + man whom she had good reason for desiring to avoid. + </p> + <p> + By about two hours after noon Paula’s restlessness had increased so much + that now and then she wandered out of the sick-room, which looked over the + garden, to watch the Nile-quay from the window of the anteroom; for he + might arrive by either way. She never thought of the security of her + property; but the question arose in her mind as to whether it were not + actually a breach of duty to avoid the agitation it would cost her to meet + her cousin face to face. On this point no one could advise her, not even + Perpetua; her own mother could hardly have understood all her feelings on + such an occasion. She scarcely knew herself indeed; for hitherto she had + never failed, even in the most difficult cases, to know at once and + without long reflection, what to do and to leave undone, what under + special circumstances was right or wrong. But now she felt herself a + yielding reed, a leaf tossed hither and thither; and every time she set + her teeth and clenched her hands, determined to think calmly and to reason + out the “for” and “against,” her mind wandered away again, while the + memory of her dream, of Orion as he stood by his father’s grave—of + Katharina’s tale of “the other,” and the fearful punishment which he had + to suffer, nay indeed, certainly had suffered—came and went in her + mind like the flocks of birds over the Nile, whose dipping and soaring had + often passed like a fluttering veil between her eye and some object on the + further shore. + </p> + <p> + It was three hours past noon, and she had returned to the sick-room, when + she thought that she heard hoofs in the garden and hurried to the window + once more. Her heart had not beat more wildly when the dog had flown at + her and Hiram that fateful night, than it did now as she hearkened to the + approach of a horseman, still hidden from her gaze by the shrubs. It must + be Orion—but why did he not dismount? No, it could not be he; his + tall figure would have overtopped the shrubbery which was of low growth. + </p> + <p> + She did not know her host’s friends; it was one of them very likely. Now + the horse had turned the corner; now it was coming up the path from the + front gate; now Rufinus had gone forth to meet the visitor—and it + was not Orion, but his secretary, a much smaller man, who slipped off a + mule that she at once recognized, threw the reins to a lad, handed + something to the old man, and then dropped on to a bench to yawn and + stretch his legs. + </p> + <p> + Then she saw Rufinus come towards the house. Had Orion charged this + messenger to bring her her possessions? She thought this somewhat + insulting, and her blood boiled with wrath. But there could be no question + here of a surrender of property; for what her host was holding in his hand + was nothing heavy, but a quite small object; probably, nay, certainly a + roll of papyrus. He was coming up the narrow stairs, so she ran out to + meet him, blushing as though she were doing something wrong. The old man + observed this and said, as he handed her the scroll: + </p> + <p> + “You need not be frightened, daughter of a hero. The young lord is not + here himself, he prefers, it would seem, to treat with you by letter; and + it is best so for both parties.” + </p> + <p> + Paula nodded agreement; she took the roll, and then, while she tore the + silken tie from the seal, she turned her back on the old man; for she felt + that the blood had faded from her face, and her hands were trembling. + </p> + <p> + “The messenger awaits an answer,” remarked Rufinus, before she began to + read it. “I shall be below and at your service.” He left; Paula returned + to the sick-room, and leaning against the frame of the casement, read as + follows, with eager agitation: + </p> + <p> + “Orion, the son of George the Mukaukas who sleeps in the Lord, to his + cousin the daughter of the noble Thomas of Damascus, greeting. + </p> + <p> + “I have destroyed several letters that I had written to you before this + one.” Paula shrugged her shoulders incredulously. “I hope I may succeed + better this time in saying what I feel to be indispensable for your + welfare and my own. I have both to crave a favor and offer counsel.” + </p> + <p> + “Counsel! he!” thought the girl with a scornful curl of the lips, as she + went on. “May the memory of the man who loved you as his daughter, and who + on his death-bed wished for nothing so much as to see you—averse as + he was to your creed—and bless you as his daughter indeed, as his + son’s wife,—may the remembrance of that just man so far prevail over + your indignant and outraged soul that these words from the most wretched + man on earth, for that am I, Paula, may not be left unread. Grant me the + last favor I have to ask of you—I demand it in my father’s name.” + </p> + <p> + “Demand!” repeated the damsel; her cheeks flamed, her eye sparkled + angrily, and her hands clutched the opposite sides of the letter as though + to tear it across. But the next words: “Do not fear,” checked her hasty + impulse—she smoothed out the papyrus and read on with growing + excitement: + </p> + <p> + “Do not fear that I shall address you as a lover—as the man for whom + there is but one woman on earth. And that one can only be she whom I have + so deeply injured, whom I fought with as frantic, relentless, and cruel + weapons as ever I used against a foe of my own sex.” + </p> + <p> + “But one,” murmured the girl; she passed her hand across her brow, and a + faint smile of happy pride dwelt on her lips as she went on: + </p> + <p> + “I shall love you as long as breath animates this crushed and wretched + heart.” + </p> + <p> + Again the letter was in danger of destruction, but again it escaped + unharmed, and Paula’s expression became one of calm and tender pleasure as + she read to the end of Orion’s clearly written epistle: + </p> + <p> + “I am fully conscious that I have forfeited your esteem, nay even all good + feeling towards me, by my own fault; and that, unless divine love works + some miracle in your heart, I have sacrificed all joy on earth. You are + revenged; for it was for your sake—understand that—for your + sake alone, that my beloved and dying father withdrew the blessings he had + heaped on my remorseful head, and in wrath that was only too just at the + recreant who had desecrated the judgment-seat of his ancestors, turned + that blessing to a curse.” + </p> + <p> + Paula turned pale as she read. This then was what Katharina had meant. + This was what had so changed his appearance, and perhaps, too, his whole + inward being. And this, this bore the stamp of truth, this could not be a + lie—it was for her sake that a father’s curse had blighted his only + son! How had it all happened? Had Philippus failed to observe it, or had + he held his peace out of respect for the secrets of another?—Poor + man, poor young man! She must see him, must speak to him. She could not + have a moment’s ease till she knew how it was that her uncle, a tender + father.—But she must go on, quickly to the end: + </p> + <p> + “I come to you only as what I am: a heart-broken man, too young to give + myself over for lost, and at the same time determined to make use of all + that remains to me of the steadfast will, the talents, and the + self-respect of my forefathers to render me worthy of them, and I implore + you to grant me a brief interview. Not a word, not a look shall betray the + passion within and which threatens to destroy me. + </p> + <p> + “You must on no account fail to read what follows, since it is of no small + real importance even to you. In the first place restitution must be made + to you of all of your inheritance which the deceased was able to rescue + and to add to by his fatherly stewardship. In these agitated times it will + be a matter of some difficulty to invest this capital safely and to good + advantage. Consider: just as the Arabs drove out the Byzantines, the + Byzantines might drive them out again in their turn. The Persians, though + stricken to the earth, the Avars, or some other people whose very name is + as yet unknown to history, may succeed our present rulers, who, only ten + years since, were regarded as a mere handful of unsettled camel-drivers, + caravan-leaders, and poverty-stricken desert-tribes. The safety of your + fortune would be less difficult to provide for if, as was formerly the + case here, we could entrust it to the merchants of Alexandria. But one + great house after another is being ruined there, and all security is at an + end. As to hiding or burying your possessions, as most Egyptians do in + these hard times, it is impossible, for the same reason as prevents our + depositing it on interest in the state land-register. You must be able to + get it at the shortest notice; since you might at some time wish to quit + Egypt in haste with all your possessions. + </p> + <p> + “These are matters with which a woman cannot be familiar. I would + therefore propose that you should leave the arrangement of them to us men; + to Philippus, the physician, Rufinus, your host—who is, I am + assured, an honest man—and to our experienced and trustworthy + treasurer Nilus, whom you know as an incorruptible judge. + </p> + <p> + “I propose that the business should be settled tomorrow in the house of + Rufinus. You can be present or not, as you please. If we men agree in our + ideas I beg you—I beseech you to grant me an interview apart. It + will last but a few minutes, and the only subject of discussion will be a + matter—an exchange by which you will recover something you value and + have lost, and grant me I hope, if not your esteem, at any rate a word of + forgiveness. I need it sorely, believe me, Paula; it is as indispensable + to me as the breath of life, if I am to succeed in the work I have begun + on myself. If you have prevailed on yourself to read through this letter, + simply answer ‘Yes’ by my messenger, to relieve me from torturing + uncertainty. If you do not—which God forefend for both our sakes, + Nilus shall this very day carry to you all that belongs to you. But, if + you have read these lines, I will make my appearance to-morrow, at two + hours after noon, with Nilus to explain to the others the arrangement of + which I have spoken. God be with you and infuse some ruth into your proud + and noble soul!” + </p> + <p> + Paula drew a deep breath as the hand holding this momentous epistle + dropped by her side; she stood for some time by the window, lost in grave + meditation. Then calling Pulcheria, she begged her to tend her patient, + too, for a short time. The girl looked up at her with rapt admiration in + her clear eyes, and asked sympathetically why she was so pale; Paula + kissed her lips and eyes, and saying affectionately: “Good, happy child!” + she retired to her own room on the opposite side of the house. There she + once more read through the letter. + </p> + <p> + Oh yes; this was Orion as she had known him after his return till the + evening of that never-to-be-forgotten water-party. He was, indeed, a poet; + nature herself had made it so easy to him to seduce unguarded souls into a + belief in him! And yet no! This letter was honestly meant. Philippus knew + men well; Orion really had a heart, a warm heart. Not the most reckless of + criminals could mock at the curse hurled at him by a beloved father in his + last moments. And, as she once more read the sentence in which he told her + that it was his crime as an unjust judge towards her that had turned the + dying man’s blessing to a curse, she shuddered and reflected that their + relative attitude was now reversed, and that he had suffered more and + worse through her than she had through him. His pale face, as she had seen + it in the Necropolis, came back vividly to her mind, and if he could have + stood before her at this moment she would have flown to him, have offered + him a compassionate hand, and have assured him that the woes she had + brought upon him filled her with the deepest and sincerest pity. + </p> + <p> + That morning she had asked the Masdakite whether he had besought Heaven to + grant him a speedy recovery, and the man replied that Persians never + prayed for any particular blessing, but only for “that which was good;” + for that none but the Omnipotent knew what was good for mortals. How wise! + For in this instance might not the most terrible blow that could fall on a + son—his father’s curse—prove a blessing? It was undoubtedly + that curse which had led him to look into his soul and to start on this + new path. She saw him treading it, she longed to believe in his conversion—and + she did believe in it. In this letter he spoke of his love; he even asked + her hand. Only yesterday this would have roused her wrath; to-day she + could forgive him; for she could forgive anything to this unhappy soul—to + the man on whom she had brought such deep anguish. Her heart could now + beat high in the hope of seeing him again; nay, it even seemed to her that + the youth, whose return had been hailed with such welcome and who had so + powerfully attracted her, had only now grown and ripened to full and + perfect manhood through his sin, his penitence, and his suffering. + </p> + <p> + And how noble a task it would be to assist him in seeking the right way, + and in becoming what he aspired to be! + </p> + <p> + The prudent care he had given to her worldly welfare merited her + gratitude. What could he mean by the “exchange” he proposed? The “great + love” of which he had spoken to Katharina was legible in every line of his + letter, and any woman can forgive any man—were he a sinner, and a + scarecrow into the bargain—for his audacity in loving her. Oh! that + he might but set his heart on her—for hers, it was vain to deny it, + was strongly drawn to him. Still she would not call it Love that stirred + within her; it could only be the holy impulse to point out to him the + highest goal of life and smooth the path for him. The pale horseman who + had clutched her in her dream should not drag her away; no, she would + joyfully lift him up to the highest pinnacle attainable by a brave and + noble man. + </p> + <p> + So her thoughts ran, and her cheeks flushed as, with swift decision, she + opened her trunk, took out papyrus, writing implements and a seal, and + seated herself at a little desk which Rufinus had placed for her in the + window, to write her answer. + </p> + <p> + At this a sudden fervent longing for Orion came over her. She made a great + effort to shake it off; still, she felt that in writing to him it was + impossible that she should find the right words, and as she replaced the + papyrus in the chest and looked at the seal a strange thing happened to + her; for the device on her father’s well-known ring: a star above two + crossed swords—perchance the star of Orion—caught her eye, + with the motto in Greek: “The immortal gods have set sweat before virtue,” + meaning that the man who aims at being virtuous must grudge neither sweat + nor toil. + </p> + <p> + She closed her trunk with a pleased smile, for the motto round the star + was, she felt, of good augury. At the same time she resolved to speak to + Orion, taking these words, which her forefathers had adopted from old + Hesiod, as her text. She hastened down stairs, crossed the garden, passing + by Rufinus, his wife and the physician, awoke the secretary who had long + since dropped asleep, and enjoined him to say: “Yes” to his master, as he + expected. However, before the messenger had mounted his mule, she begged + him to wait yet a few minutes and returned to the two men; for she had + forgotten in her eagerness to speak to them of Orion’s plans. They were + both willing to meet him at the hour proposed and, while Philippus went to + tell the messenger that they would expect his master on the next day, the + old man looked at Paula with undisguised satisfaction and said: + </p> + <p> + “We were fearing lest the news from the governor’s house should have + spoilt your happy mood, but, thank God, you look as if you had just come + from a refreshing bath.—What do you say, Joanna? Twenty years ago + such an inmate here would have made you jealous? Or was there never a + place for such evil passions in your dove-like soul?” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” laughed the matron. “How can I tell how many fair beings you + have gazed after, wanderer that you are in all the wide world far away?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, old woman, but as sure as man is the standard of all things, + nowhere that I have carried my staff, have I met with a goddess like + this!” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly have not either, living here like a snail in its shell,” said + Dame Joanna, fixing her bright eyes on Paula with fervent admiration. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> + <p> + That evening Rufinus was sitting in the garden with his wife and daughter + and their friend Philippus. Paula, too, was there, and from time to time + she stroked Pulcheria’s silky golden hair, for the girl had seated herself + at her feet, leaning her head against Paula’s knee. + </p> + <p> + The moon was full, and it was so light out of doors that they could see + each other plainly, so Rufinus’ proposition that they should remain to + watch an eclipse which was to take place an hour before midnight found all + the more ready acceptance because the air was pleasant. The men had been + discussing the expected phenomenon, lamenting that the Church should still + lend itself to the superstitions of the populace by regarding it as of + evil omen, and organizing a penitential procession for the occasion to + implore God to avert all ill. Rufinus declared that it was blasphemy + against the Almighty to interpret events happening in the course of + eternal law and calculable beforehand, as a threatening sign from Him; as + though man’s deserts had any connection with the courses of the sun and + moon. The Bishop and all the priests of the province were to head the + procession, and thus a simple natural phenomenon was forced in the minds + of the people into a significance it did not possess. + </p> + <p> + “And if the little comet which my old foster father discovered last week + continues to increase,” added the physician, “so that its tail spreads + over a portion of the sky, the panic will reach its highest pitch; I can + see already that they will behave like mad creatures.” + </p> + <p> + “But a comet really does portend war, drought, plague, and famine,” said + Pulcheria, with full conviction; and Paula added: + </p> + <p> + “So I have always believed.” + </p> + <p> + “But very wrongly,” replied the leech. “There are a thousand reasons to + the contrary; and it is a crime to confirm the mob in such a superstition. + It fills them with grief and alarms; and, would you believe it—such + anguish of mind, especially when the Nile is so low and there is more + sickness than usual, gives rise to numberless forms of disease? We shall + have our hands full, Rufinus.” + </p> + <p> + “I am yours to command,” replied the old man. “But at the same time, if + the tailed wanderer must do some mischief, I would rather it should break + folks’ arms and legs than turn their brains.” + </p> + <p> + “What a wish!” exclaimed Paula. “But you often say things—and I see + things about you too—which seem to me extraordinary. Yesterday you + promised....” + </p> + <p> + “To explain to you why I gather about me so many of God’s creatures who + have to struggle under the burden of life as cripples, or with injured + limbs.” + </p> + <p> + “Just so,” replied Paula. “Nothing can be more truly merciful than to + render life bearable to such hapless beings....” + </p> + <p> + “But still, you think,” interrupted the eager old man, “that this noble + motive alone would hardly account for the old oddity’s riding his hobby so + hard.—Well, you are right. From my earliest youth the structure of + the bones in man and beast has captivated me exceedingly; and just as + collectors of horns, when once they have a complete series of every + variety of stag, roe, and gazelle, set to work with fresh zeal to find + deformed or monstrous growths, so I have found pleasure in studying every + kind of malformation and injury in the bones of men and beasts.” + </p> + <p> + “And to remedy them,” added Philippus. “It has been his passion from + childhood. + </p> + <p> + “And the passion has grown upon me since I broke my own hip bone and know + what it means,” the old man went on. “With the help of my fellow-student + there, from a mere dilettante I became a practised surgeon; and, what is + more, I am one of those who serve Esculapius at my own expense. However, + there are accessory reasons for which I have chosen such strange + companions: deformed slaves are cheap and besides that, certain + investigations afford me inestimable and peculiar satisfaction. But this + cannot interest a young girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed it does!” cried Paula. “So far as I have understood Philippus when + he explains some details of natural history....” + </p> + <p> + “Stay,” laughed Rufinus, “our friend will take good care not to explain + this. He regards it as folly, and all he will admit is that no surgeon or + student could wish for better, more willing, or more amusing house-mates + than my cripples.” + </p> + <p> + “They are grateful to you,” cried Paula. + </p> + <p> + “Grateful?” asked the old man. “That is true sometimes, no doubt; still, + gratitude is a tribute on which no wise man ever reckons. Now I have told + you enough; for the sake of Philippus we will let the rest pass.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Paula putting up entreating hands, and Rufinus answered + gaily: + </p> + <p> + “Who can refuse you anything? I will cut it short, but you must pay good + heed.—Well then Man is the standard of all things. Do you understand + that?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I often hear you say so. Things you mean are only what they seem to + us.” + </p> + <p> + “To us, you say, because we—you and I and the rest of us here—are + sound in body and mind. And we must regard all things—being God’s + handiwork—as by nature sound and normal. Thus we are justified in + requiring that man, who gives the standard for them shall, first and + foremost, himself be sound and normal. Can a carpenter measure straight + planks properly with a crooked or sloping rod?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will understand how I came to ask myself: ‘Do sickly, crippled, + and deformed men measure things by a different standard to that of sound + men? And might it not be a useful task to investigate how their estimates + differ from ours?’” + </p> + <p> + “And have your researches among your cripples led to any results?” + </p> + <p> + “To many important ones,” the old man declared; but Philippus interrupted + him with a loud: “Oho!” adding that his friend was in too great a hurry to + deduce laws from individual cases. Many of his observations were, no + doubt, of considerable interest.... Here Rufinus broke in with some + vehemence, and the discussion would have become a dispute if Paula had not + intervened by requesting her zealous host to give her the results, at any + rate, of his studies. + </p> + <p> + “I find,” said Rufinus very confidently, as he stroked down his long + beard, “that they are not merely shrewd because their faculties are early + sharpened to make up by mental qualifications for what they lack in + physical advantages; they are also witty, like AEesop the fabulist and + Besa the Egyptian god, who, as I have been told by our old friend Horus, + from whom we derive all our Egyptian lore, presided among those heathen + over festivity, jesting, and wit, and also over the toilet of women. This + shows the subtle observation of the ancients; for the hunchback whose body + is bent, applies a crooked standard to things in general. His keen insight + often enables him to measure life as the majority of men do, that is by a + straight rule; but in some happy moments when he yields to natural impulse + he makes the straight crooked and the crooked straight; and this gives + rise to wit, which only consists in looking at things obliquely and—setting + them askew as it were. You have only to talk to my hump-backed gardener + Gibbus, or listen to what he says. When he is sitting with the rest of our + people in an evening, they all laugh as soon as he opens his mouth.—And + why? Because his conformation makes him utter nothing but paradoxes.—You + know what they are?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, Pul?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Father.” + </p> + <p> + “You are too straight-nay, and so is your simple soul, to know what the + thing is! Well, listen then: It would be a paradox, for instance, if I + were to say to the Bishop as he marches past in procession: ‘You are + godless out of sheer piety;’ or if I were to say to Paula, by way of + excuse for all the flattery which I and your mother offered her just now: + ‘Our incense was nauseous for very sweetness.’—These paradoxes, when + examined, are truths in a crooked form, and so they best suit the + deformed. Do you understand?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said Paula. + </p> + <p> + “And you, Pul?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not quite sure. I should be better pleased to be simply told: ‘We + ought not to have made such flattering speeches; they may vex a young + girl.’” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, my straightforward child,” laughed her father. “But look, + there is the man! Here, good Gibbus—come here!—Now, just + consider: supposing you had flattered some one so grossly that you had + offended him instead of pleasing him: How would you explain the state of + affairs in telling me of it?” + </p> + <p> + The gardener, a short, square man, with a huge hump but a clever face and + good features, reflected a minute and then replied: “I wanted to make an + ass smell at some roses and I put thistles under his nose.” + </p> + <p> + “Capital!” cried Paula; and as Gibbus turned away, laughing to himself, + the physician said: + </p> + <p> + “One might almost envy the man his hump. But yet, fair Paula, I think we + have some straight-limbed folks who can make use of such crooked phrases, + too, when occasion serves.” + </p> + <p> + But Rufinus spoke before Paula could reply, referring her to his Essay on + the deformed in soul and body; and then he went on vehemently: + </p> + <p> + “I call you all to witness, does not Baste, the lame woman, restrict her + views to the lower aspect of things, to the surface of the earth indeed? + She has one leg much shorter than the other, and it is only with much + pains that we have contrived that it should carry her. To limp along at + all she is forced always to look down at the ground, and what is the + consequence? She can never tell you what is hanging to a tree, and about + three weeks since I asked her under a clear sky and a waning moon whether + the moon had been shining the evening before and she could not tell me, + though she had been sitting out of doors with the others till quite late, + evening after evening. I have noticed, too, that she scarcely recognizes + men who are rather tall, though she may have seen them three or four + times. Her standard has fallen short-like her leg. Now, am I right or + wrong?” + </p> + <p> + “In this instance you are right,” replied Philippus, “still, I know some + lame people...” + </p> + <p> + And again words ran high between the friends; Pulcheria, however, put an + end to the discussion this time, by exclaiming enthusiastically: + </p> + <p> + “Baste is the best and most good-natured soul in the whole house!” + </p> + <p> + “Because she looks into her own heart,” replied Rufinus. “She knows + herself; and, because she knows how painful pain is, she treats others + tenderly. Do you remember, Philippus, how we disputed after that + anatomical lecture we heard together at Caesarea?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly well,” said the leech, “and later life has but confirmed the + opinion I then held. There is no less true or less just saying than the + Latin motto: ‘Mens sana in corpore sano,’ as it is generally interpreted + to mean that a healthy soul is only to be found in a healthy body. As the + expression of a wish it may pass, but I have often felt inclined to doubt + even that. It has been my lot to meet with a strength of mind, a + hopefulness, and a thankfulness for the smallest mercies in the sickliest + bodies, and at the same time a delicacy of feeling, a wise reserve, and an + undeviating devotion to lofty things such as I have never seen in a + healthy frame. The body is but the tenement of the soul, and just as we + find righteous men and sinners, wise men and fools, alike in the palace + and the hovel—nay, and often see truer worth in a cottage than in + the splendid mansions of the great—so we may discover noble souls + both in the ugly and the fair, in the healthy and the infirm, and most + frequently, perhaps, in the least vigorous. We should be careful how we go + about repeating such false axioms, for they can only do harm to those who + have a heavy burthen to bear through life as it is. In my opinion a + hunchback’s thoughts are as straightforward as an athlete’s; or do you + imagine that if a mother were to place her new-born children in a spiral + chamber and let them grow up in it, they could not tend upwards as all men + do by nature?” + </p> + <p> + “Your comparison limps,” cried Rufinus, “and needs setting to rights. If + we are not to find ourselves in open antagonism....” + </p> + <p> + “You must keep the peace,” Joanna put in addressing her husband; and + before Rufinus could retort, Paula had asked him with frank simplicity: + </p> + <p> + “How old are you, my worthy host?” + </p> + <p> + “Your arrival at my house blessed the second day of my seventieth year,” + replied Rufinus with a courteous bow. His wife shook her finger at him, + exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “I wonder whether you have not a secret hump? Such fine phrases...” + </p> + <p> + “He is catching the style from his cripples,” said Paula laughing at him. + “But now it is your turn, friend Philippus. Your exposition was worthy of + an antique sage, and it struck me—for the sake of Rufinus here I + will not say convinced me. I respect you—and yet I should like to + know how old....” + </p> + <p> + “I shall soon be thirty-one,” said Philippus, anticipating her question. + </p> + <p> + “That is an honest answer,” observed Dame Joanna. “At your age many a man + clings to his twenties.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” asked Pulcheria. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said her mother, “only because there are some girls who think a + man of thirty too old to be attractive.” + </p> + <p> + “Stupid creatures,” answered Pulcheria. “Let them find me a young man who + is more lovable than my father; and if Philippus—yes you, Philippus—were + ten or twenty years over nine and twenty, would that make you less clever + or kind?” + </p> + <p> + “Not less ugly, at any rate,” said the physician. Pulcheria laughed, but + with some annoyance, as though she had herself been the object of the + remark. “You are not a bit ugly!” she exclaimed. “Any one who says so has + no eyes. And you will hear nothing said of you but that you are a tall, + fine man!” + </p> + <p> + As the warm-hearted girl thus spoke, defending her friend against himself, + Paula stroked her golden hair and added to the physician: + </p> + <p> + “Pulcheria’s father is so far right that she, at any rate, measures men by + a true and straight standard. Note that, Philippus!—But do not take + my questioning ill.—I cannot help wondering how a man of one and + thirty and one of seventy should have been studying in the high schools at + the same time? The moon will not be eclipsed for a long time yet—how + bright and clear it is!—So you, Rufinus, who have wandered so far + through the wide world, if you would do me a great pleasure, will tell us + something of your past life and how you came to settle in Memphis.” + </p> + <p> + “His history?” cried Joanna. “If he were to tell it, in all its details + from beginning to end, the night would wane and breakfast would get cold. + He has had as many adventures as travelled Odysseus. But tell us something + husband; you know there is nothing we should like better.” + </p> + <p> + “I must be off to my duties,” said the leech, and when he had taken a + friendly leave of the others and bidden farewell to Paula with less + effusiveness than of late, Rufinus began his story. + </p> + <p> + “I was born in Alexandria, where, at that time, commerce and industry + still flourished. My father was an armorer; above two hundred slaves and + free laborers were employed in his work-shops. He required the finest + metal, and commonly procured it by way of Massilia from Britain. On one + occasion he himself went to that remote island in a friend’s ship, and he + there met my mother. Her ruddy gold hair, which Pul has inherited, seems + to have bewitched him and, as the handsome foreigner pleased her well—for + men like my father are hard to match nowadays—she turned Christian + for his sake and came home with him. They neither of them ever regretted + it; for though she was a quiet woman, and to her dying day spoke Greek + like a foreigner, the old man often said she was his best counsellor. At + the same time she was so soft-hearted, that she could not bear that any + living creature should suffer, and though she looked keenly after + everything at the hearth and loom, she could never see a fowl, a goose, or + a pig slaughtered. And I have inherited her weakness—shall I say + ‘alas!’ or ‘thank God?’ + </p> + <p> + “I had two elder brothers who both had to help my father, and who were to + carry on the business. When I was ten years old my calling was decided on. + My mother would have liked to make a priest of me and at that time I + should have consented joyfully; but my father would not agree, and as we + had an uncle who was making a great deal of money as a Rhetor, my father + accepted a proposal from him that I should devote myself to that career. + So I went from one teacher to another and made good progress in the + schools. + </p> + <p> + “Till my twentieth year I continued to live with my parents, and during my + many hours of leisure I was free to do or leave undone whatever I had a + fancy for; and this was always something medical, if that is not too big a + word. I was but a lad of twelve when this fancy first took me, and that + through pure accident. Of course I was fond of wandering about the + workshops, and there they kept a magpie, a quaint little bird, which my + mother had fed out of compassion. It could say ‘Blockhead,’ and call my + name and a few other words, and it seemed to like the noise, for it always + would fly off to where the smiths were hammering and filing their loudest, + and whenever it perched close to one of the anvils there were sure to be + mirthful faces over the shaping and scraping and polishing. For many years + its sociable ways made it a favorite; but one day it got caught in a vice + and its left leg was broken. Poor little creature!” + </p> + <p> + The old man stooped to wipe his eyes unseen, but he went on without + pausing: + </p> + <p> + “It fell on its back and looked at me so pathetically that I snatched the + tongs out of the bellows-man’s hand—for he was going to put an end + to its sufferings in all kindness—and, picking it up gently, I made + up my mind I would cure it. Then I carried the bird into my own room, and + to keep it quiet that it might not hurt itself, I tied it down to a frame + that I contrived, straightened its little leg, warmed the injured bone by + sucking it, and strapped it to little wooden splints. And behold it really + set: the bird got quite well and fluttered about the workshops again as + sound as before, and whenever it saw me it would perch upon my shoulder + and peck very gently at my hair with its sharp beak. + </p> + <p> + “From that moment I could have found it in me to break the legs of every + hen in the yard, that I might set them again; but I thought of something + better. I went to the barbers and told them that if any one had a bird, a + dog, or a cat, with a broken limb, he might bring it to me, and that I was + prepared to cure all these injuries gratis; they might tell all their + customers. The very next day I had a patient brought me: a black hound, + with tan spots over his eyes, whose leg had been smashed by a badly-aimed + spear: I can see him now! Others followed; feathered or four-footed + sufferers; and this was the beginning of my surgical career. The invalid + birds on the trees I still owe to my old allies the barbers. I only + occasionally take beasts in hand. The lame children, whom you saw in the + garden, come to me from poor parents who cannot afford a surgeon’s aid. + The merry, curly-headed boy who brought you a rose just now is to go home + again in a few days.—But to return to the story of my youth. + </p> + <p> + “The more serious events which gave my life this particular bias occurred + in my twentieth year, when I had already left even the high school behind + me; nor was I fully carried away by their influence till after my uncle + had procured me several opportunities of proving my proficiency in my + calling. I may say without vanity that my speeches won approval; but I was + revolted by the pompous, flowery bombast, without which I should have been + hissed down, and though my parents rejoiced when I went home from Niku, + Arsmoe, or some other little provincial town, with laurel-wreaths and gold + pieces, to myself I always seemed an impostor. Still, for my father’s + sake, I dared not give up my profession, although I hated more and more + the task of praising people to the skies whom I neither loved nor + respected, and of shedding tears of pathos while all the time I was minded + to laugh. + </p> + <p> + “I had plenty of time to myself, and as I did not lack courage and held + stoutly to our Greek confession, I was always to be found where there was + any stir or contention between the various sects. They generally passed + off with nothing worse than bruises and scratches, but now and then swords + were drawn. On one occasion thousands came forth to meet thousands, and + the Prefect called out the troops—all Greeks—to restore order + by force. A massacre ensued in which thousands were killed. I could not + describe it! Such scenes were not rare, and the fury and greed of the mob + were often directed against the Jews by the machinations of the creatures + of the archbishop and the government. The things I saw there were so + horrible, so shocking, that the tongue refuses to tell them; but one poor + Jewess, whose husband the wretches—our fellow Christians—killed, + and then pillaged the house, I have never forgotten! A soldier dragged her + down by her hair, while a ruffian snatched the child from her breast and, + holding it by its feet, dashed its skull against the wall before her eyes—as + you might slash a wet cloth against a pillar to dry it—I shall never + forget that handsome young mother and her child; they come before me in my + dreams at night even now. + </p> + <p> + “All these things I saw; and I shuddered to behold God’s creatures, beings + endowed with reason, persecuting their fellows, plunging them into misery, + tearing them limb from limb—and why? Merciful Saviour, why? For + sheer hatred—as sure as man is the standard for all things—merely + carried away by a hideous impulse to spite their neighbor for not thinking + as they do—nay, simply for not being themselves—to hurt him, + insult him, work him woe. And these fanatics, these armies who raised the + standard of ruthlessness, of extermination, of bloodthirstiness, were + Christians, were baptized in the name of Him who bids us forgive our + enemies, who enlarged the borders of love from the home and the city and + the state to include all mankind; who raised the adulteress from the dust, + who took children into his arms, and would have more joy over a sinner who + repents than over ninety and nine just persons!—Blood, blood, was + what they craved; and did not the doctrine of Him whose followers they + boastfully called themselves grow out of the blood of Him who shed it for + all men alike,—just as that lotos flower grows out of the clear + water in the marble tank? And it was the highest guardians and keepers of + this teaching of mercy, who goaded on the fury of the mob: Patriarchs, + bishops, priests and deacons—instead of pointing to the picture of + the Shepherd who tenderly carries the lost sheep and brings it home to the + fold. + </p> + <p> + “My own times seemed to me the worst that had ever been; aye, and—as + surely as man is the standard of all things—so they are! for love is + turned to hatred, mercy to implacable hardheartedness. The thrones not + only of the temporal but of the spiritual rulers, are dripping with the + blood of their fellow-men. Emperors and bishops set the example; subjects + and churchmen follow it. The great, the leading men of the struggle are + copied by the small, by the peaceful candidates for spiritual benefices. + All that I saw as a man, in the open streets, I had already seen as a boy + both in the low and high schools. Every doctrine has its adherents; the + man who casts in his lot with Cneius is hated by Caius, who forthwith + speaks and writes to no other end than to vex and put down Cneius, and + give him pain. Each for his part strives his utmost to find out faults in + his neighbor and to put him in the pillory, particularly if his antagonist + is held the greater man, or is likely to overtop him. Listen to the girls + at the well, to the women at the spindle; no one is sure of applause who + cannot tell some evil of the other men or women. Who cares to listen to + his neighbor’s praises? The man who hears that his brother is happy at + once envies him! Hatred, hatred everywhere! Everywhere the will, the + desire, the passion for bringing grief and ruin on others rather than to + help them, raise them and heal them! + </p> + <p> + “That is the spirit of my time; and everything within me revolted against + it with sacred wrath. I vowed in my heart that I would live and act + differently; that my sole aim should be to succor the unfortunate, to help + the wretched, to open my arms to those who had fallen into unmerited + contumely, to set the crooked straight for my neighbor, to mend what was + broken, to pour in balm, to heal and to save! + </p> + <p> + “And, thank God! it has been vouchsafed to me in some degree to keep this + vow; and though, later, some whims and a passionate curiosity got mixed up + with my zeal, still, never have I lost sight of the great task of which I + have spoken, since my father’s death and since my uncle also left me his + large fortune. Then I had done with the Rhetor’s art, and travelled east + and west to seek the land where love unites men’s hearts and where hatred + is only a disease; but as sure as man is the standard of all things, to + this day all my endeavors to find it have been in vain. Meanwhile I have + kept my own house on such a footing that it has become a stronghold of + love; in its atmosphere hatred cannot grow, but is nipped in the germ. + </p> + <p> + “In spite of this I am no saint. I have committed many a folly, many an + injustice; and much of my goods and gold, which I should perhaps have done + better to save for my family, has slipped through my fingers, though in + the execution, no doubt, of what I deemed the highest duties. Would you + believe it, Paula?—Forgive an old man for such fatherly familiarity + with the daughter of Thomas;—hardly five years after my marriage + with this good wife, not long after we had lost our only son, I left her + and our little daughter, Pul there, for more than two years, to follow the + Emperor Heraclius of my own free will to the war against the Persians who + had done me no harm—not, indeed, as a soldier, but as a surgeon + eager for experience. To confess the truth I was quite as eager to see and + treat fractures and wounds and injuries in great numbers, as I was to + exercise benevolence. I came home with a broken hip-bone, tolerably + patched up, and again, a few years later, I could not keep still in one + place. The bird of passage must need drag wife and child from the peace of + hearth and homestead, and take them to where he could go to the high + school. A husband, a father, and already grey-headed, I was a singular + exception among the youths who sat listening to the lectures and + explanations of their teachers; but as sure as man is the standard of all + things, they none of them outdid me in diligence and zeal, though many a + one was greatly my superior in gifts and intellect, and among them the + foremost was our friend Philippus. Thus it came about, noble Paula, that + the old man and the youth in his prime were fellow-students; but to this + day the senior gladly bows down to his young brother in learning and + feeling. To straighten, to comfort, and to heal: this is the aim of his + life too. And even I, an old man, who started long before Philippus on the + same career, often long to call myself his disciple.” + </p> + <p> + Here Rufinus paused and rose; Paula, too, got up, grasped his hand warmly, + and said: + </p> + <p> + “If I were a man, I would join you! But Philippus has told me that even a + woman may be allowed to work with the same purpose.—And now let me + beg of you never to call me anything but Paula—you will not refuse + me this favor. I never thought I could be so happy again as I am with you; + here my heart is free and whole. Dame Joanna, do you be my mother! I have + lost the best of fathers, and till I find him again, you, Rufinus, must + fill his place!” + </p> + <p> + “Gladly, gladly!” cried the old man; he clasped both her hands and went on + vivaciously: “And in return I ask you to be an elder sister to Pul. Make + that timid little thing such a maiden as you are yourself.—But look, + children, look up quickly; it is beginning!—Typhon, in the form of a + boar, is swallowing the eye of Horns: so the heathen of old in this + country used to believe when the moon suffered an eclipse. See how the + shadow is covering the bright disk. When the ancients saw this happening + they used to make a noise, shaking the sistrum with its metal rings, + drumming and trumpeting, shouting and yelling, to scare off the evil one + and drive him away. It may be about four hundred years since that last + took place, but to this day—draw your kerchiefs more closely round + your heads and come with me to the river—to this day Christians + degrade themselves by similar rites. Wherever I have been in Christian + lands, I have always witnessed the same scenes: our holy faith has, to be + sure, demolished the religions of the heathen; but their superstitions + have survived, and have forced their way through rifts and chinks into our + ceremonial. They are marching round now, with the bishop at their head, + and you can hear the loud wailing of the women, and the cries of the men, + drowning the chant of the priests. Only listen! They are as passionate and + agonized in their entreaty as though old Typhon were even now about to + swallow the moon, and the greatest catastrophe was hanging over the world. + Aye, as surely as man is the standard of all things, those terrified + beings are diseased in mind; and how are we to forgive those who dare to + scare Christians; yes, Christian souls, with the traditions of heathen + folly, and to blind their inward vision?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> + <p> + Up to within a few days Katharina had still been a dependent and docile + child, who had made it a point of honor to obey instantly, not only her + mother’s lightest word, but Dame Neforis, too; and, since her own Greek + instructress had been dismissed, even the acid Eudoxia. She had never + concealed from her mother, or the worthy teacher whom she had truly loved, + the smallest breach of rules, the least naughtiness or wilful act of which + she had been guilty; nay, she had never been able to rest till she had + poured out a confession, before evening prayer, of all that her little + heart told her was not perfectly right, to some one whom she loved, and + obtained full forgiveness. Night after night the “Water-wagtail” had gone + to sleep with a conscience as clear and as white as the breast of her + whitest dove, and the worst sin she had ever committed during the day was + some forbidden scramble, some dainty or, more frequently, some rude and + angry word. + </p> + <p> + But a change had first come over her after Orion’s kiss in the + intoxicating perfume of the flowering trees; and almost every hour since + had roused her to new hopes and new views. It had never before occurred to + her to criticise or judge her mother; now she was constantly doing so. The + way in which Susannah had cut herself off from her neighbors in the + governor’s house, to her daughter seemed perverse and in bad taste; and + the bitterly vindictive attacks on her old friends, which were constantly + on Susannah’s lips, aggrieved the girl, and finally set her in opposition + to her mother, whose judgment had hitherto seemed to her infallible. Thus, + when the governor’s house was closed against her, there was no one in whom + she cared to confide, for a barrier stood between her and Paula, and she + was painfully conscious of its height each time the wish to pass it + recurred to her mind. Paula was certainly “that other” of whom Orion had + spoken; when she had stolen away to see her in the evening after the + funeral, she had been prompted less by a burning wish to pour out her + heart to a sympathizing hearer, than by torturing curiosity mingled with + jealousy. She had crept through the hedge with a strangely-mixed feeling + of tender longing and sullen hatred; when they had met in the garden she + had at first given herself up to the full delight of being free to speak, + and of finding a listener in a woman so much her superior; but Paula’s + reserved replies to her bold questioning had revived her feelings of envy + and grudge. Any one who did not hate Orion must, she was convinced, love + him. + </p> + <p> + Were they not perhaps already pledged to each other! Very likely Paula had + thought of her as merely a credulous child, and so had concealed the fact! + </p> + <p> + This “very likely” was torture to her, and she was determined to try, at + any rate, to settle the doubt. She had an ally at her command; this was + her foster-brother, the son of her deaf old nurse; she knew that he would + blindly obey all her wishes—nay, to please her, would throw himself + to the crocodiles in the Nile. Anubis had been her comrade in all her + childish sports, till at the age of fourteen, after learning to read and + write, her mother had obtained an appointment for him in the governor’s + household, as an assistant to be further trained by the treasurer Nilus. + Dame Susannah intended to find him employment at a future date on her + estates, or at Memphis, the centre of their administration, as he might + prove himself capable. The lad was still living with his mother under the + rich widow’s roof, and only spent his working days at the governor’s + house, he was industrious and clever during office hours, though between + whiles he busied himself with things altogether foreign to his future + calling. At Katharina’s request he had opened a communication between the + two houses by means of carrier-pigeons, and many missives were thus + despatched with little gossip, invitations, excuses, and the like, from + Katharina to Mary and back again. Anubis took great pleasure in the pretty + creatures, and by the permission of his superiors a dovecote was erected + on the roof of the treasurer’s house. Mary was now lying ill, and their + intercourse was at an end; still, the well-trained messengers need not be + idle, and Katharina had begun to use them for a very different purpose. + </p> + <p> + Orion’s envoy had been detained a long time at Rufinus’ door the day + before; and she had since learnt from Anubis, who was acquainted with all + that took place in Nilus’ office, that Paula’s moneys were to be delivered + over to her very shortly, and in all probability by Orion himself. They + must then have an interview, and perhaps she might succeed in overhearing + it. She knew well how this could be managed; the only thing was to be on + the spot at the right moment. + </p> + <p> + On the morning after the full-moon, at two hours and a half before noon, + the little boy whose task it was to feed the feathered messengers in their + dove-cote brought her a written scrap, on which Anubis informed her that + Orion was about to set out; but he was not very warmly welcomed, for the + hour did not suit her at all. Early in the morning Bishop Plotinus had + come to inform Susannah that Benjamin, Patriarch of Alexandria, was + visiting Amru on the opposite shore, and would presently honor Memphis + with his presence. He proposed to remain one day; he had begged to have no + formal reception, and had left it to the bishop to find suitable quarters + for himself and his escort, as he did not wish to put up at the governor’s + house. The vain widow had at once pressingly urged her readiness to + receive the illustrious guest under her roof: The prelate’s presence must + bring a blessing on the house, and she thought, too, that she might turn + it to advantage for several ends she just now happened to have in view. + </p> + <p> + A handsome reception must be prepared; there were but a few hours to + spare, and even before the bishop had left her, she had begun to call the + servants together and give them orders. The whole house must be turned + upside down; some of the kitchen staff were hurried off into the town to + make purchases, others bustled round the fire; the gardeners plundered the + beds and bushes to weave wreaths and nosegays for decorations; from cellar + to roof half a hundred of slaves, white, brown and black, were toiling + with all their might, for each believed that, by rendering a service to + the Patriarch, he might count on the special favor of Heaven, while their + unresting mistress never ceased screaming out her orders as to what she + wished done. + </p> + <p> + Susannah, who as a girl had been the eldest of a numerous and not wealthy + family, and had been obliged to put her own hand to things, quite forgot + now that she was a woman of position and fortune whom it ill-beseemed to + do her own household work; she was here, there, and everywhere, and had an + eye on all—excepting indeed her own daughter; but she was the petted + darling of the house, brought up to Greek refinement, whose help in such + arduous labors was not to be thought of; indeed, she would only have been + in the way. + </p> + <p> + When the bishop had taken his leave Katharina was merely desired to be + ready in her best attire, with a nosegay in her hand, to receive the + Patriarch under the awning spread outside the entrance. More than this the + widow did not require of her, and as the girl flew up the stairs to her + room she was thinking: “Orion will be coming directly: it still wants + fully two hours of noon, and if he stays there half an hour that will be + more than enough. I shall have time then to change my dress, but I will + put my new sandals on at once as a precaution; nurse and the maid must + wait for me in my room. They must have everything ready for my return—perhaps + he and Paula may have much to say to each other. He will not get off + without a lecture, unless she has already found an opportunity elsewhere + of expressing her indignation.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later she had sprung to the top of a mound of earth covered + with turf, which she had some time since ordered to be thrown up close + behind the hedge through which she had yesterday made her way. Her little + feet were shod with handsome gold sandals set with sapphires, and she + seated herself on a low bench with a satisfied smile, as though to assist + at a theatrical performance. Some broad-leaved shrubs, placed behind this + place of ambush, screened her to some extent from the heat of the sun, and + as she sat watching and listening in this lurking place, which she was not + using for the first time, her heart began to beat more quickly; indeed, in + her excitement she quite forgot some sweetmeats which she had brought to + wile away the time and had poured into a large leaf in her lap. + </p> + <p> + Happily she had not long to wait; Orion arrived in his mother’s + four-wheeled covered chariot. By the side of the driver sat a servant, and + a slave was perched on the step to the door on each side of the vehicle. + It was followed by a few idlers, men and women, and a crowd of half-naked + children. But they got nothing by their curiosity, for the carruca did not + draw up in the road, but was driven into Rufinus’ garden, and the trees + and shrubs hid it from the gaze of the expectant mob, which presently + dispersed. + </p> + <p> + Orion got out at the principal door of the house, followed by the + treasurer; and while the old man welcomed the son of the Mukaukas, Nilus + superintended the transfer of a considerable number of heavy sacks to + their host’s private room. + </p> + <p> + Nothing of all this had seemed noteworthy to Katharina but the quantity + and size of the bags—full, no doubt, of gold—and the man, whom + alone she cared to see. Never had she thought Orion so handsome; the long, + flowing mourning robe, which he had flung over his shoulder in rich folds, + added to the height of his stately form; his abundant hair, not curled but + waving naturally, set off his face which, pale and grave as it was, both + touched and attracted her ir resistibly. The thought that this splendid + creature had once courted her, loved her, kissed her—that he had + once been hers, and that she had lost him to another, was a pang like + physical agony, mounting from her heart to her brain. + </p> + <p> + After Orion had vanished indoors, she still seemed to see him; and when + she thrust his image from her fancy, forced to remind herself that he was + now standing face to face with that other, and was looking at Paula as, a + few days since, he had looked at her, the anguish of her soul was doubled. + And was Paula only half as happy as she had been in that hour of supreme + bliss? Ah! how her heart ached! She longed to leap over the hedge—she + could have rushed into the house and flung herself between Paula and + Orion. + </p> + <p> + Still, there she sat; restless but without moving; wholly under the + dominion of evil thoughts, among which a good one rarely and timidly + intruded, with her eyes fixed on Rufinus’ dwelling. It stood in the broad + sunshine as silent as death, as if all were sleeping. In the garden, too, + all was motionless but the thin jet of water, which danced up from the + marble tank with a soft and fitful, but monotonous tinkle, while + butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and beetles, whose hum she could not hear, + seemed to circle round the flowers without a sound. The birds must be + asleep, for not one was to be seen or broke the oppressive stillness by a + chirp or a twitter. The chariot at the door might have been spellbound; + the driver had dismounted, and he, with the other slaves, had stretched + himself in the narrow strips of shade cast by the pillars of the verandah; + their chins buried in their breasts, they spoke not a word. The horses + alone were stirring-flicking off the flies with their flowing tails, or + turning to bite the burning stings they inflicted. This now and then + lifted the pole, and as the chariot crunched backwards a few inches, the + charioteer growled out a sleepy “Brrr.” + </p> + <p> + Katharina had laid a large leaf on her head for protection against the + sun; she did not dare use a parasol or a hat for fear of being seen. The + shade cast by the shrubs was but scanty, the noontide heat was torment; + still, though minute followed minute and one-quarter of an hour after + another crept by at a snail’s pace, she was far too much excited to be + sleepy. She needed no dial to tell her the time; she knew exactly how late + it was as one shadow stole to this point and another to that, and, by + risking the danger to her eyes of glancing up at the sun, she could make + doubly sure. + </p> + <p> + It was now within three-quarters of an hour of noon, and in that house all + was as still as before; the Patriarch, however, might be expected to be + punctual, and she had done nothing towards dressing but putting on those + gilt sandals. This brought her to swift decision she hurried to her room, + desired the maid not to dress her hair, contenting herself with pinning a + few roses into its natural curls. Then, in fierce haste, she made her + throw on her sea-green dress of bombyx silk edged with fine embroidery, + and fasten her peplos with the first pins that came to hand; and when the + snap of her bracelet of costly sapphires broke, as she herself was + fastening it, she flung it back among her other trinkets as she might have + tossed an unripe apple back upon a heap. She slipped her little hand into + a gold spiral which curled round half her arm, and gathered up the rest of + her jewels, to put them on out of doors as she sat watching. The + waiting-woman was ordered to come for her at noon with the flowers for the + Patriarch, and, in a quarter of an hour after leaving her lurking place, + she was back there again. Just in time;—for while she was putting on + the trinkets Nilus came out, followed by some slaves with several leather + bags which they replaced in the chariot. Then the treasurer stepped in and + with him Philippus, and the vehicle drove away. + </p> + <p> + “So Paula has entrusted her property to Orion again,” thought Katharina. + “They are one again; and henceforth there will be endless going and coming + between the governor’s house and that of Rufinus. A very pretty game!—But + wait, only wait.” And she set her little white teeth; but she retained + enough self-possession to mark all that took place. + </p> + <p> + During her absence indoors Orion’s black horse had been brought into the + garden; a groom on horseback was leading him, and as she watched their + movements she muttered to herself with a smile of scorn: “At any rate he + is not going to carry her home with him at once.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes passed in silence, and at last Paula came out, and close + behind her, almost by her side, walked Orion. + </p> + <p> + His cheeks were no longer pale, far from it, no more than Katharina’s + were; they were crimson! How bright his eyes were, how radiant with + satisfaction and gladness!—She only wished she were a viper to sting + them both in the heel!—At the same time Paula had lost none of her + proud and noble dignity—and he? He gazed at his companion like a + rapt soul; she fancied she could see the folds of his mourning cloak + rising and falling with the beating of his heart. Paula, too, was in + mourning. Of course. They were one; his sorrow must be hers, although she + had fled from his father’s house as though it were a prison. And of course + this virtuous beauty knew full well that nothing became her better than + dark colors! In manner, gait and height this pair looked like two superior + beings, destined for each other by Fate; Katharina herself could not but + confess it. + </p> + <p> + Some spiteful demon—a friendly one, she thought—led them past + her, so close that her sharp ears could catch every word they said as they + slowly walked on, or now and then stood still, dogged by the agile + water-wagtail, who stole along parallel with them on the other side of the + hedge. + </p> + <p> + “I have so much to thank you for,” were the first words she caught from + Orion, “that I am shy of asking you yet another favor; but this one indeed + concerns yourself. You know how deep a blow was struck me by little Mary’s + childish hand; still, the impulse that prompted her had its rise in her + honest, upright feeling and her idolizing love of you.” + </p> + <p> + “And you would like me to take charge of her?” asked Paula. “Such a wish + is of course granted beforehand—only....” + </p> + <p> + “Only?” repeated Orion. + </p> + <p> + “Only you must send her here; for you know that I will never enter your + doors again.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas that it should be so!—But the child has been very ill and can + hardly leave the house at present; and—since I must own it—my + mother avoids her in a way which distresses the child, who is over-excited + as it is, and fills her with new terrors.” + </p> + <p> + “How can Neforis treat her little favorite so?” + </p> + <p> + “Remember,” said Orion, “what my father has been to my poor mother. She is + now completely crushed: and, when she sees the little girl, that last + scene of her unhappy husband’s life is brought back to her, with all that + came upon my father and me, beyond a doubt through Mary. She looks on the + poor little thing as the bane of the family?” + </p> + <p> + “Then she must come away,” said Paula much touched. “Send her to us. Kind + and comforting souls dwell under Rufinus’ roof.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you warmly. I will entreat my mother most urgently....” + </p> + <p> + “Do so,” interrupted Paula. “Have you ever seen Pulcheria, the daughter of + my worthy host?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.—A singularly lovable creature!” + </p> + <p> + “She will soon take Mary into her faithful heart—” + </p> + <p> + “And our poor little girl needs a friend, now that Susannah has forbidden + her daughter to visit at our house.” + </p> + <p> + The conversation now turned on the two girls, of whom they spoke as sweet + children, both much to be pitied; and, when Orion observed that his niece + was old for her tender years, Paula replied with a slight accent of + reproach: “But Katharina, too, has ripened much during the last few days; + the lively child has become a sober girl; her recent experience is a heavy + burden on her light heart.” + </p> + <p> + “But, if I know her at all, it will soon be cast off,” replied Orion. “She + is a sweet, happy little creature; and, of all the dreadful things I did + on that day of horrors, the most dreadful perhaps was the woe I wrought + for her. There is no excuse possible, and yet it was solely to gratify my + mother’s darling wish that I consented to marry Katharina.—However, + enough of that.—Henceforth I must march through life with large + strides, and she to whom love gives courage to become my wife, must be + able to keep pace with me.” + </p> + <p> + Katharina could only just hear these last words. The speakers now turned + down the path, sparsely shaded from the midday sun by a few trees, which + led to the tank in the centre of the garden, and they went further and + further from her. + </p> + <p> + She heard no more—still, she knew enough and could supply the rest. + The object of her ambush was gained: she knew now with perfect certainty + who was “the other.” And how they had spoken of her! Not as a deserted + bride, whose rights had been trodden in the dust, but as a child who is + dismissed from the room as soon as it begins to be in the way. But she + thought she could see through that couple and knew why they had spoken of + her thus. Paula, of course, must prevent any new tie from being formed + between herself and Orion; and as for Orion, common prudence required that + he should mention her—her, whom he had but lately loaded with + tenderness—as a mere child, to protect himself against the jealousy + of that austere “other” one. That he had loved her, at any rate that + evening under the trees, she obstinately maintained in her own mind; to + that conviction she must cling desperately, or lose her last foothold. Her + whole being was a prey to a frightful turmoil of feeling. Her hands shook; + her mouth was parched as by the midday heat; she knew that there were + withered leaves between her feet and the sandals she wore, that twigs had + got caught in her hair; but she could not care and when the pair were + screened from her by the denser shrubs she flew back to her raised + seat-from which she could again discover them. At this moment she would + have given all she held best and dearest, to be the thing it vexed her so + much to be called: a water-wagtail, or some other bird. + </p> + <p> + It must be very near noon if not already past; she dusted her sandals and + tidied her curly hair, picking out the dry leaves and not noticing that at + the same time a rose fell out on the ground. Only her hands were busy; her + eyes were elsewhere, and suddenly they brightened again, for the couple on + which she kept them fixed were coming back, straight towards the hedge, + and she would soon be able again to hear what they were saying. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> + <p> + Orion and Paula had had much to talk about, since the young man had + arrived. The discussion over the safe keeping of the girl’s money had been + tedious. Finally, her counsellors had decided to entrust half of it to + Gamaliel the jeweller and his brother, who carried on a large business in + Constantinople. He happened to be in Memphis, and they had both declared + themselves willing each to take half of the sum in question and use it at + interest. They would be equally responsible for its security, so that each + should make good the whole of the property in their hands in case of the + other stopping payment. Nilus undertook to procure legal sanction and the + necessary sixteen witnesses to this transaction. + </p> + <p> + The other half of her fortune was, by the advice of Philippus, to be + placed in the hands of a brother of Haschim’s, the Arab merchant, who had + a large business as money changer in Fostat, the new town on the further + shore, in which the merchant himself was a partner. This investment had + the advantage of being perfectly safe, at any rate so long as the Arabs + ruled the land. + </p> + <p> + After all this was settled Nilus departed with that half of the money + which Orion was to hand over to the keeping of the Moslem money changer on + the following morning. + </p> + <p> + Paula, though she had taken no part in the men’s discussion, had been + present throughout, and had expressed her grateful consent. The clearness, + gravity, and decision which Orion had displayed had not escaped her + notice; and though the treasurer’s shrewd remarks, briefly and modestly + made, had in every case proved final, it was Orion’s reasoning and + explanations that had most come home to her, for it seemed to her that he + was always prompted by loftier, wider, and more statesmanlike + considerations than the others. + </p> + <p> + When this was over she and Orion were left together, and neither she nor + the young man had been able to escape a few moments of anxious + heart-beating. + </p> + <p> + It was not till the governor’s son had summoned up his courage and, + sinking on his knees, was imploring her pardon, that she recovered some + firmness and reminded him of the letter he had sent her. But her heart + drew her to him almost irresistibly, and in order not to yield to its + urgent prompts, she hastily enquired what he had meant by the exchange he + had written about. + </p> + <p> + At this he went up to her with downcast eyes, drew a small box out of the + breast of his robe, and took out the emerald with the damaged setting. He + held them towards her with a beseeching gesture, exclaiming, with all the + peculiar sweetness of his deep voice: + </p> + <p> + “It is your property! Take it and give me in return your confidence, your + forgiveness.” + </p> + <p> + She drew back a little, looking first at him and then at the stone and its + setting—surprised, pleased, and deeply moved, with a bright light in + her eyes. The young man found it impossible to utter a single word, only + holding the jewel and the broken setting closer to her, and yet closer, + like some poor man who makes bold to offer the best he has to a wealthy + superior, though conscious that it is all too humble a gift to find favor. + </p> + <p> + And Paula was not long undecided; she took the proffered gem and feasted + her glistening eyes with glad thankfulness on her recovered treasure. + </p> + <p> + Two days ago she had thought of it as defiled and desecrated; it had + gratified her pride to fancy that she had cast the precious jewel at the + feet, as it were, of Neforis and her son, never to see it again. So hard + is it to forego the right of hating those who have basely brought grief + into our lives and anguish to our souls!—and yet Paula, who would + not have yielded this right at any price a short time since, now waived it + of her own free will—nay, thrust it from her like some tormenting + incubus which choked her pulses and kept her from breathing freely. In + this gem she saw once more a cherished memorial of her lost mother, the + honorable gift of a great monarch to her forefathers; and she was happy to + possess it once more. But it was not this that gave life to the warm, + sunny glow of happiness which thrilled through her, or occasioned its + quick and delightful growth; for her eye did not linger on the large and + glittering stone, but rested spellbound on the poor gold frame which had + once held it, and which had cost her such hours of anguish. This broken + and worthless thing, it is true, was powerful to justify her in the + opinions of her judges and her enemies; with this in her hand she would + easily confute her accusers. Still, it was not that which so greatly + consoled her. The physician’s remark, that there was no greater joy than + the discovery that we have been deceived in thinking ill of another, + recurred to her mind; and she had once loved the man who now stood before + her open to every good influence, deeply moved in her presence; and her + judgment of him had been a hundred, a thousand times too hard. Only a + noble soul could confidently expect magnanimity from a foe and he, he had + put himself defenceless into the power of her who had been mortally + stricken by the most fateful, and perhaps the only disgraceful act of his + life. In giving up this gold frame Orion also gave himself up; with this + talisman in her possession she stood before him as irresistible Fate. And + now, as she looked up at him and met his large eyes, full of life and + intellect but sparkling through tears of violent agitation, she felt + absolutely certain that this favorite of Fortune, though he had indeed + sinned deeply and disastrously, was capable of the highest and greatest + aims if he had a friend to show him what life required of him and were but + ready to follow such guidance. And such a friend she would be to him! + </p> + <p> + She, like Orion, could not for some time speak; but he, at last, was + unable to contain himself; he hastened towards her and pressed her hand to + his lips with fervent gratitude, while she—she had to submit; nay, + she would have been incapable of resisting him if, as in her dream, he had + clasped her in his arms, to his heart. His burning lips had rested + fervently on her hand, but it was only for an instant that she abandoned + herself to the violent agitation that mastered her. Then with a great + effort her instinct and determination to do right enabled her to control + it; she pushed him from her decisively but not ungently, and then, with + some emotion and an arch sweetness which he had never before seen in her, + and which charmed him even more than her noble and lofty pride, she said, + threatening him with her finger. + </p> + <p> + “Take care, Orion! Now I have the stone and the setting; yes, that very + setting. Beware of the consequences, rash man!” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. Say rather: Fool, who at last has succeeded in doing + something rational,” he replied joyfully. “What I have brought you is not + a gift; it is your own. To you it can be neither more nor less than it was + before; but to me it has gained inestimably in value since it places my + honor, perhaps my life even, in your keeping; I am in your power as + completely as the humblest slave in the palace is in that of the Emperor. + Keep the gem, and use it and this fateful gold trifle till the day shall + come when my weal and woe are one with yours.” + </p> + <p> + “For your dead father’s sake,” she answered, coloring deeply, “your weal + lies already very near my heart. Am not I, who brought upon you your + father’s curse, bound indeed to help you to free yourself from the burden + of it? And it may perhaps be in my power to do so, Orion, if you do not + scorn to listen to the counsels of an ignorant girl?” + </p> + <p> + “Speak,” he cried; but she did not reply immediately. She only begged him + to come into the garden with her; the close atmosphere of the room had + become intolerable to both, and when they got out and Katharina had first + caught sight of them their flushed cheeks had not escaped her watchful + eye. + </p> + <p> + In the open air, a scarcely perceptible breath from the river moderated + the noontide heat, and then Paula found courage to tell him what Philippus + had called his apprehension in life. It was not new to him; indeed it + fully answered to the principles he had laid down for the future. He + accepted it gratefully: “Life is a function, a ministry, a duty!” the + words were a motto, a precept that should aid him in carrying out his + plans. + </p> + <p> + “And the device,” he exclaimed, “will be doubly precious to me as having + come from your lips.—But I no longer need its warning. The wisest + and most practical axioms of conduct never made any man the better. Who + does not bring a stock of them with him when he quits school for the world + at large? Precepts are of no use unless, in the voyage of life, a manly + will holds the rudder. I have called on mine, and it will steer me to the + goal, for a bright guiding star lights the pilot on his way. You know that + star; it is....” + </p> + <p> + “It is what you call your love,” she interposed, with a deep blush.—“Your + love for me, and I will trust it.” + </p> + <p> + “You will!” he cried passionately. “You allow me to hope....” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, hope!” she again broke in, “but meanwhile....” + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile,” he said, “‘do not press me further,’ ought to end your + sentence. Oh! I quite understand you; and until I feel that you have good + reason once more to respect the maniac who lost you by his own fault, I, + who fought you like your most deadly foe, will not even speak the final + word. I will silence my longing, I will try....” + </p> + <p> + “You will try to show me—nay, you will show me—that in you, my + foe and persecutor, I have gained my dearest friend!—And now to + quite another matter. We know how we stand towards each other and can + count on each other with glad and perfect confidence, thanking the + Almighty for having opened out a new life to us. To Him we will this + day....” + </p> + <p> + “Offer praise and thanksgiving,” Orion joyfully put in. + </p> + <p> + And here began the conversation relating to little Mary which Katharina + had overheard. + </p> + <p> + They had gone out of hearing again when Orion explained to Paula that all + arrangements for the little girl must be postponed till the morrow, as he + had business now with Amru, on the other shore of the Nile. He decisively + confuted her fears lest he should allow himself to be perverted by the + Moslems to their faith; for though he ardently desired to let the + Patriarch feel that he had no mind to submit patiently to the affront to + his deceased father, he clung too firmly to his creed, and knew too well + what was due to the memory of the dead, and to Paula herself, ever to take + this extreme step. He spoke in glowing terms as he described how, for the + future, he purposed to devote his best powers to his hapless and oppressed + country, whether it were in the service of the Khaliff or in some other + way; and she eagerly entered into his schemes, quite carried away by his + noble enthusiasm, and acknowledging to herself with silent rapture the + superiority of his mind and the soaring loftiness of his soul. + </p> + <p> + When, presently, they began talking again of the past she asked him quite + frankly, but in a low voice and without looking up, what had become of the + emerald he had taken from the Persian hanging. He turned pale at this, + looked at the ground, and hesitatingly replied that he had sent it to + Constantinople—“to have it set—set in an ornament—worthy + of her whom—whom he....” + </p> + <p> + But here he broke off, stamped angrily with his foot, and looking straight + into the girl’s eyes exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “A pack of lies, foul and unworthy lies!—I have been truthful by + nature all my life; but does it not seem as though that accursed day + forced me to some base action every time it is even mentioned? Yes, Paula; + the gem is really on its way to Byzantium. But the stolen gift was never + meant for you, but for a fair, gentle creature, in nothing blameworthy, + who gave me her heart. To me she was never anything but a pretty + plaything; still, there were moments when I believed—poor soul!—I + first learnt what love meant through you, how great and how sacred it is!—Now + you know all; this, indeed, is the truth!” + </p> + <p> + They walked on again, and Katharina, who had not been able to gather the + whole of this explanation, could plainly hear Paula’s reply in warm, glad + accents: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is the truth, I feel. And henceforth that horrible day is + blotted out, erased from your life and mine; and whatever you tell me in + the future I shall believe.” + </p> + <p> + And the listener heard the young man answer in a tremulous voice: + </p> + <p> + “And you shall never be deceived in me. Now I must leave you; and I go, in + spite of my griefs, a happy man, entitled to rejoice anew. O Paula, what + do I not owe to you! And when we next meet you will receive me, will you + not, as you did that evening on the river after my return?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed; and with even more glad confidence,” replied Paula, holding + out her hand with a lovely graciousness that came from her heart; he + pressed it a moment to his lips, and then sprang on to his horse and rode + off at a round trot, his slave following him. + </p> + <p> + “Katharina, child, Katharina!” was shouted from Susannah’s house in a + woman’s high-pitched voice. The water-wagtail started up, hastily + smoothing her hair and casting an evil glance at her rival, “the other,” + the supplanter who had basely betrayed her under the sycamores; she + clenched her little fist as she saw Paula watching Orion’s retreating form + with beaming eyes. Paula went back into the house, happy and walking on + air, while the other poor, deeply-wounded child burst into violent weeping + at the first hasty words from her mother, who was not at all satisfied + with the disorder of her dress; and she ended by declaring with defiant + audacity that she would not present the flowers to the patriarch, and + would remain in her own room, for she was dying of headache.—And so + she did. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> + <p> + In the course of the afternoon Orion paid his visit to the Arab governor. + He crossed the bridge of boats on his finest horse. + </p> + <p> + Only two years since, the land where the new town of Fostat was now + growing up under the old citadel of Babylon had been fields and gardens; + but at Amru’s word it had started into being as by a miracle; house after + house already lined the streets, the docks were full of ships and barges, + the market was alive with dealers, and on a spot where, during the siege + of the fortress, a sutler’s booth had stood, a long colonnade marked out + the site of a new mosque. + </p> + <p> + There was little to be seen here now of native Egyptian life; it looked as + though some magician had transported a part of Medina itself to the shores + of the Nile. Men and beasts, dwellings and shops, though they had adopted + much of what they had found in this ancient land of culture, still bore + the stamp of their origin; and wherever Orion’s eye fell on one of his + fellow-countrymen, he was a laborer or a scribe in the service of the + conquerors who had so quickly made themselves at home. + </p> + <p> + Before his departure for Constantinople one of his father’s palm-groves + had occupied the spot where Amru’s residence now stood opposite the + half-finished mosque. Where, now, thousands of Moslems, some on foot, some + on richly caparisoned steeds, were passing to and fro, turbaned and robed + after the manner of their tribe, with such adornment as they had stolen or + adopted from intercourse with splendor-loving nations, and where long + trains of camels dragged quarried stones to the building, in former times + only an occasional ox-cart with creaking wheels was to be seen, an + Egyptian riding an ass or a bare-backed nag, and now and then a few + insolent Greek soldiers. On all sides he heard the sharper and more + emphatic accent of the sons of the desert instead of the language of his + forefathers and their Greek conquerors. Without the aid of the servant who + rode at his side he could not have made himself understood on the soil of + his native land. + </p> + <p> + He soon reached Amru’s house and was there informed by an Egyptian + secretary that his master was gone out hunting and would receive him, not + in the town, but at the citadel. There, on a pleasant site on the + limestone hills which rose behind the fortress of Babylon and the + newly-founded city, stood some fine buildings, originally planned as a + residence for the Prefect; and thither Amru had transported his wives, + children, and favorite horses, preferring it, with very good reason, to + the palace in the town, where he transacted business, and where the new + mosque intercepted the view of the Nile, while this eminence commanded a + wide prospect. + </p> + <p> + The sun was near setting when Orion reached the spot, but the general had + not yet come in from the chase, and the gate-keeper requested that he + would wait. + </p> + <p> + Orion was accustomed to be treated in his own country as the heir of the + greatest man in it; the color mounted to his brow and his Egyptian heart + revolted at having to bend his pride and swallow his wrath before an Arab. + He was one of the subject race, and the thought that one word from his + lips would suffice to secure his reception in the ranks of the rulers + forced itself suddenly on his mind; but he repressed it with all his + might, and silently allowed himself to be conducted to a terrace screened + by a vine-covered trellis from the heat of the sun. + </p> + <p> + He sat down on one of the marble seats by the parapet of this hanging + garden and looked westward. He knew the scene well, it was the playground + of his childhood and youth; hundreds of times the picture had spread + before him, and yet it affected him to-day as it had never done before. + Was there on earth—he asked himself—a more fertile and + luxuriant land? Had not even the Greek poets sung of the Nile as the most + venerable of rivers? Had not great Caesar himself been so fascinated by + the idea of discovering its source that to that end—so he had + declared—he would have thought the dominion of the world well lost? + On the produce of those wide fields the weal and woe of the mightiest + cities of the earth had been dependent for centuries; nay, imperial Rome + and sovereign Constantinople had quaked with fears of famine, when a bad + harvest here had disappointed the hopes of the husbandman. + </p> + <p> + And was there anywhere a more industrious nation of laborers, had there + ever been, before them, a thriftier or a more skilful race? When he looked + back on the fate and deeds of nations, on the remotest horizon where the + thread of history was scarcely perceptible, that same gigantic Sphinx was + there—the first and earliest monument of human joy in creative art—those + Pyramids which still proudly stood in undiminished and inaccessible + majesty beyond the Nile, beyond the ruined capital of his forefathers, at + the foot of the Libyan range. He was the son of the men who had raised + these imperishable works, and in his veins perchance there still might + flow a drop of the blood of those Pharaohs who had sought eternal rest in + these vast tombs, and whose greater progeny, had overrun half the world + with their armies, and had exacted tribute and submission. He, who had + often felt flattered at being praised for the purity of his Greek—pure + not merely for his time: an age of bastard tongues—and for the + engaging Hellenism of his person, here and now had an impulse of pride of + his Egyptian origin. He drew a deep breath, as he gazed at the sinking + sun; it seemed to lend intentional significance to the rich beauty of his + home as its magical glory transmuted the fields, the stream, and the + palm-groves, the roofs of the city, and even the barren desert-range and + the Pyramids to burning gold. It was fast going to rest behind the Libyan + chain. The bare, colorless limestone sparkled like translucent crystal; + the glowing sphere looked as though it were melting into the very heart of + the mountains behind which it was vanishing, while its rays, shooting + upwards like millions of gold threads, bound his native valley to heaven—the + dwelling of the Divine Power who had blessed it above all other lands. + </p> + <p> + To free this beautiful spot of earth and its children from their + oppressors—to restore to them the might and greatness which had once + been theirs—to snatch down the crescent from the tents and buildings + which lay below him and plant the cross which from his infancy he had held + sacred—to lead enthusiastic troops of Egyptians against the Moslems—to + quell their arrogance and drive them back to the East like Sesostris, the + hero of history and legend—this was a task worthy of the grandson of + Menas, of the son of George the great and just Mukaukas. + </p> + <p> + Paula would not oppose such an enterprise; his excited imagination + pictured her indeed as a second Zenobia by his side, ready for any great + achievement, fit to aid him and to rule. + </p> + <p> + Fully possessed by this dream of the future, he had long ceased to gaze at + the glories of the sunset and was sitting with eyes fixed on the ground. + Suddenly his soaring visions were interrupted by men’s voices coming up + from the street just below the terrace. He looked over and perceived at + its foot about a score of Egyptian laborers; free men, with no degrading + tokens of slavery, making their way along, evidently against their will + and yet in sullen obedience, with no thought of resistance or evasion, + though only a single Arab held them under control. + </p> + <p> + The sight fell on his excited mood like rain on a smouldering fire, like + hail on sprouting seed. His eye, which a moment ago had sparkled with + enthusiasm, looked down with contempt and disappointment on the miserable + creatures of whose race he came. A line of bitter scorn curled his lip, + for this troop of voluntary slaves were beneath his anger—all the + more so as he more vividly pictured to himself what his people had once + been and what they were now. He did not think of all this precisely, but + as dusk fell, one scene after another from his own experience rose before + his mind’s eye—occasions on which the Egyptians had behaved + ignominiously, and had proved that they were unworthy of freedom and + inured to bow in servitude. Just as one Arab was now able to reduce a host + of his fellow-countrymen to subjection, so formerly three Greeks had held + them in bondage. He had known numberless instances of almost glad + submission on the part of freeborn Egyptians—peasants, village + magnates, and officials, even on his father’s estates and farms. In + Alexandria and Memphis the sons of the soil had willingly borne the + foreign yoke, allowing themselves to be thrust into the shade and humbled + by Greeks, as though they were of a baser species and origin, so long only + as their religious tenets and the subtleties of their creed remained + untouched. Then he had seen them rise and shed their blood, yet even then + only with loud outcries and a promising display of enthusiasm. But their + first defeat had been fatal and it had required only a small number of + trained soldiers to rout them. + </p> + <p> + To make any attempt against a bold and powerful invader as the leader of + such a race would be madness; there was no choice but to rule his people + in the service of the enemy and so exert his best energies to make their + lot more endurable. His father’s wiser and more experienced judgment had + decided that the better course was to serve his people as mediator between + them and the Arabs rather than to attempt futile resistance at the head of + Byzantine troops. + </p> + <p> + “Wretched and degenerate brood!” he muttered wrathfully, and he began to + consider whether he should not quit the spot and show the arrogant Arab + that one Egyptian, at any rate, still had spirit enough to resent his + contempt, or whether he should yet wait for the sake of the good cause, + and swallow down his indignation. No! he, the son of the Mukaukas, could + not—ought not to brook such treatment. Rather would he lose his life + as a rebel, or wander an exile through the world and seek far from home a + wider field for deeds of prowess, than put his free neck under the feet of + the foe. + </p> + <p> + But his reflections were disturbed by the sound of footsteps, and looking + round he saw the gleam of lanterns moving to and fro on the terrace, + turned directly on him. These must be Amru’s servants come to conduct him + to their master, who, as he supposed, would now do him the honor to + receive him—tired out with hunting, no doubt, and stretched on his + divan while he imperiously informed his guest, as if he were some freed + slave, what his wishes were. + </p> + <p> + But the steps were not those of a messenger. The great general himself had + come to welcome him; the lantern-bearers were not to show the way to + Amru’s couch, but to guide Amru to the “son of his dear departed friend.” + The haughty Vicar of the Khaliffs was the most cordial host, prompted by + hospitality to make his guest’s brief stay beneath his roof as pleasant as + possible, and giving him the right hand of welcome. + </p> + <p> + He apologized for his prolonged absence in very intelligible Greek, having + learnt it in his youth as a caravan-leader to Alexandria; he expressed his + regret at having left Orion to wait so long, blamed his servants for not + inviting him indoors and for neglecting to offer him refreshment. As they + crossed the garden-terrace he laid his hand on the youth’s shoulder, + explained to him that the lion he had been pursuing, though wounded by one + of his arrows, had got away, and added that he hoped to make good his loss + by the conquest of a nobler quarry than the beast of prey. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing for it but that the young man should return courtesy for + courtesy; nor did he find it difficult. The Arab’s fine pleasant voice, + full of sincere cordiality, and the simple distinction and dignity of his + manner appealed to Orion, flattered him, gave him confidence, and + attracted him to the older man who was, besides, a valiant hero. + </p> + <p> + In his brightly-lighted room hung with costly Persian tapestry, Amru + invited his guest to share his simple hunter’s supper after the Arab + fashion; so Orion placed himself on one side of the divan while the + Governor and his Vekeel—[Deputy]—Obada—a Goliath with a + perfectly black moorish face squatted rather than sat on the other, after + the manner of his people. + </p> + <p> + Amru informed his guest that the black giant knew no Greek, and he only + now and then threw in a few words which the general interpreted to Orion + when he thought fit; but the negro’s remarks were not more pleasing to the + young Egyptian than his manner and appearance. + </p> + <p> + Obada had in his childhood been a slave and had worked his way up to his + present high position by his own exertions; his whole attention seemed + centred in the food before him, which he swallowed noisily and greedily, + and yet that he was able to follow the conversation very well, in spite of + his ignorance of Greek, his remarks sufficiently proved. Whenever he + looked up from the dishes, which were placed in the midst on low tables, + to put in a word, he rolled his big eyes so that only the whites remained + visible; but when he turned them on Orion, their small, black pupils + transfixed him with a keen and, as the young man thought, exceedingly + sinister glare. + </p> + <p> + The presence of this man oppressed him; he had heard of his base origin, + which to Orion’s lofty ideas rendered him contemptible, of his fierce + valor, and remarkable shrewdness; and though he did not understand what + Obada said, more than once there was something in the man’s tone that + brought the blood into his face and made him set his teeth. The more + kindly and delightful the effect of the Arab’s speech and manner, the more + irritating and repulsive was his subordinate; and Orion was conscious that + he would have expressed himself more freely, and have replied more + candidly to many questions, if he had been alone with Amru. + </p> + <p> + At first his host made enquiries as to his residence in Constantinople and + asked much about his father; and he seemed to take great interest in all + he heard till Obada interrupted Orion, in the midst of a sentence, with an + enquiry addressed to his superior. Amru hastily answered him in Arabic and + soon after gave a fresh turn to the conversation. + </p> + <p> + The Vekeel had asked why Amru allowed that Egyptian boy to chatter so much + before settling the matter about which he had sent for him, and his master + had replied that a man is best entertained when he has most opportunity + given him for hearing himself talk; that moreover the young man was + well-informed, and that all he had to say was interesting and important. + </p> + <p> + The Moslems drank nothing; Orion was served with capital wine, but he took + very little, and at length Amru began to speak of his father’s funeral, + alluding to the Patriarch’s hostility, and adding that he had talked with + him that morning and had been surprised at the marked antagonism he had + confessed towards his deceased fellow-believer, who seemed formerly to + have been his friend. Then Orion spoke out; he explained fully what the + reasons were that had moved the Patriarch to display such conspicuous and + far-reaching animosity towards his father. All that Benjamin cared for was + to stand clear in the eyes of Christendom of the reproach of having + abandoned a Christian land to conquerors who were what Christians termed + “infidels” and his aim at present was to put his father forward as the man + wholly and solely responsible for the supremacy of the Moslems in the + land. + </p> + <p> + “True, true; I understand,” Amru put in, and when the young man went on to + tell him that the final breach between the Patriarch and the Mukaukas + George had been about the convent of St. Cecilia, whose rights the prelate + had tried to abrogate by an illegal interpretation of certain ancient and + perfectly clear documents; the Arab exchanged rapid glances with the + Vekeel and then broke in: + </p> + <p> + “And you? Are you disposed to submit patiently to the blow struck at you + and at your parent’s worthy memory by this restless old man, who hates you + as he did your father before you?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” replied the youth proudly. + </p> + <p> + “That is right!” cried the general. “That is what I expected of you; but + tell me now, with what weapons you, a Christian, propose to defy this + shrewd and powerful man, in whose hands—as I know full well—you + have placed the weal and woe, not of your souls alone....” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know yet,” replied Orion, and as he met a glance of scorn from + the Vekeel, he looked down. + </p> + <p> + At this Amru rose, went closer to him, and said “And you will seek them in + vain, my young friend; nor, if you found them, could you use them. It is + easier to hit a woman, an eel, a soaring bird, than these supple, weak, + unarmed, robed creatures, who have love and peace on their tongues and use + their physical helplessness as a defence, aiming invisible but poisoned + darts at those they hate—at you first and foremost, Son of the + Mukaukas; I know it and I advise you: Be on your guard! If indeed manly + revenge for this slight on your father’s memory is dear to your heart you + can easily procure it—but only on one condition.” + </p> + <p> + “Show it me!” cried Orion with flaming eyes. “Become one of us.” + </p> + <p> + “That is what I came here for. My brain and my arm from this day forth are + at the service of the rulers of my country: yourself and our common master + the Khaliff.” + </p> + <p> + “Ya Salaam—that is well!” cried Amru, laying his hand on Orion’s + shoulder. “There is but one God, and yours is ours, too, for there is none + other but He! you will not have to sacrifice much in becoming a Moslem, + for we, too, count your lord Jesus as one of the prophets; and even you + must confess that the last and greatest of them is Mohammed, the true + prophet of God. Every man must acknowledge our lord Mohammed, who does not + wilfully shut his eyes to the events which have come about under his + government and in his name. Your own father admitted...” + </p> + <p> + “My father?” + </p> + <p> + “He was forced to admit that we are more zealous, more earnest, more + deeply possessed by our faith than you, his own fellow-believers.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it.” + </p> + <p> + “And when I told him that I had given orders that the desk for the reader + of the Koran in our new mosque should be discarded, because when he + stepped up to it he was uplifted above the other worshippers, the weary + Mukaukas was quite agitated with satisfaction and uttered a loud cry of + approbation. We Moslems—for that was what my commands implied—must + all be equal in the presence of God, the Eternal, the Almighty, the + All-merciful; their leader in prayer must not be raised above them, even + by a head; the teaching of the Prophet points the road to Paradise, to all + alike, we need no earthly guide to show us the way. It is our faith, our + righteousness, our good deeds that open or close the gates of heaven; not + a key in the hand of a priest. When you are one of us, no Benjamin can + embitter your happiness on earth, no Patriarch can abrogate your claims + and your father’s to eternal bliss. You have chosen well, boy! Your hand, + my convert to the true faith!” + </p> + <p> + And he held out his hand to Orion with glad excitement. But the young man + did not take it; he drew back a little and said rather uneasily: + </p> + <p> + “Do not misunderstand me, great Captain. Here is my hand, and I can know + no greater honor than that of grasping yours, of wielding my sword under + your command, of wearing it out in your service and in that of my lord the + Khaliff; but I cannot be untrue to my faith.” + </p> + <p> + “Then be crushed by Benjamin—you and all your people!” cried Armu, + disappointed and angry. He waved his hand with a gesture of disgust and + dismissal, and then turned to the Vekeel with a shrug, to answer the man’s + scornful exclamation. + </p> + <p> + Orion looked at them in dumb indecision; but he quickly collected himself, + and said in a tone of modest but urgent entreaty: + </p> + <p> + “Nay; hear me and do not reject my petition. It could only be to my + advantage to go over to you; and yet I can resist so great a temptation; + but for that very reason I shall keep faith with you as I do to my + religion.” + </p> + <p> + “Until the priests compel you to break it,” interrupted the Arab roughly. + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” cried Orion. “I know that Benjamin is my foe; but I have lost a + beloved parent, and I believe in a meeting beyond the grave.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I,” replied the Moslem. “And there is but one Paradise and one + Hell, as there is but one God.” + </p> + <p> + “What gives you this conviction?” + </p> + <p> + “My faith.” + </p> + <p> + “Then forgive me if I cling to mine, and hope to see my father once more + in that Heaven....” + </p> + <p> + “The heaven to which, as you fools believe, no souls but your own are + admitted! But supposing that it is open only to the immortal spirit of + Moslems and closed against Christians?—What do you know of that + Paradise? I know your sacred Scriptures—Is it described in them? But + the All-merciful allowed our Prophet to look in, and what he saw he has + described as though the Most High himself had guided his reed. The Moslem + knows what Heaven has to offer him,—but you? Your Hell, you do know; + your priests are more readier to curse than to bless. If one of you + deviates by one hair’s breadth from their teaching they thrust him out + forthwith to the abode of the damned.—Me and mine, the Greek + Christians, and—take my word for it boy—first and foremost you + and your father!” + </p> + <p> + “If only I were sure of finding him there!” cried Orion striking his + breast. “I really should not fear to follow him. I must meet him, must see + him again, were it in Hell itself!” + </p> + <p> + At these words the Vekeel burst into loud laughter, and when Amru reproved + him sharply the negro retorted and a vehement dialogue ensued. + </p> + <p> + Obada’s contumely had roused Orion’s wrath; he was longing, burning to + reduce this insolent antagonist to silence. However, he contained himself + by a supreme effort of will, till Amru turned to him once more and said in + a reserved tone, but not unkindly: + </p> + <p> + “This clear-sighted man has mentioned a suspicion which I myself had + already felt. A worldly-minded young Christian of your rank is not so + ready to give up earthly joys and happiness for the doubtful bliss of your + Paradise and when you do so and are prepared to forego all that a man + holds most dear: Honor, temporal possessions, a wide field of action, and + revenge on your enemies, to meet the spirit of the departed once more + after death, there must be some special reason in the background. Try to + compose yourself, and believe my assurances that I like you and that you + will find in me a zealous protector and a discreet friend if you will but + tell me candidly and fully what are the motives of your conduct. I myself + really desire that our interview should be fruitful of advantages on both + sides. So put your trust in a man so much your senior and your father’s + friend, and speak.” + </p> + <p> + “On no consideration in the presence of that man!” said Orion in a + tremulous voice. “Though he is supposed not to understand Greek, he + follows every word I say with malicious watchfulness; he dared to laugh at + me, he...” + </p> + <p> + “He is as discreet as he is brave, and my Vekeel,” interrupted Amru + reprovingly. “If you join us you will have to obey him; and remember this, + young man. I sent for you to impose conditions on you, not to have them + dictated to me. I grant you an audience as the ruler of this country, as + the Vicar of Omar, your Khaliff and mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I entreat you to dismiss me, for in the presence of that man my + heart and lips are sealed; I feel that he is my enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “Beware of his becoming so!” cried the governor, while Obada shrugged his + shoulders scornfully. + </p> + <p> + Orion understood this gesture, and although he again succeeded in keeping + cool he felt that he could no longer be sure of himself; he bowed low, + without paying any heed to the Vekeel, and begged Amru to excuse him for + the present. + </p> + <p> + Amru, who had not failed to observe Obada’s demeanor and who keenly + sympathized with what was going on in the young man’s mind, did not detain + him; but his manner changed once more; he again became the pressing host + and invited his guest, as it was growing late, to pass the night under his + roof. Orion politely declined, and when at length he quitted the room—without + deigning even to look at the Negro—Amru accompanied him into the + anteroom. There he grasped the young man’s hand, and said in a low voice + full of sincere and fatherly interest: + </p> + <p> + “Beware of the Negro; you let him perceive that you saw through him—it + was brave but rash. For my part I honestly wish you well.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe it, I know it,” replied Orion, on whose perturbed soul the + noble Arab’s warm, deep accents fell like balm. “And now we are alone I + will gladly confide in you. I, my Lord, I—my father—you knew + him. In cruel wrath, before he closed his eyes, he withdrew his blessing + from his only son.” + </p> + <p> + The memory of the most fearful hour of his life choked his voice for a + moment, but he soon went on: “One single act of criminal folly roused his + anger; but afterwards, in grief and penitence, I thought over my whole + life, and I saw how useless it had been; and now, when I came hither with + a heart full of glad expectancy to place all I have to offer of mind and + gifts at your disposal, I did so, my Lord, because I long to achieve great + and noble, and difficult or, if it might be, impossible deeds—to be + active, to be doing...” + </p> + <p> + Here he was interrupted by Amru, who said, laying his sinewy arm across + the youth’s shoulders: + </p> + <p> + “And because you long to let the spirit of your dead father, that + righteous man, see that a heedless act of youthful recklessness has not + made you unworthy of his blessing; because you hope by valiant deeds to + compel his wrath to turn to approval, his scorn to esteem...” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, that is the thing, the very thing!” Orion broke in with fiery + enthusiasm; but the Arab eagerly signed to him to lower his voice, as + though to cheat some listener, and whispered hastily, but with warm + kindliness: + </p> + <p> + “And I, I will help you in this praiseworthy endeavor. Oh, how much you + remind me of the son of my heart who, like you, erred, and who was + permitted to atone for all, for more than all by dying like a hero for his + faith on the field of battle!—Count on me, and let your purpose + become deed. In me you have found a friend.—Now, go. You shall hear + from me before long. But, once more: Do not provoke the Negro; beware of + him; and the next time you meet him subdue your pride and make as though + you had never seen him before.” + </p> + <p> + He looked sadly at Orion, as though the sight of him revived some loved + image in his mind, kissed his brow, and as soon as the youth had left the + anteroom he hastily drew open the curtain that hung across the door into + the dining-room.—A few steps behind it stood the Vekeel, who was + arranging the straps of his sword-belt. + </p> + <p> + “Listener!” exclaimed the Arab with intense scorn, “you, a man of gifts, a + man of deeds! A hero in battle and in council; lion, serpent, and toad in + one! When will you cast out of your soul all that is contemptible and + base? Be what you have made yourself, not what you were; do not constantly + remind the man who helped you to rise that you were born of a slave!” + </p> + <p> + “My Lord!” began the Moor, and the whites of his rolling eyes were + ominously conspicuous in his black face. But Amru took the words out of + his mouth and went on in stern and determined reproof: + </p> + <p> + “You behaved to that noble youth like an idiot, like a buffoon at a fair, + like a madman.” + </p> + <p> + “To Hell with him!” cried Obada, “I hate the gilded upstart.” + </p> + <p> + “Envious wretch! Do not provoke him! Times change, and the day may come + when you will have reason to fear him.” + </p> + <p> + “Him?” shrieked the other. “I could crush the puppet like a fly! And he + shall live to know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Your turn first and then his!” said Amru. “To us he is the more important + of the two—yes, he, the up start, the puppet. Do you hear? Do you + understand? If you touch a hair of his head, it will cost you your nose + and ears! Never for an hour forget that you live—and ought not to + live—only so long as two pairs of lips are sealed. You know whose. + That clever head remains on your shoulders only as long as they choose. + Cling to it, man; you have only one to lose! It was necessary, my lord + Vekeel, to remind you of that once more!” + </p> + <p> + The Negro groaned like a wounded beast and sullenly panted out: “This is + the reward of past services; these are the thanks of Moslem to Moslem!—And + all for the sake of a Christian dog.” + </p> + <p> + “You have had thanks, and more than are your due,” replied Amru more + calmly. “You know what you pledged yourself to before I raised you to be + my Vekeel for the sake of your brains and your sword, and what I had to + overlook before I did so—not on your behalf, but for the great cause + of Islam. And, if you wish to remain where you are, you will do well to + sacrifice your wild ambition. If you cannot, I will send you back to the + army, and to-day rather than to-morrow; and if you carry it with too high + a hand you will find yourself at Medina in fetters, with your + death-warrant stuck in your girdle.” + </p> + <p> + The Negro again groaned sullenly; but his master was not to be checked. + </p> + <p> + “Why should you hate this youth? Why, a child could see through it! In the + son and heir of George you see the future Mukaukas, while you are + cherishing the insane wish to become the Mukaukas yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “And why should such a wish be insane?” cried the other in a harsh voice. + “Putting you out of the question, who is there here that is shrewder or + stronger than I?” + </p> + <p> + “No Moslem, perhaps. But neither you nor any other true believer will + succeed to the dead man’s office, but an Egyptian and a Christian. + Prudence requires it, and the Khaliff commands it.” + </p> + <p> + “And does he also command that this curled ape shall be left in possession + of his millions?” + </p> + <p> + “So that is what you covet, you greedy curmudgeon—that is it? Do not + all the crimes you have committed out of avarice weigh upon you heavily + enough? Gold, and yet more gold—that is the end, the foul end, of + all your desires. A fat morsel, no doubt: the Mukaukas’ estates, his + talents of gold, his gems, slaves, and horses; I admit that. But thank God + the All-merciful, we are not thieves and robbers!” + </p> + <p> + “And who was it that dug out the hidden millions from beneath the + reservoir of Peter the Egyptian, and who made him bite the dust?” + </p> + <p> + “I—I. But—as you know—only to send the money to Medina. + Peter had hidden it before we killed him. The Mukaukas and his son have + declared all their possessions to the uttermost dinar and hide of land; + they have faithfully paid the taxes, and consequently their property + belongs to them as our swords, our horses, our wives belong to you or me. + What will not your grasping spirit lead you to!—Take your hand from + your dagger!—Not a copper coin from them shall fall into your hungry + maw, so help me God! Do not again cast an evil eye on the Mukaukas’ son! + Do not try my patience too far, man, or else—Hold your head tight on + your shoulders or you will have to seek it at your feet; and what I say I + mean!—Now, good-night! To-morrow morning in the divan you are to + explain your scheme for the new distribution of the land; it will not suit + me in any way, and I shall have other projects to propose for discussion.” + </p> + <p> + With this the Arab turned his back on the Vekeel; but no sooner had the + door closed on him than Obada clenched his fist in fury at his lord and + master, who had hitherto said nothing of his having had purloined a + portion of the consignment of gold which Amru had charged him to escort to + Medina. Then he rushed up and down the room, snorting and foaming till + slaves came in to clear the tables. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> + <p> + Orion made his way home under the moonlit and starry night. He held his + head high, and not since that evening on the water with Paula had he felt + so glad or so hopeful. On the other side of the bridge he did not at once + turn his horse’s head homewards; the fresh night air was so delightful, + his heart beat so high that he shrunk from the oppression of a room. Full + of renewed life, freed from a burden as it were, he made his way at a + round pace to the house that held his beloved, picturing to himself how + gladly she would welcome the news that he had found Amru ready to + encourage him in his projects, indeed, to be a fatherly friend. + </p> + <p> + The Arab general, whose lofty character, intellect, and rectitude his + father had esteemed highly, had impressed him, too, as the ideal of noble + manliness, and as he compared him with the highest officials and warriors + he had met at the Court of Byzantium he could not help smiling. By the + side of this dignified, but impetuous and warm-hearted man they appeared + like the old, rigid idols of his ancestors in comparison with the + freely-wrought works of Greek art. He could bless the memory of his father + for having freed the land from that degenerate race. Now, he felt, that + lost parent, whose image lived in his soul, was satisfied with him, and + this gave him a sense of happiness which he meant to cling to and enhance + by every thought and deed in the future. “Life is a function, a ministry, + and a duty!” this watchword, which had been given him by those beloved + lips, should keep him in the new path; and soon he hoped to feel sure of + himself, to be able to look back on such deeds of valor as would give him + a right in his own judgment to unite his lot to that of this noblest of + women. + </p> + <p> + Full of such thoughts as these, he made his way to the house of Rufinus. + The windows of the corner room on the upper floor were lighted up; two of + these windows looked out on the river and the quay. He did not know which + rooms were Paula’s, but he looked up at the late-burning light with a + vague feeling that it must be hers; a female figure which now appeared + framed in the opening, showed him that he was not mistaken; it was that of + Perpetua. The sound of hoofs had roused her curiosity, but she did not + seem to recognize him in the dim starlight. + </p> + <p> + He slowly rode past, and when he presently turned back and again looked + up, in the hope this time of seeing Paula, the place was vacant: however, + he perceived a tall dark shadow moving across from one side of the room to + the other, which could not be that of the nurse nor of her slender + mistress. It must indeed be that of a remarkably big man, and stopping to + gaze with anxious and unpleasant apprehension, he plainly recognized + Philippus. + </p> + <p> + It was past midnight. How could he account for his being with Paula at + this hour?—Was she ill?—Was this room hers after all?—Was + it merely by chance that the nurse was in Rufinus’ room with the + physician. + </p> + <p> + No. The woman whom he could now see pass across the window and go straight + up to the man, with outstretched hands, was Paula and none other. Isis + heart was already beating fast, and now a suspicion grew strong in him + which his vanity had hitherto held in check, though he had often seen the + friendly relations that subsisted between Paula and the leech.—Perhaps + it was a warmer feeling than friendship and guileless trust, which had led + her so unreservedly to claim this man’s protection and service. Could he + have won Paula’s heart—Paula’s love? + </p> + <p> + Was it conceivable!—But why not? + </p> + <p> + What was there against Philippus but his homely face and humble birth? And + how many a woman had he not seen set her heart on quite other things! The + physician was not more than five years his senior; and recalling the + expression in his eyes as he looked at Paula only that morning Orion felt + more and more uneasy. + </p> + <p> + Philippus loved Paula.—A trifling incident suddenly occurred to his + mind which made him certain on that point; he had only too much experience + in such matters. Yesterday, it had struck him that ever since his father’s + death—that was ever since Paula’s change of residence—Philippus + dressed more carefully than had been his wont. “Now this,” thought he, “is + a change that does not come over so serious a man unless it is caused by + love.” + </p> + <p> + A mingled torment of pain and rage shot through him as he again saw the + tall shadow cross the window. For the first time in his life he felt the + pangs of jealousy, which he had so often laughed at in his friends; but + was it not absurd to allow it to torture him; was he not sure, since that + morning’s meeting, quite sure of Paula? And Philippus! Even if he, Orion, + must retire into the background before a higher judge, in the eyes of a + woman he surely had the advantage!—But in spite of all this it + troubled him to know that the physician was with Paula at such an hour; he + angrily pulled his horse’s head round, and it was a pleasure to him to + feel the fiery creature, unused as it was to such rough treatment, turn + restive at it now. By the time he had gone a hundred steps from those + windows with their cursed glare, the horse was displaying all the temper + and vice that had been taken out of him as a foal. Orion had to fight a + pitched battle with his steed, and it was a relief to him to exercise his + power with curb and knee. In vain did the creature dance round and round; + in vain did he rear and plunge; the steady rider was his master; and it + was not till he had brought him to quietness and submission that Orion + drew breath and looked about him while he patted the horse’s smooth neck. + </p> + <p> + Close at hand, behind a low hedge, spread the thick, dark groves of + Susannah’s garden and between them the back of the house was visible, + being more brilliantly lighted than even Paula’s rooms. Three of the + windows showed lights; two were rather dim, however, the result probably + of one lamp only. + </p> + <p> + All this could not matter to him; nevertheless he remained gazing at the + roof of the colonnade which went round the house below the upper floor; + for, on the terrace it formed, leaning against a window-frame, stood a + small figure with her head thrust so far forth to listen that the light + shone through the curls that framed it. Katharina was trying to overhear a + dialogue between the Patriarch Benjamin—whose bearded and apostolic + head Orion could clearly recognize—and the priest John, an + insignificant looking little man, of whom, however, the deceased Mukaukas + had testified that he was far superior to old Plotinus the Bishop in + intellect and energy. + </p> + <p> + The young man could easily have watched Katharina’s every movement, but he + did not think it worth while. Nevertheless, as he rode on, the + water-wagtail’s little figure dwelt in his mind; not alone, however, for + that of Paula immediately rose by her side; and the smaller Katharina’s + seemed, the more ample and noble did the other appear. Every word he had + heard that day from Paula’s lips rushed to his remembrance, and the vivid + and lovely memory drove out all care. That woman, who only a few hours + since, had declared herself ready, with him, to hope all things, to + believe all things, and to accept his protection—that lordly maiden + whom he had been glad to bid fix her eye, with him, on the goal of his + future efforts, whose pure gaze could restrain his passion and impetuosity + as by a charm, and who yet granted him the right to strive to possess her—that + proud daughter of heroes, whom even his father would have clasped to his + heart as a daughter—was it possible that she should betray him like + some pleasure-seeking city beauty? Could she forget her dignity as a + woman?—No! and a thousand times no. To doubt her was to insult her—was + to wrong her and himself. + </p> + <p> + The physician loved her; but it certainly was not any warmer feeling than + friendship on her part that made her receive him at this late hour. The + shame would be his own, if he ever again allowed such base suspicion to + find place in his soul! + </p> + <p> + He breathed a deep sigh of relief. And when his servant, who had lingered + to pay the toll at the bridge, came up with him, Orion dismounted and + desired him to lead his horse home, for he himself wished to return on + foot, alone with his thoughts. He walked meditatively and slowly under the + sycamores, but he had not gone far when, on the other side of the deserted + road, he heard some one overtaking him with long, quick strides. He + recognized the leech Philippus at a glance and was glad, for this proved + to him how senseless and unjust his doubts had been, and how little ground + he had for regarding the physician as a rival; for indeed this man did not + look like a happy lover. He hurried on with his head bent, as though under + a heavy burthen, and clasped his hand to his forehead with a gesture of + despair. No, this nocturnal wanderer had left no hour of bliss behind him; + and if his demeanor was calculated to rouse any feeling it was not envy, + but pity. + </p> + <p> + Philippus did not heed Orion; absorbed in himself, he strode on, moaning + dully, as if in pain. For a few minutes he disappeared into a house whence + came loud cries of suffering, and when he came out again, he walked on, + shaking his head now and then, as a man who sees many things happen which + his understanding fails to account for. + </p> + <p> + The end of his walk was a large, palatial building. The stucco had fallen + off in places, and in the upper story the windows had been broken away + till their open ings were a world too wide. In former times this house had + accommodated the State officers of Finance for the province, and the + ground-floor rooms had been suitably and comfortably fitted up for the + Ideologos—the supreme controller of this department, who usually + resided at Alexandria, but who often spent some weeks at Memphis when on a + tour of inspection. But the Arabians had transferred the management of the + finances of the whole country to the new capital of Fostat on the other + shore of the river, and that of the monetary affairs of the decaying city + had been incorporated with the treasurer’s department of the Mukaukas’ + household. The senate of the city had found the expense of this huge + building too heavy, and had been well content to let the lower rooms to + Philippus and his Egyptian friend, Horapollo. + </p> + <p> + The two men occupied different rooms, but the same slaves attended to + their common housekeeping and also waited on the physician’s assistant, a + modest and well-informed Alexandrian. + </p> + <p> + When Philippus entered his old friend’s lofty and spacious study he found + him still up, sitting before a great number of rolls of manuscript, and so + absorbed in his work that he did not notice his late-coming comrade till + the leech bid him good-evening. His only reply was an unintelligible + murmur, for some minutes longer the old man was lost in study; at last, + however, he looked up at Philippus, impatiently tossing an ivory + ruler-which he had been using to open and smooth the papyrus on to the + table; and at the same moment a dark bundle under it began to move—this + was the old man’s slave who had long been sleeping there. + </p> + <p> + Three lamps on the writing-table threw a bright light on the old man and + his surroundings, while the physician, who had thrown himself on a couch + in a corner of the large room, remained in the dark. + </p> + <p> + What startled the midnight student was his housemate’s unwonted silence; + it disturbed him as the cessation of the clatter of the wheel disturbs a + man who lives in a mill. He looked at his friend with surprised enquiry, + but Philippus was dumb, and the old man turned once more to his rolls of + manuscript. But he had lost the necessary concentration; his brown hand, + in which the blue veins stood out like cords, fidgeted with the scrolls + and the ivory rule, and his sunken lips, which had before been firmly + closed, were now twitching restlessly. + </p> + <p> + The man’s whole aspect was singular and not altogether pleasing: his lean + brown figure was bent with age, his thoroughly Egyptian face, with broad + cheekbones and outstanding ears, was seamed and wrinkled like oak-bark; + his scalp was bare of its last hair, and his face clean-shaved, but for a + few tufts of grey hair by way of beard, sprouting from the deep furrows on + his cheeks and chin, like reeds from the narrow bed of a brook; the razor + could not reach them there, and they gave him an untidy and uncared-for + appearance. His dress answered to his face—if indeed that could be + called dress which consisted of a linen apron and a white kerchief thrown + over his shoulders after sundown. Still, no one meeting him in the road + could have taken him for a beggar; for his linen was fine and as white as + snow, and his keen, far-seeing eyes, above which, exactly in the middle, + his bristly eyebrows grew strangely long and thick, shone and sparkled + with clear intelligence, firm self-reliance, and a repellent severity + which would no more have become an intending mendicant than the resolute + and often scornful expression which played about his lips. There was + nothing amiable, nothing prepossessing, nothing soft in this man’s face; + and those who knew what his life had been could not wonder that the years + had failed to sweeten his abrupt and contradictory acerbity or to + transmute them into that kindly forbearance which old men, remembering how + often they have stumbled and how many they have seen fall, sometimes find + pleasure in practising. + </p> + <p> + He had been born, eighty years before, in the lovely island of Philae, + beyond the cataract in the district of the temple of Isis, and under the + shadow of the only Egyptian sanctuary in which the heathen cultus was kept + up, and that publicly, as late as in his youth. Since Theodosius the + Great, one emperor and one Praefectus Augustalis after another had sent + foot-soldiers and cavalry above the falls to put an end to idolatry in the + beautiful isle; but they had always been routed or destroyed by the brave + Blemmyes who haunted the desert between the Nile and the Red Sea. These + restless nomad tribes acknowledged the Isis of Philae as their tutelary + goddess, and, by a very ancient agreement, the image of their patroness + was carried every year by her priests in a solemn procession to the + Blemmyes, and then remained for a few weeks in their keeping. Horapollo’s + father was the last of the horoscope readers, and his grandfather had been + the last high-priest of the Isis of Philae. His childhood had been passed + on the island but then a Byzantine legion had succeeded in beating the + Blemmyes, in investing the island, and in plundering and closing the + temple. The priests of Isis escaped the imperial raid and Horapollo had + spent all his early years with his father, his grandfather, and two + younger sisters, in constant peril and flight. His youthful spirit was + unremittingly fed with hatred of the persecutors, the cruel contemners and + exterminators of the faith of his forefathers; and this hatred rose to + irreconcilable bitterness after the massacre at Antioch where the imperial + soldiery fell upon all his family, and his grandfather and two innocent + sisters were murdered. These horrors were committed at the instigation of + the Bishop, who denounced the Egyptian strangers as idolaters, and to whom + the Roman prefect, a proud and haughty patrician, had readily lent the + support of an armed force. It was owing to the narrowest chance—or, + as the old man would have it, to the interposition of great Isis, that his + father had been so happy as to get away with him and the treasures he had + brought from the temple at Philae. Thus they had means to enable them to + travel farther under an assumed name, and they finally settled in + Alexandria. Here the persecuted youth changed his name, Horus, to its + Greek equivalent, and henceforth he was known at home and in the schools + as Apollo. He was highly gifted by nature, and availed himself with the + utmost zeal of the means of learning that abounded in Alexandria; he + labored indefatigably and dug deep into every field of Greek science, + gaining, under his father’s guidance, all the knowledge of Egyptian + horoscopy, which was not wholly lost even at this late period. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the contentious Christian sects of the capital, both + father and son remained heathen and worshippers of Isis; and when the old + priest died at an advanced age, Horapollo moved to Memphis where he led + the quiet and secluded life of a student, mingling only now and then with + the astronomers, astrologers, and calendar-makers at the observatory, or + visiting the alchemists’ laboratories, where, even in Christian Egypt, + they still devoted themselves to attempts to transmute the baser into the + noble metals. Alchemists and star-readers alike soon detected the old + man’s superior knowledge, and in spite of his acrid and often + offensively-repellent demeanor, took counsel of him on difficult + questions. His fame had even reached the Arabs, and, when it was necessary + to find the exact direction towards Mecca for the prayer niche in Amru’s + new mosque, he was appealed to, and his decision was final. + </p> + <p> + Philippus had, some years since, been called to the old man’s bedside in + sickness, and being then a beginner and in no great request, he had given + the best of his time and powers to the case. Horapollo had been much + attracted by the young physician’s wide culture and earnest studiousness; + he had conceived a warm liking for him, the warmest perhaps that he had + ever felt for any fellow-human since the death of his own family. At last + the elder took the younger man into his heart with such overflowing + affection, that it seemed as though his spirit longed to make up now for + the stint of love it had hitherto shown. No father could have clung to his + son with more fervent devotion, and when a relapse once more brought him + to death’s door he took Philippus wholly into his confidence, unrolled + before his eyes the scroll of his inner and outer life from its + beginnings, and made him his heir on condition that he should abide by him + to the end. + </p> + <p> + Philippus, who, from the first, had felt a sympathetic attraction to this + venerable and talented man, agreed to the bargain; and when he + subsequently became associated with the old man in his studies, assisting + him from time to time, Horapollo desired that he would help him to + complete a work he hoped to finish before he died. It was a treatise on + hieroglyphic writing, and was to interpret the various signs so far as was + still possible, and make them intelligible to posterity. + </p> + <p> + The old man disliked writing anything but Egyptian, using Greek + unwillingly and clumsily, so he entrusted to his young friend the task of + rendering his explanations into that language. Thus the two men—so + different in age and character, but so closely allied in intellectual aims—led + a joint existence which was both pleasant and helpful to both, in spite of + the various eccentricities, the harshness and severity of the elder. + </p> + <p> + Horapollo lived after the manner of the early Egyptian priests, subjecting + himself to much ablution and shaving; eating little but bread, vegetables, + and poultry, and abstaining from pulse and the flesh of all beasts—not + merely of the prohibited animal, swine; wearing nothing but pure linen + clothing, and setting apart certain hours for the recitation of those + heathen forms of prayer whose magic power was to compel the gods to grant + the desires of those who thus appealed to them. + </p> + <p> + And if the old man had given his full confidence to Philippus, the leech, + on his part, had no secrets from him; or, if he withheld anything, + Horapollo, with wonderful acumen, was at once aware of it. Philippus had + often spoken of Paula to his parental friend, describing her charms with + all the fervor of a lover, but the old man was already prejudiced against + her, if only as the daughter of a patrician and a prefect. All who bore + these titles were to him objects of hatred, for a patrician and a prefect + had been guilty of the blood of those he had held most dear. The Governor + of Antioch, to be sure, had acted only under the orders of the bishop; but + old Horapollo, and his father before him, from the first had chosen to + throw all the blame on the prefect, for it afforded some satisfaction to + the descendant of an ancestral race of priests to be able to vent all his + wrathful spite on any one rather than on the minister of a god—be + that god who or what he might. + </p> + <p> + So when Philippus praised Paula’s dignified grandeur, her superior + elegance, the height of her stature or the loftiness of her mind, the old + man would bound up exclaiming: “Of course—of course!—Beware + boy, beware! You are disguising haughtiness, conceit, and arrogance under + noble names. The word ‘patrician’ includes everything we can conceive of + as most insolent and inhuman; and those apes in purple who disgrace the + Imperial throne pick out the worst of them, the most cold-hearted and + covetous, to make prefects of them. And as they are, so are their + children! Everything which they in their vainglory regard as ‘beneath + them’ they tread into the dust—and we—you and I, all who labor + with their hands in the service of the state—we, in their dull eyes, + are beneath them. Mark me, boy! To-day the governor’s daughter, the + patrician maiden, can smile at you because she needs you; tomorrow she + will cast you aside as I push away the old panther-skin which keeps my + feet warm in winter, as soon as the March days come!” + </p> + <p> + Nor was his aversion less for the son of the Mukaukas, whom, however, he + had never seen; when the leech had confessed to him how deep a grudge + against Orion dwelt in the heart of Paula, old Horapollo had chuckled + scornfully, and he exclaimed, as though he could read hearts and look into + the future—: “They snap at each other now, and in a day or two they + will kiss again! Hatred and love are the opposite ends of the same rod; + and how easily it is reversed!—Those two!—Like in blood is + like in kind;—such people attract each other as the lodestone tends + towards the iron and the iron towards the lodestone!” + </p> + <p> + But these and similar admonitions had produced little effect on the + physician’s sentiments; even Paula’s repulse of his ardent appeal after + she had moved to the house of Rufinus had failed to extinguish his hope of + winning her at last. This very morning, in the course of the discussion as + to the stewardship of her fortune, Paula had been ready and glad to accept + him as her Kyrios—her legal protector and representative; but he now + thought that he could perceive by various signs that his venerable friend + was right: that the rod had been reversed, and that aversion had been + transformed to love in the girl’s heart. The anguish of this discovery was + hard to bear. And yet Paula had never shown him such hearty warmth of + manner, never had she spoken to him in a voice so soft and so full of + feeling, as this evening in the garden. More cheerful and talkative than + usual, she had constantly turned to address him, while he had felt his + pain and torment of mind gradually eased, till in him too, sentiment had + blossomed anew, and his intellectual power had expanded. Never—so he + believed—had he expressed his thoughts better or more brilliantly + than in that hour. Nor had she withheld her approval; she had heartily + agreed with his views; and when, half an hour before midnight, he had gone + with her to visit his patients, rapturous hopes had sprung once more in + his breast. Ecstatically happy, like a man intoxicated, he had, by her own + desire, accompanied her into her sitting-room, and then—and + there.... + </p> + <p> + Poor, disappointed man, sitting on the divan in a dark corner of the + spacious room! In his soul hitherto the intellect had alone made itself + heard, the voice of the heart had never been listened to. + </p> + <p> + How he had found his way home he never knew. All he remembered was that, + in the course of duty, he had gone into the house of a man whose wife—the + mother of several children—he had left at noon in a dying state; + that he had seen her a corpse, surrounded by loud but sincere mourners; + that he had gone on his way, weighed down by their grief and his own, and + that he had entered his friend’s rooms rather than his own, to feel safe + from himself. Life had no charm, no value for him now; still, he felt + ashamed to think that a woman could thus divert him from the fairest aims + of life, that he could allow her to destroy the peace of mind he needed to + enable him to carry out his calling in the spirit of his friend Rufinus. + He knew his house-mate well and felt that he would only pour vitriol into + his wounds, but it was best so. The old man had already often tried to + bring down Paula’s image from its high pedestal in his soul, but always in + vain; and even now he should not succeed. He would mar nothing, scatter + nothing to the winds, tread nothing in the dust but the burning passion, + the fevered longing for her, which had fired his blood ever since that + night when he had vanquished the raving Masdakite. That old sage by the + table, on whose stern, cold features the light fell so brightly, was the + very man to accomplish such a work of destruction, and Philippus awaited + his first words as a wounded man watches the surgeon heating the iron with + which to cauterize the sore. + </p> + <p> + Poor disappointed wretch, sorely in need of a healing hand! + </p> + <p> + He lay back on the divan, and saw how his friend leaned over his scroll as + if listening, and fidgeted up and down in his arm-chair. + </p> + <p> + It was clear that Horapollo was uneasy at Philippus’ long silence, and his + pointed eyebrows, raised high on his brow, plainly showed that he was + drawing his own conclusions from it—no doubt the right ones. The + peace must soon be broken, and Philippus awaited the attack. He was + prepared for the worst; but how could he bring himself to make his + torturer’s task easy for him. Thus many minutes slipped away; while the + leech was waiting for the old man to speak, Horapollo waited for + Philippus. However, the impatience and curiosity of the elder were + stronger than the young man’s craving for comfort; he suddenly laid down + the roll of manuscript, impatiently snatched up the ivory stick which he + had thrown aside, set his heavy seat at an angle with a shove of amazing + vigor for his age, turned full on Philippus, and asked him, in a loud + voice, pointing his ruler at him as if threatening him with it: + </p> + <p> + “So the play is out. A tragedy, of course!” + </p> + <p> + “Hardly, since I am still alive,” replied the other. + </p> + <p> + “But there is inward bleeding, and the wound is painful,” retorted the old + man. Then, after a short pause, he went on: “Those who will not listen + must feel! The fox was warned of the trap, but the bait was too tempting! + Yesterday there would still have been time to pull his foot out of the + spring, if only he had sincerely desired it; he knew the hunter’s guile. + Now the foe is down on the victim; he has not spared his weapons, and + there lies the prey dumb with pain and ignominy, cursing his own folly.—You + seem inclined for silence this evening. Shall I tell you just how it all + came about?” + </p> + <p> + “I know only too well,” said Philippus. + </p> + <p> + “While I, to be sure, can only imagine it!” growled the old man. “So long + as that patrician hussy needed the poor beast of burthen she could pet it + and throw barley and dates to it. Now she is rolling in gold and living + under a sheltering roof, and hey presto, the discarded protector is sent + to the right about in no time. This mistress of the hearts of our weak and + bondage-loving sex raises this rich Adonis to fill the place of the + hapless, overgrown leech, just as the sky lets the sun rise when the pale + moon sinks behind the hills. If that is not the fact give me the lie!” + </p> + <p> + “I only wish I could,” sighed Philippus. “You have seen rightly, + wonderfully rightly—and yet, as wrongly as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Dark indeed!” said the old man quietly. “But I can see even in the dark. + The facts are certain, though you are still so blinded as not to see their + first cause. However, I am satisfied to know that your delusion has come + to so abrupt, and in my opinion so happy, an end. To its cause—a + woman, as usual—I am perfectly indifferent. Why should I needlessly + ascribe to her any worse sin than she had committed? If only for your sake + I will avoid doing so, for an honorable soul clings to those whom it sees + maligned. Still, it seems to me that it is for you to speak, not for me. I + should know you for a philosopher, without such persistent silence; and as + for myself, I am not altogether bereft of curiosity, in spite of my eighty + years.” + </p> + <p> + At this Philippus hastily rose and pacing the room while he spoke, or + pausing occasionally in front of the old man, he poured out with glowing + cheeks and eager gestures, the history of his hopes and sufferings—how + Paula had filled him with fresh confidence, and had invited him to her + rooms—only to show him her whole heart; she had been strongly moved, + surprised at herself, but unable and unwilling to conceal from him the + happiness that had come into her life. She had spoken to him, her best + friend, as a burthened soul pours itself out to a priest: had confessed + all that she had felt since the funeral of the deceased Mukaukas, and said + that she felt convinced now that Orion had come to a right mind again + after his great sin. + </p> + <p> + “And that there, was so much joy over him in heaven,” interrupted + Horapollo, “that she really could not delay doing her cast-off lover the + honor of inviting his sympathy!” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary. It was with the utmost effort that she uttered all her + heart prompted her to tell; she had nothing to look for from me but + mockery, warning, and reproach, and yet she opened her heart to me.” + </p> + <p> + “But why? To what end?” shrieked the old man. “Shall I tell you. Because a + man who is a friend must still be half a lover, and a woman cannot bear to + give up even a quarter of one.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so!” exclaimed Philippus, indignantly interrupting him. “It was + because she esteems and values me,—because she regards me as a + brother, and—I am not a vain man—and could not bear—those + were her very words—to cheat me of my affection for even an hour! It + was noble, it was generous, worthy of her! And though every fibre of my + nature rebelled I found myself compelled to admire her sincerity, her true + friendship, her disregard of her own feelings, and her womanly tenderness!—Nay, + do not interrupt me again, do not laugh at me. It is no small matter for a + proud girl, conscious of her own dignity, to lay bare her heart’s weakness + to a man who, as she knows, loves her, as she did just now to me. She + called me her benefactor and said she would be a sister to me; and + whatever motive you—who hate her out of a habit of prejudice without + really knowing her—may choose to ascribe her conduct to, I—I + believe in her, and understand her. + </p> + <p> + “Could I refuse to grasp the hand she held out to me as she entreated me + with tears in her eyes to be still her friend, her protector, and her + Kyrios! And yet, and yet!—Where shall I find resolution enough to + ask of her who excites me to the height of passion no more than a kind + glance, a clasp of the hand, an intelligent interest in what I say? How am + I to preserve self-control, calmness, patience, when I see her in the arms + of that handsome young demi-god whom I scorned only yesterday as a + worthless scoundrel? What ice may cool the fire of this burning heart? + What spear can transfix the dragon of passion which rages here? I have + lived almost half my life without ever feeling or yearning for the love of + which the poets sing. I have never known anything of such feelings but + through the pangs of some friend whose weakness had roused my pity; and + now, when love has come upon me so late with all its irresistible force—has + subjugated me, cast me into bondage—how shall I, how can I get free? + </p> + <p> + “My faithful friend, you who call me your son, whom I am glad to hear + speak to me as ‘boy,’ and ‘child,’ who have taken the place of the father + I lost so young—there is but one issue: I must leave you and this + city—flee from her neighborhood—seek a new home far from her + with whom I could have been as happy as the Saints in bliss, and who has + made me more wretched than the damned in everlasting fire. Away, away! I + will go—I must go unless you, who can do so much, can teach me to + kill this passion or to transmute it into calm, brotherly regard.” + </p> + <p> + He stood still, close in front of the old man and hid his face in his + hands. At his favorite’s concluding words, Horapollo had started to his + feet with all the vigor of youth; he now snatched his hand down from his + face, and exclaimed in a voice hoarse with indignation and the deepest + concern: + </p> + <p> + “And you can say that in earnest? Can a sensible man like you have sunk so + deep in folly? Is it not enough that your own peace of mind should have + been sacrificed, flung at the feet of this—what can I call her?—Do + you understand at last why I warned you against the Patrician brood?—The + faith, gratitude, and love of a good man!—What does she care for + them? Unhook the whiting; away with him in the dust! Here comes a fine + large fish who perhaps may swallow the bait!—Do you want to ruin, + for her sake, and the sake of that rascally son of the governor, the + comfort and happiness of an old man’s last years when he has become + accustomed to love you, who so well deserve it, as his own son? Will you—an + energetic student, you—a man of powerful intellect, zealous in your + duty, and in favor with the gods—will you pine like a deserted + maiden or spring from the Leucadian rock like love-sick Sappho in the play + while the spectators shake with laughter? You must stay, Boy, you must + stay; and I will show you how a man must deal with a passion that + dishonors him.” + </p> + <p> + “Show me,” replied Philippus in a dull voice. “I ask no more. Do you + suppose that I am not myself ashamed of my own weakness? It ill beseems me + of all men, formed by fate for anything rather than to be a sighing and + rapturous lover. I will struggle with it, wrestle with it with all the + strength that is in me; but here, in Memphis, close to her and as her + Kyrios, I should be forced every day to see her, and day after day be + exposed to fresh and humiliating defeat! Here, constantly near her and + with her, the struggle must wear me out—I should perish, body and + soul. The same place, the same city, cannot hold her and me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she must make way for you,” croaked Horus. Philippus raised his + bowed head and asked, in some surprise and with stern reproof: + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” replied the other airily. He shrugged his shoulders and went on + more gently: “Memphis has greater need of you than of the patrician + hussy.” Then he shook himself as if he were cold, struck his breast and + added: “All is turmoil here within; I can neither help nor advise you. Day + must soon be dawning in the east; we will try to sleep. A knot can often + be untied by daylight which by lamplight seems inextricable, and perhaps + on my sleepless couch the goddess may reveal to me the way I have promised + to show you. A little more lightness of heart would do neither of us any + harm.—Try to forget your own griefs in those of others; you see + enough of them every day. To wish you a good night would probably be waste + of words, but I may wish you a soothing one, You may count on my aid; but + you will not let me, a poor old man, hear another word about flight and + departure and the like, will you? No, no. I know you better, Philippus—you + will never treat your lonely old friend so!” + </p> + <p> + These were the tenderest words that the leech had ever heard from the old + man’s lips, and it comforted him when Horapollo pressed him to his heart + in a hasty embrace. He thought no more of the hint that it was Paula’s + part to make room for him. But the old man had spoken in all seriousness, + for, no sooner was he alone than he petulantly flung down the ivory ruler + on the table, and murmured, at first angrily and then scornfully, his eyes + sparkling the while: + </p> + <p> + “For this true heart, and to preserve myself and the world from losing + such a man, I would send a dozen such born hussies to Amentis—[The + Nether world of the ancient Egyptians.]—Hey, hey! My beauty! So this + noble leech is not good enough for the like of us; he may be tossed away + like a date-stone that we spit out? Well, every one to his taste; but how + would it be if old Horapollo taught us his value? Wait a bit, wait!—With + a definite aim before my eyes I have never yet failed to find my way—in + the realm of science, of course; but what is life—the life of the + sage but applied knowledge? And why should not old Horapollo, for once + before he dies, try what his brains can contrive to achieve in the busy + world of outside human existence? Pleasant as you may think it to be in + Memphis with your lover, fair heart-breaker, you will have to make way for + the plaything you have so lightly tossed aside! Aye, you certainly will, + depend upon that my beauty, depend upon that!—Here, Anubis!” + </p> + <p> + He gave the slave, who had fallen asleep again under the table, a kick + with his bare foot, and while Anubis lighted his master to his + sleeping-room, and helped him in his long and elaborate ablutions, + Horapollo never ceased muttering broken sentences and curses, or laughing + maliciously to himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK 2. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + If Philippus found no sleep that night, neither did Orion. He no longer + doubted Paula, but his heart was full of longing to hear her say once more + that she loved him and him alone, and the yearning kept him awake. He + sprang from his bed at the first glimmer of dawn, glad that the night was + past, and started to cross the Nile in order to place half of Paula’s + fortune in the hands of Salech, the brother of Haschim the merchant. + </p> + <p> + In Memphis all was still silent, and all he saw in the old town struck him + as strangely worn-out, torpid, and decayed; it seemed only fit to be left + to ruin, while on the other side of the river, in the new town of Fostat, + on all hands busy, eager, new-born vitality met his eyes. + </p> + <p> + He involuntarily compared the old capital of the Pharaohs to a time-eaten + mummy, and Amru’s new city to a vigorous youth. Here every one was astir + and in brisk activity. The money-changer, who had risen, like all Moslems, + to perform his morning prayer, “as soon as a white thread could be + distinguished from a black one,” was already busy with his rolls of gold + and silver coin; and how quick, clear, and decisive the Arab was in + concluding his bargain with Orion and with Nilus, who had accompanied him! + </p> + <p> + Whichever way the young man turned, bright and flashing eyes met his gaze, + energetic, resolute, and enterprising faces; no bowed heads, no dull, + brooding looks, no gloomy resignation like those in his native town on the + other shore. Here, in Fostat, his blood flowed more swiftly; there, + existence was an oppressive burden. Everything attracted him to the Arabs! + </p> + <p> + The changer’s shop, like all those in the Sook or Bazaar of Fostat, + consisted of a wooden stall in which he sat with his assistants. On the + side open to the street he transacted business with his customers, who, + when the affair promised to be lengthy, were invited by the Arab to seat + themselves with him on his little platform. + </p> + <p> + Orion and Nilus had accepted such an invitation, and it happened that, + while they sat in treaty with Salech, visible to the passers-by, the + Vekeel Obada, who had so deeply stirred the wrath of the governor’s son on + the previous evening, came by, close to him. To Orion’s amazement he + greeted him with great amiability, and he, remembering Amru’s warning, + responded, though not without an effort, to his hated foe’s civility. When + Obada passed the stall a second and a third time, Orion felt that he was + watching him; however, it was quite possible that the Vekeel might also + have business with the money-changer and be waiting only for the + conclusion of his. + </p> + <p> + At any rate Orion ere long forgot the incident, for matters of more + pressing importance claimed his attention at home. + </p> + <p> + As often happens, the death of one man had changed everything in his house + so utterly as to make it unlike the same; though his removal had made it + neither richer nor poorer, and though his secluded presence of late had + scarcely had an appreciable influence. The rooms formerly so full of life + now seemed dead. Petitioners and suppliants no longer crowded the + anteroom, and all visits of condolence had, according to the ancient + custom, been received on the day after the funeral. The Lady Neforis had + ceased fussing and bustling, the clatter of her keys and her scolding were + no longer to be heard; she sat apart, either in her sleeping-room or the + cool hall with the fountain which had been her husband’s favorite room, + excepting when she was at church whither she went twice every day. She + returned from thence with the same weary, abstracted expression that she + took there, and any one seeing her lying on the divan which her husband + had formerly occupied, idly absorbed in gloomy thought, would hardly have + recognized her as the same woman who had but lately been so active and + managing. She did not exactly mourn or bewail her loss; indeed, she had no + tears for her grief, as though she had shed them all, once for all, during + the night after his death and burial. But she could not attain to that + state of sadness made sacred by memories with which consoling angels so + often mingle some drops of sweetness, after the first anguish is overpast. + She felt—she knew—that with her husband a portion of her own + being had been riven from her, but she could not yet perceive that this + last portion was nothing less than the very foundations of her whole moral + and social being. + </p> + <p> + Her father and her husband’s father had been the two leading men in + Memphis, nay, in all Egypt. She had given her hand and a heart full of + love to the son of Menas, a proud and happy woman. It was as one with her, + and not by himself alone, that he had risen to the highest dignity + attainable by a native Egyptian, and she had done everything that lay in + her power to uphold him in a position which many envied him, and in + filling it with dignity and effect. After many years of rare happiness + their grief at the loss of their murdered sons only bound the attached + couple more closely, and when her husband had fallen into bad health she + had gladly shared his seclusion, had devoted herself entirely to caring + for him, and divided all the doubts and anxieties which came upon him from + his political action. The consciousness of being not merely much but + everything to him, was her pride and her joy. Her dislike of Paula had its + rise, in the first instance, in the discovery that she, his wife, was no + longer indispensable to the sufferer when he had his fair young niece’s + company. And now? + </p> + <p> + At night, after long lying awake, when she woke from a snatch of uneasy + sleep, she involuntarily listened for the faint panting breath, but no + heart now throbbed by her side; and when she quitted her lonely couch at + dawn the coming day lay before her as a desert and treeless solitude. By + night, as by day, she constantly tried to call up the image of the dead, + but whenever her small imaginative power had succeeded in doing so—not + unfrequently at first—she had seen him as in the last moments of his + life, a curse on his only son on his trembling lips. This horrible + impression deprived her of the last consolation of the mourner: a + beautiful memory, while it destroyed her proud and glad satisfaction in + her only child. The youth, who had till now been her soul’s idol, was + stigmatized and branded in her eyes. She might not ignore the burden laid + on Orion by that most just man; instead of taking him to her heart with + double tenderness and softening or healing the fearful punishment + inflicted by his father, she could only pity him. When Orion came to see + her she would stroke his waving hair and, as she desired not to wound him + and make him even more unhappy than he must be already, she neither blamed + nor admonished him, and never reminded him of his father’s curse. And how + beggared was that frugal heart, accustomed to spend all its store of love + on so few objects—nay, chiefly on one alone who was now no more! + </p> + <p> + The happy voices of the children had always given her pleasure, so long as + they did not disturb her suffering husband; now, they too were silent. She + had withdrawn the sunshine of her narrow affection from her only + grandchild, who had hitherto held a place in it, for little Mary had had a + share in the horrors that had come upon her and Orion in her husband’s + last moments. Indeed, the bereaved woman’s excited fancy had firmly + conceived the mad notion that the child was the evil genius of the house + and the tool of Satan. + </p> + <p> + Neforis had, however, enjoyed some hours of greater ease during the last + two days. In the misery of wakefulness which was beginning to torture her + like an acute pain, she had suddenly recollected what relief from + sleeplessness her husband had been wont to find in the opium pillules, and + a box of the medicine, only just opened, was at hand. And was not she, + too, suffering unutterable wretchedness? Why should she neglect the remedy + which had so greatly mitigated her husband’s distress? It was said to have + a bad effect after long and frequent use, and she had often checked the + Mukaukas in taking it too freely; but could her sufferings be greater? + Would she not, indeed, be thankful to the drug if it should shorten her + miserable existence? + </p> + <p> + So she took the familiar remedy, at first hesitatingly and then more + freely; and on the second day again, with real pleasure and happy + expectancy, for it had not merely procured her a good night but had + brought her joy in the morning: The dead had appeared to her, and for the + first time not in the act of cursing, but as a young and happy man. + </p> + <p> + No one in the house knew what comfort the widow had had recourse to; the + physician and her son had been glad yesterday to find her more composed. + </p> + <p> + When Orion returned home, after concluding his business with the + money-changer at Fostat, he had to make his way through a crowd of people, + and found the court-yard full of men, and the guards and servants in the + greatest excitement. No less a personage than the Patriarch had arrived on + a visit, and was now in conference with Neforis. Sebek, the steward, + informed Orion that he had asked for him, and that his mother wished that + he should immediately join them and pay his respects to the very reverend + Father. + </p> + <p> + “She wished it?” asked the young man, as he tossed his riding-hat to a + slave, and he stood hesitating. + </p> + <p> + He was too much a son of his time, and the Church and her ministers had + exercised too marked influence on his education, for the great prelate’s + visit to be regarded otherwise than as a high honor. At the same time he + could not forget the insult done to his father’s vanes, nor the Arab + general’s warning to be on his guard against Benjamin’s enmity; and + perhaps, he said to himself, it might be better to avoid a meeting with + the powerful priest than to expose himself to the danger of losing his + self-control and finding fresh food for his wrath. + </p> + <p> + However, he had in fact no choice, for the patriarch just now came out of + the fountain-hall into the viridarium. The old man’s tall figure was not + bent, his snowy hair flowed in abundance round his proud head, and a white + beard fell in soft waves far down his breast. His fine eyes rested on the + young man with a keen glance, and though he had last seen Orion as a boy + he recognized him at once as the master of the house. While Orion bowed + low before him, the patriarch, in his deep, rich voice, addressed him with + cheerful dignity. + </p> + <p> + “All hail, son of my never-to-be-forgotten friend! The child I remember, + has, I see, grown to a fine man. I have devoted a short time to the + mother, and now I must say what is needful to the son.” + </p> + <p> + “In my father’s study,” Orion said to the steward; and he led the way with + the ceremonious politeness of a chamberlain of the imperial court. + </p> + <p> + The patriarch, as he followed him, signed to his escort to remain behind, + and as soon as the door was closed upon them, he went up to Orion and + exclaimed: “Again I greet you! This, then, is the descendant of the great + Menas, the son of Mukaukas George, the adored ruler of my flock at + Memphis, who held the first place among the gilded youth of Constantinople + in their gay whirl! A strange achievement for an Egyptian and a Christian! + But first of all, child, first give me your hand!” He held out his right + hand and Orion accepted it, but not without reserve, for he had suspected + a scornful ring in the patriarch’s address, and he could not help asking + himself whether this man honestly meant so well by him, that he could + address him thus paternally as “child” in all sincerity of heart? To + refuse his hand was, however, impossible; still, he found courage to + reply: + </p> + <p> + “I can but obey your desire, holy Father; but, at the same time, I do not + know whether it becomes the son to grasp the hand of the foe who was not + to be appeased even by Death, the reconciler—who grossly insulted + the father, the noblest of men, and, in him, the son too, at the grave + itself.” + </p> + <p> + The patriarch shook his head with a supercilious smile, and a hot thrill + shot through Orion as Benjamin laid his hand on his shoulder and said with + grave kindness: + </p> + <p> + “A Christian does not find it hard to forgive a sinner, an antagonist, an + enemy; and it is a joy to me to pardon the son who feels himself injured + through his lost father, blind and foolish as his indignation may be. Your + wrath can no more affect me, Child, than the Almighty in Heaven, and it + would not even be blameworthy, but that—and of this we must speak + presently—but that—well, I will be frank with you at once—but + that your manner clearly and unmistakably betrays what you lack to make + you a true Christian, and such a man as he must be who fills so + conspicuous a position in this land governed by infidels. You know what I + mean?” + </p> + <p> + The prelate let his hand slip from the young man’s shoulder, looking + enquiringly in his face; and when Orion, finding no reply ready, drew back + a step or two, the old man went on with growing excitement: + </p> + <p> + “It is humility, pious and submissive faith, that I find you lack, my + friend. Who, indeed, am I? But as the Vicar, the representative of Him + before whom we all are as worms in the dust, I must insist that every man + who calls himself a Christian, a Jacobite, shall submit to my will and + orders, without hesitation or doubt, as obediently and unresistingly as + though salvation or woe had fallen on him from above. What would become of + us, if individuals were to take upon themselves to defy me and walk in + their own way? In one miserable generation, and with the death of the + elders who had grown up as true Christians, the doctrine of the Saviour + would be extinct on the shores of the Nile, the crescent would rise in the + place of the Cross, and our cry would go up to Heaven for so many lost + souls. Learn, haughty youth, to bow humbly and submissively to the will of + the Most High and of His vicar on earth, and let me show you, from your + demeanor to myself especially, how far your own judgment is to be relied + on. You regard me as your father’s enemy?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Orion firmly. + </p> + <p> + “And I loved him as a brother!” replied the patriarch in a softer voice. + “How gladly would I have heaped his bier with palm branches of peace, such + as the Church alone can grow, wet with my own tears!” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” cried Orion, “you denied to him, whom you call your friend, + what the Church does not refuse to thieves and murderers, if only they + desire forgiveness and have received absolution from a priest; and + that....” + </p> + <p> + “And that your father did!” interrupted the old man. “Peace be to him! He + is now, no doubt, gazing on the glory of the Lord. And nevertheless I + could forbid the priesthood here showing him honor at the grave.—Why? + For what urgent reason was such a prohibition spoken by a friend against a + friend?” + </p> + <p> + “Because you wished to brand him, in the eyes of the world, as the man who + lent his support to the unbelievers and helped them to victory,” said + Orion gloomily. + </p> + <p> + “How well the boy can read the thoughts of men!” exclaimed the prelate, + looking at the young man with approbation in which, however, there was + some irony and annoyance. “Very good. We will assume that my object was to + show the Christians of Memphis what fate awaits the man, who surrenders + his country to the enemy and walks hand-in-hand with unbelievers? And may + I not possibly have been right?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you suppose my father invited the Arabs?” interrupted the young man. + </p> + <p> + “No, Child,” replied the patriarch, “the enemy came of his own free will.” + </p> + <p> + “And you,” Orion went on, “after the Greeks had driven you into exile, + prophesied from the desert that they would come and overthrow the + Melchites, the Greek enemies of our faith, drive them out of the country.” + </p> + <p> + “It was revealed to me by the Lord!” replied the old man, bowing his head + reverently. “And yet other things were shown to me while I dwelt a devout + ascetic, mortifying my flesh under the scorching sun of the desert. Beware + my son, beware! Heed my warning, lest it should be fulfilled and the house + of Menas vanish like clouds swept before the wind.—Your father, I + know, regarded my prophecy as advice given by me to receive the infidels + as the instrument of the Almighty and to support them in driving the + Melchite oppressors out of the land.” + </p> + <p> + “Your prophecy,” replied Orion, “had, no doubt, a marked effect on my + father; and when the cause of the emperor and the Greeks was lost, your + opinion that the Melchites were unbelievers as much as the sons of Islam, + was of infinite comfort to him. For he, if any one—as you know—had + good reason to hate the sectarians who killed his two sons in their prime. + What followed, he did to rescue his and your unfortunate brethren and + dependants from destruction. Here, here in this desk, lies his answer to + the emperor’s accusations, as given to the Greek deputation who had speech + of him in this very room. He wrote it down as soon as they had left him. + Will you hear it?” + </p> + <p> + “I can guess its purport.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no!” cried the excited youth; he hastily opened his father’s desk, + laid his hand at once on the wax tablet, and exclaimed: “This was his + reply!” And he proceeded to read: + </p> + <p> + “These Arabs, few as they are, are stronger and more powerful than we with + all our numbers. One man of them is equal to a hundred of us, for they + rush on death and love it better than life. Each of them presses to the + front in battle, and they have no longing to return home and to their + families. For every Christian they kill they look for a great reward in + Heaven, and they say that the gates of Paradise open at once for those who + fall in the fight. They have not a wish in this world beyond the + satisfaction of their barest need of food and clothing. We, on the + contrary, love life and dread death;—how can we stand against them? + I tell you that I will not break the peace I have concluded with the + Arabs. ...” + </p> + <p> + “And what is the upshot of all this reply?” interrupted the patriarch + shrugging his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “That my father found himself compelled to conclude a peace, and that—but + read on.—That as a wise man he was forced to ally himself with the + foe.” + </p> + <p> + “The foe to whom he yielded more readily and paid much greater honor than + became him as a Christian!—Does not this discourse convey the idea + that the joys of Paradise solely and exclusively await our damned and + blood-thirsty oppressors?—And the Moslem Paradise! What is it but a + gulf of iniquity, in which they are to wallow in sensual delight? The + false prophet invented it to tempt his followers to force his lying creed, + by might of arms and in mad contempt of death, on nation after nation. Our + Lord, the Word made flesh, came down on earth to win hearts and souls by + the persuasive power of the living truth, one and eternal, which emanates + from Him as light proceeds from the sun; this Mohammed, on the contrary, + is a sword made flesh! For me, then, there is no choice but to submit to + superior strength; but I can still hate and loathe their accursed and + soul-destroying superstition.—And so I do, and so I shall, to the + last throb of this old heart, which only longs for rest, the sooner the + better.... + </p> + <p> + “But you? And your father? Verily, verily, the man who, even for an + instant, ceases to hate unbelief or false doctrine has sinned for his + whole life on this side of the grave and beyond it; sinned against the + only true and saving faith and its divine Founder. Blasphemous and + flattering praise of the piety and moderation of our foes, the very + antichrist incarnate, who kill both body and soul.—With these your + father fouled his heart and tongue...” + </p> + <p> + “Fouled?” cried Orion and the blood tingled in his cheeks. “He kept his + heart and tongue alike pure and honorable; never did a false word pass his + lips. Justice, justice to all, even to his enemies, was the ruling + principle, the guiding clue of his blameless life; and the noblest of the + heathen Greeks admired the man who could so far triumph over himself as to + recognize what was fine and good in a foe.” + </p> + <p> + “And they were right,” replied the patriarch, “for they were not yet + acquainted with truth. In a worldly sense, even now, each of us may aim at + such magnanimity; but the man who forgives those who tamper with the + sacred truth, which is the bread, meat, and wine of the Christian’s soul, + sins against that truth; and, if he is a leader of men, he draws on those + who look up to him, and who are only too ready to follow his example, into + everlasting fire. Where your father ought to have been a recalcitrant + though conquered enemy, he became an ally; nay, so far as the leader of + the infidels was concerned, a friend—how many tears it cost me! And + our hapless people were forced to see this attitude of their chief, and + imitated it.—Forgive their seducer, Merciful God!—forming + their conduct on his. Thousands fell away from our saving faith and went + over to those, who in their eyes could not be reprobate, could not be + damned, since they saw them dwelling and working hand-in-hand with their + wise and righteous leader; and it was simply and solely to warn his + misguided people that I did not hesitate to wound my own heart, to raise + the voice of reproof at the grave of a dear friend, and to refuse the + honor and blessing of which his just and virtuous life rendered him more + worthy than thousands of others. I have spoken, and now your foolish anger + must be appeased; now you will grasp the hand held out to you by the + shepherd of the souls entrusted to him with an easy and willing heart.” + </p> + <p> + And again he offered his hand to Orion, who, however, again took it + doubtfully, and instead of looking the prelate in the face, cast down his + eyes in gloomy bewilderment. The patriarch appeared not to observe the + young man’s repulsion and clasped his hand warmly. Then he changed the + subject, speaking of the grieving widow, of the decadence of Memphis, of + Orion’s plans for the future, and finally of the gems dedicated to the + Church by the deceased Mukaukas. The dialogue had taken a calm, + conversational tone; the patriarch was sitting in the dead man’s + arm-chair, and there was nothing forced or unnatural in his asking, in the + course of discussing the jewels, what had become of the great emerald. + </p> + <p> + Orion replied, in the same tone, that this stone was not, strictly + speaking, any part of his father’s gift; but Benjamin expressed an + opposite opinion. + </p> + <p> + All the tortures Orion had endured since that luckless deed in the + tablinum revived in his soul during this discussion; however, it was some + small relief to him to perceive, that neither his mother nor Dame Susannah + seemed to have told the patriarch the guilt he had incurred by reason of + that gem. Susannah, of course, had said nothing of the incident in order + to avoid speaking of her daughter’s false evidence; still, this miserable + business might easily have come to the ears of the stern old man, and to + the guilty youth no sacrifice seemed too great to smother any enquiry for + the ill-fated jewel. He unhesitatingly explained that the emerald had + disappeared, but that he was quite ready to make good its value. Benjamin + might fix his own estimate, and name any sum he wished for some benevolent + purpose, and he, Orion, was ready to pay it to him on the spot. + </p> + <p> + The prelate, however, calmly persisted in his demand, enjoined Orion to + have a diligent search made for the gem, and declared that he regarded it + as the property of the Church. He added that, when his patience was at an + end, he should positively insist on its surrender and bring every means at + his disposal into play to procure it. + </p> + <p> + Orion had no choice but to say that he would prosecute his search for the + lost stone; but his acquiescence was sullen, as that of a man who accedes + to an unreasonable demand. + </p> + <p> + At first the patriarch took this coolly; but presently, when he rose to + take leave, his demeanor changed; he said, with stern solemnity: + </p> + <p> + “I know you now, Son of Mukaukas George, and I end as I began: The + humility of the Christian is far from you, you are ignorant of the power + and dignity of our Faith, you do not even know the vast love that animates + it, and the fervent longing to lead the straying sinner back to the path + of salvation.—Your admirable mother has told me, with tears in her + eyes, of the abyss over which you are standing. It is your desire to bind + yourself for life to a heretic, a Melchite—and there is another + thing which fills her pious mother’s heart with fears, which tortures it + as she thinks of you and your eternal welfare. She promised to confide + this to my ear in church, and I shall find leisure to consider of it on my + return home; but at any rate, and be it what it may, it cannot more + greatly imperil your soul than marriage with a Melchite. + </p> + <p> + “On what have you set your heart? On the mere joys of earth! You sue for + the hand of an unbeliever, the daughter of an unbelieving heretic; you go + over to Fostat—nay, hear me out—and place your brain and your + strong arm at the service of the infidels—it is but yesterday; but + I, I, the shepherd of my flock, will not suffer that he who is the highest + in rank, the richest in possessions, the most powerful by the mere dignity + of his name, shall pervert thousands of the Jacobite brethren. I have the + will and the power too, to close the sluice gates against such a disaster. + Obey me, or you shall rue it with tears of blood.” + </p> + <p> + The prelate paused, expecting to see Orion fall on his knees before him; + but the young man did nothing of the kind. He stood looking at him, + open-eyed and agitated, but undecided, and Benjamin went on with added + vehemence: + </p> + <p> + “I came to you to lift up my voice in protest, and I desire, I require, I + command you: sever all ties with the enemies of your nation and of your + faith, cast out your love for the Melchite Siren, who will seduce your + immortal part to inevitable perdition....” + </p> + <p> + Till this Orion had listened with bowed head and in silence to the + diatribe which the patriarch had hurled at him like a curse; but at this + point his whole being rose in revolt, all self-control forsook him, and he + interrupted the speaker in loud tones: + </p> + <p> + “Never, never, never will I do such a thing! Insult me as you will. What I + am, I will still be: a faithful son of the Church to which my fathers + belonged, and for which my brothers died. In all humility I acknowledge + Jesus Christ as my Lord. I believe in him, believe in the God-made-man who + died to save us, and who brought love into the world, and I will remain + unpersuaded and faithful to my own love. Never will I forsake her who has + been to me like a messenger from God, like a good angel to teach me how to + lay hold on what is earnest and noble in life-her whom my father, too, + held dear. Power, indeed, is yours. Demand of me anything reasonable, and + within my attainment, and I will try to force myself to obedience; but I + never can and never will be faithless to her, to prove my faith to you; + and as to the Arabs....” + </p> + <p> + “Enough!” exclaimed the prelate. “I am on my way to Upper Egypt. Make your + choice by my return. I give you till then to come to a right mind, to + think the matter over; and it is quite deliberately that I bid you to + forget the Melchite. That you, of all men, should marry a heretic would be + an abomination not to be borne. With regard to your alliance with the + Arabs, and whether it becomes you—being what you are—to take + service with them, we will discuss it at a future day. If, by the time I + return, you have thought better of the matter as regards your marriage—and + you are free to choose any Jacobite maiden—then I will speak to you + in a different tone. I will then offer you my friendship and support; + instead of the Church’s curse I will pronounce her blessing on you—the + pardon and grace of the Almighty, a smooth path to eternity and peace, and + the prospect of giving new joy to the aching heart of your sorrowing + mother. My last word is that you must and shall give up the woman from + whom you can look for nothing but perdition.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot, and shall not, and I never will!” replied Orion firmly. + </p> + <p> + “Then I can, and shall, and will make you feel how heavily the curse falls + which, in the last resort, I shall not hesitate to pronounce upon you!” + </p> + <p> + “It is in your power,” said Orion. “But if you proceed to extremities with + me, you will drive me to seek the blessing for which my soul thirsts more + ardently than you, my lord, can imagine, and the salvation I crave, with + her whom you hold reprobate, and on the further side of the Nile.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare you!” cried the patriarch, quitting the room with a resolute step + and flaming cheeks. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + Orion was alone in the spacious room, feeling as though the whole world + were sinking into nothingness after the rack of storm and tempest. At + first he was merely conscious of having gone through a fearful experience, + which threatened to fling him far outside the sphere of everything he was + wont to reverence and hold sacred. For love and honor of his guardian + angel he had declared war to the patriarch, and that man’s power was as + great as his stature. Still, the image of Paula rose high and supreme + above that of the terrible old man, in Orion’s fancy, and his father, as + it seemed to him, was like an ally in the battle he was destined to wage + in his own strength. + </p> + <p> + The young man’s vivid imagination and excellent memory recapitulated every + word the prelate had uttered. The domineering old man, overflowing with + bigoted zeal, had played with him as a cat with a mouse. He had tried to + search his soul and sift him to the bottom before he attacked the subject + with which he ought to have begun, and concerning which he was fully + informed when he offered him his hand that first time—as cheerfully, + too, as though he had no serious grievance seething in his soul. Orion + resolved that he would cling fast to his faith without Benjamin’s + interposition, and not allow his hold on the two other Christian graces, + Hope and Love, to be weakened by his influence. + </p> + <p> + By some miracle his mother had not yet told the prelate of his father’s + curse, in spite of the anguish of her aching heart; and what a weapon + would not that have been in Benjamin’s hand. It was with the deepest pity + that he thought of that poor, grief-stricken woman, and the idea flashed + through his mind that the patriarch might have gone back to his mother to + accuse him and to urge her to further revelations. + </p> + <p> + Many minutes had passed since the patriarch had left him; Orion had + allowed his illustrious guest to depart unescorted, and this could not + fail to excite surprise. Such a breach of good manners, of the uncodified + laws of society, struck Orion, the son of a noble and ancient house, who + had drunk in his regard for them as it were with his mother’s milk, as an + indignity to himself; and to repair it he started up, hastily smoothing + down his tumbled hair, and hurried into the viridarium. His fears were + confirmed, for the patriarch’s following were standing in the + fountain-hall close to the exit; his mother, too, was there and Benjamin + was in the act of departure. + </p> + <p> + The old man accepted his offered escort with dignified affability, as if + nothing but what was pleasant had passed between him and Orion. As they + crossed the viridarium he asked his young host what was the name of some + rare flower, and counselled him to take care that shade-giving trees were + planted in abundance on his various estates. In the outer hall, on either + side of the door, was a statue: Truth and justice, two fine works by + Aristeas of Alexandria, who flourished in the time of the Emperor Hadrian. + Justice held the scales and sword, Truth was gazing into her mirror. As + the patriarch approached them, he said to the priest who walked by his + side: “Still here!” Then, standing still, he said, partly to Orion and + partly to his companion: + </p> + <p> + “Your father, I see, neglected my suggestion that these heathen images had + no place in any Christian house, and least of all in one attached, as this + is, to a public function. We, no doubt, know the meaning of the symbols + they bear; but how easily might the ordinary man, waiting here, mistake + the figure with the mirror for Vanity and that with the scales Venality: + ‘Pay us what we ask,’ she might be saying, ‘or else your life is a + forfeit,’—so the sword would imply.” + </p> + <p> + He smiled and walked on, but added airily to Orion: + </p> + <p> + “When I come again—you know—I shall be pleased if my eye is no + longer offended by these mementos of an extinct idolatry.” + </p> + <p> + “Truth and justice!” replied Orion in a constrained voice. “They have + dwelt on this spot and ruled in this house for nearly five hundred years.” + </p> + <p> + “It would look better, and be more suitable,” retorted the patriarch, “if + you could say that of Him to whom alone the place of honor is due in a + Christian house; in His presence every virtue flourishes of itself. The + Christian should proscribe every image from his dwelling; at the door of + his heart only should he raise an image on the one hand of Faith and on + the other of Humility.” + </p> + <p> + By this time they had reached the court-yard, where Susannah’s chariot was + waiting. Orion helped the prelate into it, and when Benjamin offered him + his hand to kiss, in the presence of several hundred slaves and servants, + all on their knees, the young man lightly touched it with his lips. He + stood bowed low in reverence so long as the holy father remained visible, + in the attitude of blessing the crowd from the open side of the chariot; + then he hurried away to join his mother. + </p> + <p> + He expected to find her exhausted by the excitement of the patriarch’s + visit; but, in fact, she was more composed than he had seen her yet since + his father’s death. Her eyes indeed, commonly so sober in their + expression, were bright with a kind of rapture which puzzled Orion. Had + she been thinking of his father? Could the patriarch have succeeded in + inspiring her pious fervor to such a pitch, that it had carried her, so to + speak, out of herself? + </p> + <p> + She was dressed to go to church, and after expressing her delight at the + honor done to herself and her whole household by the prelate’s visit, she + invited Orion to accompany her. Though he had proposed devoting the next + few hours to a different purpose, the dutiful son at once acceded to this + wish; he helped her into her chariot, bid the driver go slowly, and seated + himself by her side. + </p> + <p> + As they drove along he asked her what she had told the patriarch, and her + replies might have reassured him but that she filled him with grave + anxiety on fresh grounds. Her mind seemed to have suffered under the + stress of grief. It was usually so clear, so judicious, so reasonable; and + now all she said was incoherent and not more than half intelligible. + Still, one thing he distinctly understood: that she had not confided to + the patriarch the fact of his father’s curse. The prelate must certainly + have censured the conduct of the deceased to her also and that had sealed + her lips. She complained to her son that Benjamin had never understood her + lost husband, and that she had felt compelled to repress her desire to + disclose everything to him. Nowhere but in church, in the very presence of + the Redeemer, could she bring herself to allow him to read her heart as it + were an open book. A voice had warned her that in the house of God alone, + could she find salvation for herself and her son; that voice she heard day + and night, and much as it pained her to grieve him he must hear it now—: + That voice never ceased to enjoin her to tear asunder his connection with + the Melchite maiden. Last evening it had seemed to her that it was her + eldest son, who had died for the Jacobite faith, that was speaking to her. + The voice had sounded like his, and it had warned her that the ancient + house of Menas must perish, if a Melchite should taint the pure blood of + their race. And Benjamin had confirmed her fears; he had come back to her + on purpose to beseech her to oppose Orion’s sinful affection for Thomas’ + daughter with the utmost maternal authority, and, as the patriarch + expressed the same desire as the voice, it must be from God and she must + obey it. + </p> + <p> + Her old grudge against Paula had revived, and her very tones betrayed that + it grew stronger with every word she spoke which had any reference to the + girl. + </p> + <p> + At this Orion begged her to be calm, reminding her of the promise she had + made him by his father’s deathbed; and just as his mother was about to + reply in a tone of pitiful recrimination, the chariot stopped at the door + of the church. He did everything in his power to soothe her; his gentle + and tender tones comforted her, and she nodded to him more happily, + following him into the sanctuary. + </p> + <p> + Beyond the narthex—the vestibule of the church, where three + penitents were flaying their backs with scourges by the side of a small + marble fountain, and in full view of the crowd—they were forced to + part, as the women were divided from the men by a screen of finely-carved + woodwork. + </p> + <p> + As Neforis went to her place, she shook her bowed head: she was meditating + on the choice offered her by Orion, of yielding to the patriarch’s + commands or to her son’s wishes. How gladly would she have seen her son in + bright spirits again. But Benjamin had threatened her with the loss of all + the joys of Heaven, if she should agree to Orion’s alliance with the + heretic—and the joys of Heaven to her meant a meeting, a + recognition, for which she would willingly have sacrificed her son and + everything else that was dear to her heart. + </p> + <p> + Orion assisted at the service in the place reserved for the men of his + family, close to the hekel, or holy of holies, where the altar stood and + the priests performed their functions. A partition, covered with + ill-wrought images and a few gilt ornaments, divided it from the main body + of the church, and the whole edifice produced an impression that was + neither splendid nor particularly edifying. The basilica, which had once + been richly decorated, had been plundered by the Melchites in a fight + between them and the Jacobites, and the impoverished city had not been in + a position to restore the venerable church to anything approaching its + original splendor. Orion looked round him; but could see nothing + calculated to raise his devotion. + </p> + <p> + The congregation were required to stand all through the service; and as it + often was a very long business, not the women only, behind the screen, but + many of the men supported themselves like cripples on crutches. How + unpleasing, too, were the tones of the Egyptian chant, accompanied by the + frequent clang of a metal cymbal and mingled with the babble of chattering + men and women, checked only when the talk became a quarrel, by a priest + who loudly and vehemently shouted for silence from the hekel. + </p> + <p> + Generally the chanted liturgy constituted the whole function, unless the + Lord’s Supper was administered; but in these anxious times, for above a + week past, a priest or a monk preached a daily sermon. This began a short + while after the young man had taken his place, and it was with painful + feelings that he recognized, in the hollow-eyed and ragged monk who + mounted the pulpit, a priest whom he had seen more than once drunk to + imbecility, in Nesptah’s tavern, And the revolting creature, who thus + flaunted his dirty, dishevelled person even in the pulpit, thundered down + on the trembling congregation declarations that the delay in the rising of + the Nile was the consequence of their sins, and God’s punishment for their + evil deeds. Instead of comforting the terrified souls, or encouraging + their faith and bidding them hope for better times, he set before them in + burning words the punishment that awaited their wicked despondency. + </p> + <p> + God Almighty was plaguing them and the land with great heat; but this was + like the cool north wind at Advent-tide, as compared with the fierceness + of the furnace of hell which Satan was making hot for them. The scorching + sun on earth at any rate gave them daylight, but the flames of hell shed + no light, that the terrors might never cease of those whom the devil’s + myrmidons drove over the narrow bridge leading to his horrible realm, + goading them with spears and pitchforks, with heavy cudgelling or gnawing + of their flesh. In the anguish of death, and the crush by the way, mothers + trod down their infants and fathers their daughters; and when the damned + reached the spiked threshold of hell itself, a hideous and poisoned vapor + rose up to meet them, choking them, and yet giving them renewed strength + to feel fresh torments with increased keenness of every sense. Then the + devil’s shrieks of anguish, which shake the vault of hell, came thundering + on their ears; with hideous yells he snatched at them from the grate on + which he lay, crushed and squeezed them in his iron jaws like a bunch of + grapes, and swallowed them into his fiery maw; or else they were hung up + by their tongues by attendant friends in Satan’s fiery furnace, or dragged + alternately through ice and flames, and finally beaten to pieces on the + anvil of hell, or throttled and wrung with ropes and cloths.—As + compared with the torments they would suffer there, every present anxiety + was as the kiss of a lover. Mothers would hear the brain seething in their + infants’ skulls.... + </p> + <p> + At this point of the monk’s grewsome discourse, Orion turned away with a + shudder. The curse with which the patriarch had threatened him recurred to + his mind; he could have fancied that the hot, stuffy, incense-laden air of + the church was full of flapping daws and hideous bats. Deadly horror crept + over him; but then, suddenly, the rebound came of youthful vigor, longing + for freedom and joy in living; a voice within cried out: “Away with + coercion and chains! Winged spirit, use your pinions! Down with the god of + terrors! He is not that Heavenly Father whose love embraces mankind. + Forward, leap up and be free! Trusting in your own strength, guided by + your own will, go boldly forth into the open sunshine of life! Be free, be + free!—Still, be not like a slave who is no sooner cut adrift and + left to himself than he falls a slave again to his own senses. No; but + striving unceasingly and of your own free will, in the sweat of your brow, + to reach the high goal, to work out to its fulfilment and fruition + everything that is best in your soul and mind. Yes—life is a + ministry.... I, like the disciples of the Stoa, will strive after all that + is known as virtue, with no other end in view than to practise it for its + own sake, because it is fair and gives unmixed joys. I will rely on myself + to seek the truth—and do what I feel to be right and good; this, + henceforth, shall be the lofty aim of my existence. To the two chief + desires of my heart—: atonement to my father and union with Paula, I + here add a third: the attainment of the loftiest goal that I may reach, by + valiant striving to get as near to it as my strength will allow. The road + thither is by Work; the guiding star I must keep before me that I may not + go astray is my Love!” + </p> + <p> + His cheeks were burning, and with a deep breath he looked about him as + though to find an adversary with whom he might measure his strength. The + horrible sermon was ended and the words of the chanting crowd fell on his + ear. “Lord, reward me not according to mine iniquities!” The load of his + own sin fell on his heart again, and his dying father’s curse; his proud + head drooped on his breast, and he said to himself that his burthen was + too heavy for him to venture on the bold flight for which he had but now + spread his wings. The ban was not yet lifted; he was not yet redeemed from + its crushing weight. But the mere word “redeemed” brought to his mind the + image of Him who took on Himself the sins of the world; and the more + deeply he contemplated the nature of the Saviour whom he had loved from + his childhood, the more surely he felt that it would be doing no violence + to the freedom of his own will, but rather be the fulfilment of a + long-felt desire, if he were to tell Jesus simply all that oppressed him; + that his love for Him, his faith in Him, had a saving power even for his + soul. He lifted up his eyes and heart to Him, and to Him, as to a trusted + friend, confided all that troubled and hindered him and besought His aid. + </p> + <p> + In loving Him, he and Paula were one, he knew, though they had not the + same idea of His nature. + </p> + <p> + Orion, as he meditated, thought out the points on which her views deviated + from his own: she believed that the divine and the human natures were + distinct in the person of Christ. And as he reflected on this creed, till + now so horrible in his eyes, he felt that the unique individuality of the + Saviour, shedding forth love and truth, came home to him more closely when + he pictured Him perfect and spotless, yet feeling as a man; walking among + men with all their joy in life in His heart, alive to every pang and + sorrow which can torture mortals, rejoicing with them, and taking upon + Himself unspeakable humiliation, suffering, and death, with a stricken, + bleeding, and yet self-devoting heart, for pure love of the wretched race + to which He could stoop from His glory. Yes, this Christ could be his + Redeemer too. The Almighty Lord had become his perfect and most loving + friend, his glorious, but lenient and tender brother, to whom he could + gladly give his whole heart, who understood everything, who was ready to + forgive everything—even all that was seething in his aching heart + which longed for purification—and all because He once had suffered + as a man suffers. + </p> + <p> + For the first time he, the Jacobite, dared to confess so much to himself; + and not solely for Paula’s sake. A violent clanging on a cracked metal + plate roused him from his meditations by its harsh clamor; the sacrament + of the Last Supper was about to be administered: the invariable conclusion + of the Jacobite service. The bishop came forth from behind the screen of + the inner sanctuary, poured some wine into a silver cup and crumbled into + it two little cakes stamped with the Coptic cross. Of this mixture he + first partook, and then gave it in a spoon to each member of the + congregation who came up to receive it. Orion approached after two elders + of the Church. Finally the priest rinsed out the cup, and drained the very + washings, that no drop of the saving liquid should be lost. + </p> + <p> + How high had Orion’s heart throbbed when, as a youth, he had been admitted + for the first time to this most sacred of all Christian privileges! He was + instructed in its deep and glorious symbolism, and had often felt the + purifying, saving, and refreshing effect of the sacrament, strengthening + him in all goodness, when he had partaken of it with his parents and + brothers. Hand-in-hand, they had gone home feeling as if newly robed in + body and soul and more closely bound together than before. And to-day, + insensible as he was to the repulsiveness of the forms of worship of his + confession he felt as though the bread and wine—the Flesh and Blood + of the Saviour—had sealed the bond he had silently entered into with + himself; as though the Lord had put forth an invisible hand to remove the + guilt and the curse that crushed him so sorely. Deep devotion fell on his + soul: his future life, he thought, should bring him nearer to God than + ever before, and be spent in loving, and in the more earnest, full, and + laborious exercise of the gifts Heaven had bestowed on him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Orion had dreaded the drive home with his mother, but after complaining to + him of Susannah’s conduct in having made a startling display of her + vexation in the women’s place behind the screen, she had leaned on him and + fallen fast asleep. Her head was on her son’s shoulder when they reached + home, and Orion’s anxiety for the mother he truly loved was enhanced when + he found it difficult to rouse her. He felt her stagger like a drunken + creature, and he led her not into the fountain-room but to her + bed-chamber, where she only begged to lie down; and hardly had she done so + when she was again overcome by sleep. + </p> + <p> + Orion now made his way to Gamaliel the jeweller, to purchase from him a + very large and costly diamond, plainly set, and the Israelite’s brother + undertook to deliver it to the fair widow at Constantinople, who was known + to him as one of his customers. Orion, in the jeweller’s sitting-room, + wrote a letter to his former mistress, in which he begged her in the most + urgent manner to accept the diamond, and in exchange to return to him the + emerald by a swift and trustworthy messenger, whom Simeon the goldsmith + would provide with everything needful. + </p> + <p> + After all this he went home hungry and weary, to the late midday meal + which he shared, as for many days past, with no one but Eudoxia, Mary’s + governess. The little girl was not yet allowed to leave her room, and of + this, for one reason, her instructress was glad, for a dinner alone with + the handsome youth brought extreme gratification to her mature heart. How + considerate was the wealthy and noble heir in desiring the slaves to offer + every dish to her first, how kind in listening to her stories of her young + days and of the illustrious houses in which she had formerly given + lessons! She would have died for him; but, as no opportunity offered for + such a sacrifice, at any rate she never omitted to point out to him the + most delicate morsels, and to supply his room with fresh flowers. + </p> + <p> + Besides this, however, she had devoted herself with the most admirable + unselfishness to her pupil, since the child had been ill and her + grandmother had turned against her, noticing, too, that Orion took a + tender and quite fatherly interest in his little niece. This morning the + young man had not had time to enquire for Mary, and Eudoxia’s report that + she seemed even more excited than on the day before disturbed him so + greatly, that he rose from table, in spite of Eudoxia’s protest, without + waiting till the end of the meal, to visit the little invalid. + </p> + <p> + It was with genuine anxiety that he mounted the stairs. His heart was + heavy over many things, and as he went towards the child’s room he said to + himself with a melancholy smile, that he, who had contemned many a + distinguished man and many a courted fair one at Constantinople because + they had fallen short of his lofty standard, had here no one but this + child who would be sure to understand him. Some minutes elapsed before his + knock was answered with the request to ‘come in,’ and he heard a hasty + bustle within. He found Mary lying, as the physician had ordered, on a + couch by the window, which was wide open and well-shaded; her couch was + surrounded by flowering plants and, on a little table in front of her, + were two large nosegays, one fading, the other quite fresh and + particularly beautiful. + </p> + <p> + How sadly the child had changed in these few days. The soft round cheeks + had disappeared, and the pretty little face had sunk into nothingness by + comparison with the wonderful, large eyes, which had gained in size and + brilliancy. Yesterday she had been free from fever and very pale, but + to-day her cheeks were crimson, and a twitching of her lips and of her + right shoulder, which had come on since the scene at the grandfather’s + deathbed, was so incessant that Orion sat down by her side in some alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Has your grandmother been to see you?” was his first question, but the + answer was a mournful shake of her head. + </p> + <p> + The blossoming plants were his own gift and so was the fading nosegay; the + other, fresher one had not come from him, so he enquired who was the + giver, and was not a little astonished to see his favorite’s confusion and + agitation at the question. There must be something special connected with + the posey, that was very evident, and the young man, who did not wish to + excite her sensitive nerves unnecessarily, but could not recall his words, + was wishing he had never spoken them, when the discovery of a feather fan + cut the knot of his difficulty; he took it up, exclaiming: “Hey—what + have we here?” + </p> + <p> + A deeper flush dyed Mary’s cheek, and raising her large eyes imploringly + to his face, she laid a finger on her lips. He nodded, as understanding + her, and said in a low voice: + </p> + <p> + “Katharina has been here? Susannah’s gardener ties up flowers like that. + The fan—when I knocked—she is here still perhaps?” + </p> + <p> + He had guessed rightly; Mary pointed dumbly to the door of the adjoining + room. + </p> + <p> + “But, in Heaven’s name, child,” Orion went on, in an undertone, “what does + she want here?” + </p> + <p> + “She came by stealth, in the boat,” whispered the child. “She sent Anubis + from the treasurer’s office to ask me if she might not come, she could not + do without me any longer, and she never did me any harm and so I said yes—and + then, when I knew it was your knock, whisk—off she went into the + bedroom.” + </p> + <p> + “And if your grandmother were to come across her?” + </p> + <p> + “Then—well, then I do not know what would become of me! But oh! + Orion, if you only knew how—how....” Two big tears rolled down her + cheeks and Orion understood her; he stroked her hair lovingly and said in + a whisper, glancing now and again at the door of the next room. + </p> + <p> + “But I came up on purpose to tell you something more about Paula. She + sends you her love, and she invites you to go to her and stay with her, + always. But you must keep it quite a secret and tell no one, not even + Eudoxia and Katharina; for I do not know myself how we can contrive to get + your grandmother’s consent. At any rate we must set to work very prudently + and cautiously, do you understand? I have only taken you into our + confidence that you may look forward to it and have something to be glad + of at night, when you are such a silly little thing as to keep your eyes + open like the hares, instead of sleeping like a good child. If things go + well, you may be with Paula to-morrow perhaps—think of that! I had + quite given up all hope of managing it at all; but now, just now—is + it not odd—just within these two minutes I suddenly said to myself: + ‘It will come all right!’—So it must be done somehow.” + </p> + <p> + A flood of tears streamed down Mary’s burning cheeks but, freely as they + flowed, she did not sob and her bosom did not heave. Nor did she speak, + but such pure and fervent gratitude and joy shone from her glistening eyes + that Orion felt his own grow moist. He was glad to find some way of + concealing his emotion when Mary seized his hand and, pressing a long kiss + on it, wetted it with her tears. + </p> + <p> + “See!” he exclaimed. “All wet! as if I had just taken it out of the + fountain.” + </p> + <p> + But he said no more, for the bedroom door was suddenly thrown open and + Eudoxia’s high, thin voice was heard saying: + </p> + <p> + “But why make any fuss? Mary will be enchanted! Here, Child, here is your + long-lost friend! Such a surprise!” And the water-wagtail, pushed forward + by no gentle hand, appeared within the doorway. Eudoxia was as radiant as + though she had achieved some heroic deed; but she drew back a little when + she found that Orion was still in the room. The divided couple stood face + to face. What was done could not be undone; but, though he greeted her + with only a calm bow, and she fluttered her fan with abrupt little jerks + to conceal her embarrassment, nothing took place which could surprise the + bystander; indeed, Katharina’s pretty features assumed a defiant + expression when he enquired how the little white dog was, and she coldly + replied that she had had him chained up in the poultry-yard, for that the + patriarch, who was their guest, could not endure dogs. + </p> + <p> + “He honors a good many men with the same sentiments,” replied Orion, but + Katharina retorted, readily enough. + </p> + <p> + “When they deserve it.” + </p> + <p> + The dialogue went on in this key for some few minutes; but the young man + was not in the humor either to take the young girl’s pert stings or to + repay her in the same coin; he rose to go but, before he could take leave, + Katharina, observing from the window how low the sun was, cried: “Mercy on + me! how late it is—I must be off; I must not be absent at supper + time. My boat is lying close to yours in the fishing-cove. I only hope the + gate of the treasurer’s house is still open.” + </p> + <p> + Orion, too, looked at the sun and then remarked: “To-day is Sanutius.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said Katharina. “That is why Anubis was free at noon.” + </p> + <p> + “And for the same reason,” added Orion, “there is not a soul at work now + in the office.” + </p> + <p> + This was awkward. Not for worlds would she have been seen in the house; + and knowing, as she did from her games with Mary, every nook and corner of + it, she began to consider her position. Her delicate features assumed a + sinister expression quite new to Orion, which both displeased him and + roused his anxiety—not for himself but for Mary, who could certainly + get no good from such a companion as this. These visits must not be + repeated very often; he would not allude to the subject in the child’s + presence, but Katharina should at once have a hint. She could not get out + of the place without his assistance; so he intruded on her meditations to + inform her that he had the key of the office about him. Then he went to + see if the hall were empty, and led her at once to the treasurer’s office + through the various passages which connected it with the main buildings. + The office at this hour was as lonely as the grave, and when Orion found + himself standing with her, close to the door which opened on the road to + the harbor, and had already raised the key to unlock it, he paused and for + the first time broke the silence they had both preserved during their + unpleasant walk, saying: + </p> + <p> + “What brought you to see Mary, Katharina? Tell me honestly.” Her heart, + which had been beating high since she had found herself alone with him in + the silent and deserted house, began to throb wildly; a great terror, she + knew not of what, came over her. + </p> + <p> + “She had come to the house for several reasons, but one had outweighed all + the rest: Mary must be told that her young uncle and Paula were betrothed; + for she knew by experience that the child could keep nothing of importance + from her grandmother, and that Neforis had no love for Paula was an open + secret. As yet she certainly could know nothing of her son’s formal suit, + but if once she were informed of it she would do everything in her power—of + this Katharina had not a doubt—to keep Orion and Paula apart. So the + girl had told Mary that it was already reported that they were a betrothed + and happy pair, and that she herself had watched them making love in her + neighbor’s garden. To her great annoyance, however, Mary took this all + very coolly and without any special excitement. + </p> + <p> + “So, when Orion enquired of his companion what had brought her to the + governor’s house, she could only reply that she longed so desperately to + see little Mary. + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Orion. “But I must beg of you not to yield again to your + affectionate impulse. Your mother makes a public display of her grudge + against mine, and her ill-feeling will only be increased if she is told + that we are encouraging you to disregard her wishes. Perhaps you may, ere + long, have opportunities of seeing Mary more frequently; but, if that + should be the case, I must especially request you not to talk of things + that may agitate her. You have seen for yourself how excitable she is and + how fragile she looks. Her little heart, her too precocious brain and + feelings must have rest, must not be stirred and goaded by fresh + incitements such as you are in a position to apply. The patriarch is my + enemy, the enemy of our house, and you—I do not say it to offend you—you + overheard what he was saying last night, and probably gathered much + important information, some of which may concern me and my family.” + </p> + <p> + Katharina stood looking at her companion, as pale as death. He knew that + she had played the listener, and when, and where! The shock it gave her, + and the almost unendurable pang of feeling herself lowered in his eyes, + quite dazed her. She felt bewildered, offended, menaced; however, she + retained enough presence of mind to reply in a moment to her antagonist: + </p> + <p> + “Do not be alarmed! I will come no more. I should not have come at all, if + I could have foreseen...” + </p> + <p> + “That you would meet me?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps.—But do not flatter yourself too much on that account!—As + to my listening.... Well, yes; I was standing at the window. Inside the + room I could only half hear, and who does not want to hear what great men + have to say to each other? And, excepting your father, I have met none + such in Memphis since Memnon left the city. We women have inherited some + curiosity from our mother Eve; but we rarely indulge it so far as to hunt + for a necklace in our neighbor’s trunk! I have no luck as a criminal, my + dear Orion. Twice have I deserved the name. Thanks to the generous and + liberal use you made of my inexperience I sinned—sinned so deeply + that it has ruined my whole life; and now, again, in a more venial way; + but I was caught out, you see, in both cases.” + </p> + <p> + “Your taunts are merited,” said Orion sadly. “And yet, Child, we may both + thank Providence, which did not leave us to wander long on the wrong road. + Once already I have besought your forgiveness, and I do so now again. That + does not satisfy you I see—and I can hardly blame you. Perhaps you + will be better pleased, when I assure you once more that no sin was ever + more bitterly or cruelly punished than mine has been.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” said Katharina with a drawl; then, with a flutter of her fan, + she went on airily: “And yet you look anything rather than crushed; and + have even succeeded in winning ‘the other’—Paula, if I am not + mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “That will do!” said Orion decisively, and he raised the key to the lock. + Katharina, however, placed herself in his way, raised a threatening + finger, and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “So I should think!—Now I am certain. However, you are right with + your insolent ‘That will do!’ I do not care a rush for your love affairs; + still, there is one thing I should like to know, which concerns myself + alone; how could you see over our garden hedge? Anubis is scarcely a head + shorter than you are....” + </p> + <p> + “And you made him try?” interrupted Orion, who could not forbear smiling, + perceiving that his honestly meant gravity was thrown away on Katharina. + “Notwithstanding such a praiseworthy experiment, I may beg you to note for + future cases that what is true of him is not true of every one, and that, + besides foot-passengers, a tall man sometimes mounts a tall horse?” + </p> + <p> + “It was you, then, who rode by last night?” + </p> + <p> + “And who could not resist glancing up at your window.” + </p> + <p> + At these words she drew back in surprise, and her eyes lighted up, but + only for an instant; then, clenching the feathers of her fan in both + hands, she sharply asked: + </p> + <p> + “Is that in mockery?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” said Orion coolly; “for though you have reason enough to + be angry with me....” + </p> + <p> + “I, at any rate, have, so far given you none,” she petulantly broke in. + “No, I have not. It is I, and I alone, who have been insulted and + ill-used; you must confess that you owe me some amends, and that I have a + right to ask them.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so,” replied he. “I am yours to command.” She looked him straight in + the face. + </p> + <p> + “First of all,” she began, “have you told any one else that I was...” + </p> + <p> + “That you were listening? No—not a living soul.” + </p> + <p> + “And will you promise never to betray me?” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly. Now, what is the ‘secondly’ to this ‘first of all?’” + </p> + <p> + But there was no immediate answer; the water-wagtail evidently found it + difficult. However, she presently said, with downcast eyes: + </p> + <p> + “I want.... You will think me a greater fool than I am... nevertheless, + yes, I will ask you, though it will involve me in fresh humiliation.—I + want to know the truth; and if there is anything you hold sacred, before I + ask, you must swear by what is holiest to answer me, not as if I were a + silly girl, but as if I were the Supreme judge at the last day.—Do + you hear?” + </p> + <p> + “This is very solemn,” said Orion. “And you must allow me to observe that + there are some questions which do not concern us alone, and if yours is + such....” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” replied Katharina, “what I mean concerns you and me alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I see no reason for refusing,” he said. “Still, I may ask you a + favor in return. It seems to me no less important than it did to you, to + know what a great man like the patriarch finds to talk about, and since I + place myself at your commands....” + </p> + <p> + “I thought,” said the girl with a smile, “that your first object would be + to discharge some small portion of your debt to me; however, I expect no + excessive magnanimity, and the little I heard is soon told. It cannot + matter much to you either—so I will agree to your wishes, and you, + in return, must promise....” + </p> + <p> + “To speak the whole truth.” + </p> + <p> + “As truly as you hope for forgiveness of your sins?” + </p> + <p> + “As truly as that.” + </p> + <p> + “That is well.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is it that you want to know?” + </p> + <p> + At this she shook her head, exclaiming uneasily: + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, not yet. It cannot be done so lightly. First let me speak; and + then open the door, and if I want to fly let me go without saying or + asking me another word.—Give me that chair; I must sit down.” And in + fact she seemed to need it; for some minutes she had looked very pale and + exhausted, and her hands trembled as she drew her handkerchief across her + face. + </p> + <p> + When she was seated she began her story; and while her words flowed on + quickly but without expression, as though she spoke mechanically, Orion + listened with eager interest, for what she had to tell struck him as + highly significant and important. + </p> + <p> + He had been watched by the patriarch’s orders. By midnight Benjamin had + already been informed of Orion’s visit to Fostat, and to the Arab general. + Nothing, however, had been said about it beyond a fear lest he had gone + thither with a view to abjuring the faith of his fathers and going over to + the Infidels. Far more important were the facts Orion gathered as to the + prelate’s negotiations with the Khaliff’s representative. Amru had urged a + reduction of the number of convents and of the monks and nuns who lived on + the bequests and gifts of the pious, busied in all kinds of handiwork + according to the rule of Pachomius, and enabled, by the fact of their + living at free quarters, to produce almost all the necessaries of life, + from the mats on the floors to the shoes worn by the citizens, at a much + lower price than the independent artisans, whether in town or country. The + great majority of these poor creatures were already ruined by such + competition, and Amru, seeing the Arab leather-workers, weavers, + ropemakers, and the rest, threatened with the same fate, had determined to + set himself firmly to restrict all this monastic work. The patriarch had + resisted stoutly and held out long, but at last he had been forced to + sacrifice almost half the convents for monks and nuns. + </p> + <p> + But nothing had been conceded without an equivalent; for Benjamin was well + aware of the immense difficulties which he, as chief of the Church, could + put in the way of the new government of the country. So it was left to him + to designate which convents should be suppressed, and he had, of course, + begun by laying hands on the few remaining Melchite retreats, among them + the Convent of St. Cecilia, next to the house of Rufinus. This + establishment was now to be closed within three days and to become the + property of the Jacobite Church; but it was to be done quite quietly, for + there was no small fear that now, when the delayed rising of the river was + causing a fever of anxiety in all minds, the impoverished populace of the + town might rise in defence of the wealthy sisterhood to whom they were + beholden for much benevolence and kind care. + </p> + <p> + Opposition from the town-senate was also to be looked for, since the + deceased Mukaukas had pronounced this measure unjust and detrimental to + the common welfare. The evicted orthodox nuns were to be taken into + various Jacobite convents as lay sisters similar cases had already been + known; but the abbess, whose superior intellect, high rank, and + far-reaching influence might, if she were left free to act, easily rouse + the prelates of the East to oppose Benjamin, was to be conveyed to a + remote convent in Ethiopia, whence no flight or return was possible. + </p> + <p> + Katharina’s report took but few minutes, and she gave it with apparent + indifference; what could the suppression of an orthodox cloister, and the + dispersion of its heretic sisterhood, matter to her, or to Orion, whose + brothers had fallen victims to Melchite fanaticism? Orion did not betray + his deep interest in all he heard, and when at length Katharina rose and + pointed feebly to the door, all she said, as though she were vexed at + having wasted so much time, was: “That, on the whole, is all.” + </p> + <p> + “All?” asked Orion unlocking the door. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, all,” she repeated uneasily. “What I meant to ask—whether + I ever know it or not—it does not matter.—It would be better + perhaps-yes, that is all.—Let me go.” + </p> + <p> + But he did not obey her. + </p> + <p> + “Ask,” he said kindly. “I will answer you gladly.” + </p> + <p> + “Gladly?” she retorted, with an incredulous shrug. “In point of fact you + ought to feel uncomfortable whenever you see me; but things do not always + turn out as they ought, in Memphis or in the world; for what do you men + care what becomes of a poor girl like me? Do not imagine that I mean to + reproach you; God forbid! I do not even owe you a grudge. If anyone can + live such a thing down I can. Do not you think so? Everything is admirably + arranged for me; I cannot fail to do well. I am very rich, and not ugly, + and I shall have a hundred suitors yet. Oh, I am a most enviable creature! + I have had one lover already, and the next will be more faithful, at any + rate, and not throw me over so ruthlessly as the first.—Do not you + think so?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” said Oriole gravely. “Bitter as the cup is that you offer me + to drink...” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “I can only repeat that I must even drink it, since the fault was mine. + Nothing would so truly gladden me as to be able to atone in some degree + for my sin against you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear no!” she scornfully threw in. “Our hopes shall not be fixed so + high as that! All is at an end between us, and if you ever were anything + to me, you are nothing to me now—absolutely nothing. One hour in the + past we had in common; it was short indeed, but to me—would you + believe it?—a very great matter. It aged the young creature, whom + you, but yesterday, still regarded as a mere child—that much I know—with + amazing rapidity; aye, and made a worse woman of her than you can fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “That indeed would grieve me to the bottom of my soul,” replied Orion. + “There is, I know, no excuse for my conduct. Still, as you yourself know, + our mothers’ wish in the first instance...” + </p> + <p> + “Destined us for each other, you would say. Quite true!—And it was + all to please Dame Neforis that you put your arms round me, under the + acacias, and called me your own, your all, your darling, your rose-bud? + Was that—and this is exactly what I want to ask you, what I insist + on knowing—was that all a lie—or did you, at any rate, in that + brief moment, under the trees, love me with all your heart—love me + as now you love—I cannot name her—that other?—The truth, + Orion, the whole truth, on your oath!” + </p> + <p> + She had raised her voice and her eyes glowed with the excitement of + passion; and now, when she ceased speaking, their sparkling, glistening + enquiry plainly and unreservedly confessed that her heart still was his, + that she counted on his high-mindedness and expected him to say “yes.” Her + round arm lay closely pressed to her bosom, as though to keep its wild + heaving within bounds. Her delicate face had lost its pallor and seemed + bathed in a glow, now tender and now crimson. Her little mouth, which but + now had uttered such bitter words, was parted in a smile as if ready to + bestow a sweet reward for the consoling, saving answer, for which her + whole being yearned, and her eager eyes, shining through tears, did not + cease to entreat him so pathetically, so passionately! How bewitching an + image of helpless, love-sick, beseeching youth and grace. + </p> + <p> + “As you love that other,—on your oath.”—The words still rang + in the young man’s ear. All that was soft in his soul urged him to make + good the evil he had brought upon this fair, hapless young creature; but + those very words gave him strength to remain steadfast; and though he felt + himself appealed to for comfort and compassion, he could only stretch out + imploring hands, as though praying for help, and say: + </p> + <p> + “Ah Katharina, and you are as lovely, as charming now, as you were then; + but—much as you attracted me, the great love that fills a life can + come but once.... Forget what happened afterwards.... Put your question in + another form, alter it a little, and ask me again—or let me assure + you.” + </p> + <p> + But he had no time to say more; for, before he could atop her, she had + slipped past him and flown away like some swift wild thing into the road + and down to the fishing cove. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + Orion stood alone gazing sadly after her. Was this his father’s curse—that + all who loved him must reap pain and grief in return? + </p> + <p> + He shivered; still, his youthful energy and powers of resistance were + strong enough to give him speedy mastery over these torturing reflections. + What opportunities lay before him of proving his prowess! Even while + Katharina was telling her story, the brave and strenuous youth had set + himself the problem of rescuing the cloistered sisters. The greater the + danger its solution might involve him in, the more impossible it seemed at + first sight, the more gladly, in his present mood, would he undertake it. + He stepped out into the road and closed the door behind him with a feeling + of combative energy. + </p> + <p> + It was growing dusk. Philippus must now be with Mary and, with the leech’s + aid, he was resolved to get the child away from his mother’s house. Not + till he felt that she was safe with Paula in Rufinus’ house, could he be + free to attempt the enterprise which floated before his eyes. On the + stairs he shouted to a slave: + </p> + <p> + “My chariot with the Persian trotting horse!” and a few minutes after he + entered the little girl’s room at the same time with a slave girl who + carried in a lamp. Neither Mary nor the physician observed him at first, + and he heard her say to Philippus, who sat holding her wrist between his + fingers. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with you this evening? Good heavens, how pale and + melancholy you look!” The lamplight fell full on his face. “Look here, I + have just made such a smart little man out of wax...” + </p> + <p> + She hoped to amuse the friend who was always so kind to her with this + comical work of art; but, as she leaned forward to reach it, she caught + sight of her uncle and exclaimed: “Philippus comes here to cure me, but he + looks as if he wanted a draught himself. Take care, or you will have to + drink that bitter brown stuff you sent yesterday; then you will know for + once how nasty it can be.” Though the child’s exclamation was well-meant, + neither of the men took any notice of it. They stood face to face in utter + silence and with only a formal greeting; for Orion, without Mary’s remark, + had been struck by the change that had come over the physician since + yesterday. Ignoring Orion’s presence, he asked the child a few brief + questions, begged Eudoxia to persevere in the same course of treatment, + and then hastily bid a general farewell to all present; Orion, however, + did not respond, but said, with an affectionate glance at the little + patient: “One word with you presently.” + </p> + <p> + This made Philippus turn to look at Mary and, as the eyes of the rivals + met, they knew that on one subject at any rate they thought and felt + alike. The leech already knew how tenderly the young man had taken to + Mary, and he followed him into the room which Orion now occupied, and + which, as Philippus was aware, had formerly been Paula’s. + </p> + <p> + “In the cause of duty,” he said to himself again and again, to keep + himself calm and enable him to gather at least the general sense of what + the handsome young fellow opposite to him was saying in his rich, pleasant + voice, and urging as a request with more warmth than the leech had given + him credit for. Philippus, of course, had heard of the grandmother’s + lamentable revulsion of feeling against her grandchild, and he thought + Orion’s wish to remove the little girl fully justified. But, on learning + that she was to be placed under Paula’s care, he seemed startled, and + gazed at the floor in such sullen gloom that the other easily guessed what + was going on in his mind. In fact, the physician suspected that the child + was to serve merely as an excuse for the more frequent meetings of the + lovers. Unable to bury this apprehension in his own breast he started to + his feet, and was about to put it into words, when Orion took the words + out of his mouth, saying modestly but frankly, with downcast eyes: + </p> + <p> + “I speak only for the child’s—for Mary’s sake. By my father’s + soul....” + </p> + <p> + But Philippus shook his head dismally, went up to his rival, and murmured + dully: + </p> + <p> + “For the sake of that child I am capable of doing or enduring a great + deal. She could not be better cared for than with Rufinus and Paula; but + if I could suppose,” and he raised his voice, while his eyes took a + sinister and threatening expression, “if I could suppose that her sacred + and suffering innocence were merely an excuse....” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Orion urgently. “Again, on my sacred word, I assure you + that I have no aim in view but the child’s safety; and, as we have said so + much, I will not stick at a word more or less! Rufinus’ house is open to + you day and night, and I, if all turns out as I expect, shall ere long be + far from hence—from Memphis—from Paula. There is mischief + brewing—I dare say no more—an act of treachery; and I will try + to prevent it at the risk of my life. You, every one, shall no longer have + a right to think me capable of things which are as repulsive to my nature + as to yours. You and I, if I mistake not, strive for the same prize, and + so far are rivals; but why should the child therefor suffer? Forget it in + her presence, and that forgetting will, as you well know, enhance your + merit in her—her eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “My merit?” retorted the other scornfully. “Merit is not in the balance; + nothing but the gifts of blind Fortune—a nose, a chin, an eye, + anything in short—a crime as much as a deed of heroism—that + happens to make a deep impression on the wax of a girl’s soft heart. But + curse me,” and he shouted the words at Orion as if he were beside himself, + “if I know how we came to talk of such things! Has my folly gone running + through the streets, bare-bosomed, to display itself to the world at + large? How do you know what my feelings are? She, perhaps, has laughed + with you at her ridiculous lover?—Well, no matter. You know already, + or will know by to-morrow, which of us has won the cock-fight. You have + only to look at me! What woman ever broke her heart for such a + Thersites-face. Good-luck to the winner, and the other one—well, + since it must be so, farewell till to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + He hastily made his way towards the door; Orion, however, detained him, + imploring him to set aside his ill-feeling—at any rate for the + present; assured him that Paula had not betrayed what his feelings were; + that, on the contrary, he himself, seeing him with her so late on the + previous night, had been consumed by jealousy, and entreated him to vent + his wrath on him in abusive words, if that could ease his heart, only, by + all that was good, not to withdraw his succor from that poor, innocent + child. + </p> + <p> + The physician’s humane heart was not proof against his prayer; and when at + length he prepared to depart, in the joyful and yet painful conviction + that his happier rival had become more worthy of the prize, he had agreed + that he would impress on Neforis, whose mind he suspected to be slightly + affected, that the air of the governor’s residence did not suit Mary, and + that she should place her in the care of a physician outside the town. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Philippus had quitted the house, Orion went to see Rufinus, + who, on his briefly assuring him that he had come on grave and important + business, begged him to accompany him to his private room. The young man, + however, detained him till he had made all clear with the women as to the + reception of little Mary. + </p> + <p> + “By degrees all the inhabitants of the residence will be transplanted into + our garden!” exclaimed Rufinus. “Well, I have no objection; and you, old + woman, what do you say to it?” + </p> + <p> + “I have none certainly,” replied his wife. “Besides, neither you nor I + have to decide in this case: the child is to be Paula’s guest.” + </p> + <p> + “I only wish she were here already,” said Paula, “for who can say whether + your mother, Orion—the air here is perilously Melchite.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave Philippus and me to settle that.—You should have seen how + pleased Mary was.” + </p> + <p> + Then, drawing Paula aside, he hastily added: + </p> + <p> + “Have I not hoped too much? Is your heart mine? Come what may, can I count + on you—on your love—?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Yes!” The words rushed up from the very bottom of her heart, and + Orion, with a sigh of relief, followed the old man, glad and comforted. + </p> + <p> + The study was lighted up, and there, without mentioning Katharina, he told + Rufinus of the patriarch’s scheme for dispersing the nuns of St. Cecilia. + What could he care for these Melchite sisters? But, since that consoling + hour in the church, he felt as though it were his duty to stand forth for + all that was right, and to do battle against everything that was base. + Besides, he knew how warmly and steadfastly his father had taken the part + of this very convent against the patriarch. Finally, he had heard how + strongly his beloved was attached to this retreat and its superior, so he + prepared himself gleefully to come forth a new man of deeds, and show his + prowess. + </p> + <p> + The old man listened with growing surprise and horror, and when Orion had + finished his story he rose, helplessly wringing his hands. Orion spoke to + him encouragingly, and told him that he had come, not merely to give the + terrible news, but to hold council with him as to how the innocent victims + might be rescued. At this the grey-headed philanthropist and wanderer + pricked up his ears; and as an old war horse, though harnessed to the + plough, when he hears the trumpet sound lifts his head and arches his neck + as proudly and nobly as of yore under his glittering trappings, so Rufinus + drew himself up, his old eyes sparkled, and he exclaimed with all the + enthusiasm and eagerness of youth: + </p> + <p> + “Very good, very good; I am with you; not merely as an adviser; no, no. + Head, and hand, and foot, from crown to heel! And as for you, young man—as + for you! I always saw the stuff that was in you in spite—in spite.—But, + as surely as man is the standard of all things, those who reach the + stronghold of virtue by a winding road are often better citizens than + those who are born in it.—It is growing late, but evensong will not + yet have begun and I shall still be able to see the abbess. Have you any + plan to propose?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; the day after to-morrow at this hour....” + </p> + <p> + “And why not to-morrow?” interrupted the ardent old man. + </p> + <p> + “Because I have preparations to make which cannot be done in twelve hours + of daylight.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! Good!” + </p> + <p> + “The day after to-morrow at dusk, a large barge—not one of ours—will + be lying by the bank at the foot of the convent garden. I will escort the + sisters as far as Doomiat on the Lake. I will send on a mounted messenger + to-night, and I will charter a ship for the fugitives by the help of my + cousin Columella, the greatest ship-owner of that town. That will take + them over seas wherever the abbess may command.” + </p> + <p> + “Capital, splendid!” cried Rufinus enthusiastically. He took up his hat + and stick, and the radiant expression of his face changed to a very grave + one. He went up to the young man with solemn dignity, looked at him with + fatherly kindliness, and said: + </p> + <p> + “I know what woes befell your house through those of our confession, the + fellow-believers of these whom you propose to protect with so much + prudence and courage; and that, young man, is noble, nay, is truly great. + I find in you—you who were described to me as a man of the world and + not over-precise—for the first time that which I have sought in vain + for many years and in many lands, among the pious and virtuous: the spirit + of willing self-sacrifice to save an enemy of a different creed from + pressing peril.—But you are young, Orion, and I am old. You triumph + in the action only, I foresee the consequences. Do you know what lies + before you, if it should be discovered that you have covered the escape of + the prey whom the patriarch already sees in his net? Have you considered + that Benjamin, the most implacable and most powerful hater among the + Jacobites, will pursue you as his mortal foe with all the fearful means at + his command?” + </p> + <p> + “I have considered it,” replied Orion. + </p> + <p> + Rufinus laid his left hand on the young man’s shoulder, and his right hand + on his head, saying, “Then take with you, to begin with, an old man’s—a + father’s blessing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a father’s,” repeated Orion softly. A happy thrill ran through his + body and soul, and he fell on the old man’s neck deeply moved. + </p> + <p> + For a minute they stood clasped in each other’s arms; then Rufinus freed + himself, and set out to seek the abbess. Orion returned to the women, + whose curiosity had been roused to a high pitch by seeing Rufinus + disappear through the gate leading to the convent-garden. Dame Joanna + could not sit still for excitement, and Pulcheria answered at random when + Orion and Paula, who had an infinity of things to say or whisper to each + other, now and then tried to draw her into the conversation. Once she + sighed deeply, and when her friend asked her: “What ails you, Child?” she + answered anxiously: + </p> + <p> + “Something serious must be going forward, I feel it. If only Philippus + were here!” + </p> + <p> + “But we are all safe and well, thank God!” observed Orion, and she quickly + replied: + </p> + <p> + “Yes indeed, the Lord be praised!” But she thought to herself: + </p> + <p> + “You think he is of no use but to heal the sick; but it is only when he is + here that everything goes right and happens for the best!” + </p> + <p> + Still, all felt that there was something unusual and ominous in the air, + and when the old man presently returned his face confirmed their + suspicions. He laid aside his hat and staff in speechless gravity; then he + put his arm affectionately round his wife and said: + </p> + <p> + “You will need all your courage and self-command once more, as you have + often done before, good wife; I have taken upon myself a serious duty.” + </p> + <p> + Joanna had turned very pale, and while she clung to her husband and begged + him to speak and not to torture her with suspense, her frail figure was + trembling, and bitter tears ran down her cheeks. She could guess that her + husband was once more going away from her and their child, in the service + and for the benefit of others, and she knew full well that she could not + prevent it. If she could, she never would have had the heart to interfere: + for she always understood him, and felt with him that something to take + him out of the narrow circle of home-life was indispensable to his + happiness. + </p> + <p> + He read her thoughts, and they gave him pain; but he was not to be + diverted from his purpose. The man who would try to heal every suffering + brute was accustomed to see those whom he loved best grieve on his + account. Marriage, he would say, ought not to hinder a man in following + his soul’s vocation; and he was fond of using this high-sounding name to + justify himself in his own and his wife’s eyes, in doing things to which + he was prompted only by restlessness and unsatisfied energy. Without this + he would, no doubt, have done his best for the imperilled sisterhood, but + it added to his enjoyment of the grand and dangerous rescue. + </p> + <p> + The wretched fate of the hapless nuns, and the thought of losing them as + near neighbors, grieved the women deeply, and the men saw many tears flow; + at the same time they had the satisfaction of finding them all three + firmly and equally determined to venture all, and to bid these whom they + loved venture all, to hinder the success of a deed which filled them with + horror and disgust. + </p> + <p> + Joanna spoke not a word of demur when Rufinus said that he intended to + accompany the fugitives; and when, with beaming looks, he went on to + praise Orion’s foresight and keen decisiveness, Paula flew to him proudly + and gladly, holding out both her hands. As for the young man, he felt as + though wings were growing from his shoulders, and this fateful evening was + one of the happiest of his life. + </p> + <p> + The superior had agreed to his scheme, and in some details had improved + upon it. Two lay sisters and one nun should remain behind. The two former + were to attend to the sick in the infirmary, to ring the bell and chant + the services as usual, that the escape of the rest might not be suspected; + and Joanna, Paula, and Pulcheria, were to assist them. + </p> + <p> + When, at a late hour, Orion was about to leave, Rufinus asked whether, + under these circumstances, it would be well to bring Mary to his house; he + himself doubted it. Joanna was of his opinion; Paula, on the contrary, + said that she believed it would be better to let the child run the risk of + a remote danger—hardly to be called danger, than to leave her to + pine away body and soul in her old home. Pulcheria supported her, but the + two girls were forced to yield to the decision of the elders. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + After that interview with Orion, Philippus hurried off through the town, + paying so little heed to the people he met and to the processions + besieging Heaven with loud psalms to let the Nile at last begin to rise, + that he ran up against more than one passer-by, and had many a word of + abuse shouted after him. He went into two or three houses, and neither his + patients nor their attendants could recognize, in this abrupt and hasty + visitor, the physician and friend who was usually so sympathetic to the + sufferer: who would speak with a cordiality that brought new life to his + heart, who would toss the children in the air, kiss one and nod merrily to + another. To-day their elders even felt shy and anxious in his presence. + For the first time he found the duty he loved a wearisome burthen; the + sick man was a tormenting spirit in league with the world against his + peace of mind. What possessed him, that he should feel such love of his + fellow-men as to deprive himself of all comfort in life and of his night’s + rest for their sake? Rufinus was right. In these times each man lived + solely to spite his neighbor, and he who could be most brazenly selfish, + looking neither to the right hand nor to the left, was the most certain to + get on in life. Fool that he was to let other folks’ woes destroy his + peace and hinder him in his scientific advancement! + </p> + <p> + Tormented by such bitter thoughts as these, he went into a neat little + house by the harbor where a worthy pilot lay dying, surrounded by his wife + and children; and there, at once, he was himself again, putting forth all + his knowledge and heartfelt kindliness, quitting the scene with a bleeding + heart and an empty purse; but no sooner was he out of doors than his + former mood closed in upon him with double gloom. The case was plain: Even + with the fixed determination not to sacrifice himself for others he could + not help doing it; the impulse was too strong for him. He could no more + help suffering with the sufferer, and giving the best he had to give with + no hope of a return, than the drunkard can help drinking. He was made to + be plundered; it was his fate! + </p> + <p> + With a drooping head he returned to his old friend’s work-room. Horapollo + was sitting, just as he had sat the night before, at his writing-table + with his scrolls and his three lamps, a slave below, snoring while he + awaited his master’s pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The leech’s pretty Greek greeting “Rejoice!” sounded rather like “May you + choke!” as he flung aside his upper garment; and to the old man’s answer + and anxious exclamation: “How badly you look, Philip!” he answered + crossly: “Like a man who deserves a kick rather than a welcome; a booby + who has submitted to have his nose pulled; a cur who has licked the hand + of the lout who has thrashed him!” + </p> + <p> + He threw himself on the divan and told Horapollo all that had passed + between him and Orion. “And the maddest part of it all,” he ended, “is + that I almost like the man; that he really seems to me to be on the high + road to become a capital fellow; and that I no longer feel inclined to + pitch him into a lime-kiln at the mere thought of his putting out a hand + to Paula. At the same time,” and he started to his feet, “even if I help + him to bring the poor little girl away from that demented old hag, I + cannot and will not continue to be her physician. There are plenty of + quacks about in this corpse of a town, and they may find one of them. + </p> + <p> + “You will continue to treat the child,” interrupted the old man quietly. + </p> + <p> + “To have my heart daily flogged with nettles!” exclaimed the leech, going + towards Horapollo with wild gesticulations. “And do you believe that I + have any desire to meet that young fellow’s sweetheart day after day, + often twice a day, that the barb may be twisted round and round in my + bleeding wound?” + </p> + <p> + “I expect a quite different result from your frequent meeting,” said the + other. “You will get accustomed to see her under the aspect which alone + she can hence forth bear to you: that of a handsome girl—there are + thousands such in Egypt,—and the betrothed of another.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, if my heart were like a hunting-dog that lies down the moment + it is bid,” said Philippus with a scornful laugh. “The end of it is that I + must go away, away from Memphis—away from this miserable world for + all I care! I?—Recover my peace of mind within reach of her? Alas, + for my blissful, lost peace!” + </p> + <p> + “And why not? To every man a thing is only as he conceives of it. Only + listen to me: I had finished a treatise on the old and new Calendars, and + my master desired me to deliver a lecture on it in the Museum—if the + school of pedants in Alexandria now deserves the name; but I did not wish + to do so because I knew that the presence of such a large and learned + audience would embarrass me. But my master advised me to imagine that my + hearers were not men, but mere cabbages. This gave me new light; I took + his advice, got over my shyness, and my speech flowed like oil.” + </p> + <p> + “A very good story,” said Philippus, “but I do not see....” + </p> + <p> + “The moral of it for you,” interrupted the old man, “is that you must + regard the supremely adorable lady of your love as one among a dozen + others—I will not say as a cabbage—as one with whom your heart + has no more concern. Put a little strength of will into it, and you will + succeed.” + </p> + <p> + “If a heart were a cipher, and if passion were calendar-making!...” + retorted Philippus. “You are a very wise man, and your manuscripts and + tables have stood like walls between you and passion.” + </p> + <p> + “Who can tell?” said Horapollo. “But at any rate, it never should have had + such power over me as to make me embitter the few remaining days under the + sun yet granted to my father and friend for the sake of a woman who + scorned my devotion. Will you promise me to talk no more nonsense about + flying from Memphis, or anything of the kind?” + </p> + <p> + “Teach me first to measure my strength of will.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you try, at any rate?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, for your sake.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you promise to continue your treatment of that poor little girl, + whom I love dearly in spite of her forbears?” + </p> + <p> + “As long as I can endure the daily meeting with her—you know...” + </p> + <p> + “That, then, is a bargain.—Now, come and let us translate a few more + chapters.” + </p> + <p> + The friends sat at work together till a late hour, and when the old man + was alone again he reflected: “So long as he can be of use to the child he + will not go away, and by that time I shall have dug a pit for that damned + siren.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ......................... +</pre> + <p> + Orion had his hands full of work for the next morning. Before it was light + he sent off two trustworthy messengers to Doomiat, giving each of them a + letter with instructions that a sailing vessel should be held in readiness + for the fugitives. One was to start three hours after the other, so that + the business in hand should not fail if either of them should come to + grief. + </p> + <p> + He then went out; first to the harbor, where he succeeded in hiring a + large, good Nile-boat from Doomiat, whose captain, a trustworthy and + experienced man, promised to keep their agreement a secret and to be + prepared to start by noon next day. Next, after taking council with + himself, he went to the treasurer’s office, and there, with the assistance + of Nilus, made his will, to be ratified and signed next morning in the + presence of a notary and witnesses. His mother, little Mary, and Paula + were to inherit the bulk of his property. He also bequeathed a + considerable sum as a legacy to the hospitals and orphan asylums, as well + as to the Church, to the end that they might pray for his soul; and a + legacy to Nilus “as the most just judge of his household.” Eudoxia, Mary’s + Greek governess, was not forgotten; and finally he commanded that all his + house-slaves should be liberated, and to the end that they might not + suffer from want he bequeathed to them one of his largest estates in Upper + Egypt, where they might settle and labor for their common good. He + increased the handsome sums already devised by his father to the freedmen + of his family. + </p> + <p> + This business occupied several hours. Nilus, who wrote while Orion + dictated, giving the document a legal form, was deeply touched by the + young man’s fore thought and kindness; for in truth, since his desecration + of the judgment-seat, he had given him up for a lost soul. + </p> + <p> + By Orion’s orders this will was to be opened after four weeks, in case he + should not have returned from a journey on which he proposed starting on + the morrow, and this injunction revealed to the faithful steward, who had + grown grey in the service, that the last scion of the house expected to + run considerable risk; however, he was too modest to ask any questions, + and his master did not take him into his confidence. + </p> + <p> + When, after all this, the two men went back into the anteroom, Anubis, the + young clerk and Katharina’s ally, was standing there. Nilus took no notice + of him, and while he, with tearful eyes, stooped to kiss the hand Orion + held out to him as he bid him come to take leave of him once more next + evening, Anubis, who had withdrawn respectfully to a little distance, + keeping his ears open, however, officiously opened the heavy iron-plated + door. + </p> + <p> + Orion was exhausted and hungry; he enquired for his mother, and hearing + that she had gone to lie down, he went into the dining-room to get some + food. Although breakfast had but just been served, Eudoxia was awaiting + him with evident impatience. Her heart was bursting with a great piece of + news, and as Orion entered, greeting her, she cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard? Do you know?” Then she began, encouraged by his curt + negative, to pour out to him how that Neforis, by the desire of the + physician who had lately been to see her, had decided on sending her, + Eudoxia, away with her granddaughter to enjoy better air under the roof of + a friend of the leech’s; they were to go this very day, or to-morrow at + latest. + </p> + <p> + Orion was disagreeably startled by this intelligence. He had not expected + that Philippus would come so early, and he himself had been the first to + promote a scheme which now no longer seemed advisable. + </p> + <p> + “How very provoking!” he muttered between his teeth, as a slave offered + him a roast fowl and asparagus. + </p> + <p> + “Is it not? And perhaps we shall have to go quite far into the country,” + said the Greek, with a languishing look, as she drew one of the long stems + between her teeth. + </p> + <p> + The words and the glance made Orion feel as if he grudged the old fool the + good food she was eating, and his voice was not particularly ingratiating + as he replied that town and country were all the same, the only point was + which would be best for the child. When he went on to say that he was + quitting home next evening, Eudoxia cried out, let a stick of asparagus + drop in her lap, and said despairingly: “Oh, then everything is at an + end!” + </p> + <p> + He, however, interposed reproachfully: “On the contrary, then your duty + begins; you must devote yourself wholly and exclusively to the child. You + know that her own grandmother is averse to her. Give her your best + affection, as you have already begun to do, be a mother to her; and if you + really are my well-wisher, show it in that way. For my part you will find + me grateful, and not in words alone. Go tomorrow to the treasurer’s + office; Nilus will give you the only thing by which I can at present prove + my gratitude. Do your best to cherish the child; I have taken care to + provide for your old age.” + </p> + <p> + He rose, cutting short the Greek’s profuse expressions of thanks, and + betook himself to his mother. She was still in her room; however, he now + sent word that he had come to see her, and she was ready to admit him, + having expected that he would come even sooner. + </p> + <p> + She was reclining, half-sitting, on a divan in her cool and shady bedroom, + and she at once told her son of her determination to follow the + physician’s advice and entrust the little girl to his friend. She spoke in + a tone of sleepy indifference; but as soon as Orion opposed her and begged + her to keep Mary at home, she grew more lively, and looking him wrathfully + in the face exclaimed: “Can you wish that? How can you ask me?” and she + went on in repining lamentation: + </p> + <p> + “Everything is changed nowadays. Old age no longer forgets; it is youth + that has a short memory. Your head has long been full of other things, but + I—I still remember who it was that made my lost dear one’s last + hours on earth a hell, even in view of the gates of Heaven!” Her breast + heaved with feeble, tearless sobs—a short, convulsive gasping, and + Orion did not dare contravene her wishes. He sought to soothe her with + loving words and, when she recovered herself, he told her that he proposed + to leave her for a short time to look after his estates, as the law + required, and this information gladdened her greatly. To be alone—solitary + and unobserved now seemed delightful. Those white pills did more for her, + raised her spirits better, than any human society. They brought her + dreams, sleeping or waking; dreams a thousand times more delightful than + her real, desolate existence. To give herself up to memory, to pray, to + dream, to picture herself in the other world among her beloved dead—and + besides that to eat and drink, which she was always ready to do very + freely—this was all she asked henceforth of life on earth. + </p> + <p> + When, to her further questions, Orion replied that he was going first to + the Delta, she expressed her regret, since, if he had gone to Upper Egypt, + he might have visited his sister-in-law, Mary’s mother, in her convent. + She sat up as she spoke, passed her hand across her forehead, and pointed + to a little table near the head of the couch, on which, by the side of a + cup with fruit syrup, phials, boxes, and other objects, lay a + writing-tablet and a letter-scroll. This she took up and handed to Orion, + saying: + </p> + <p> + “A letter from your sister-in-law. It came last evening and I began to + read it; but the first words are a complaint of your father, and that—you + know, just before going to sleep—I could not read any more; I could + not bear it! And to-day; first there was church, and then the physician + came with his request about the child; I have not yet found courage to + read the rest of it.—What can any letter bring to me but evil! Do + you know at all whence anything pleasant could come to me? But now: read + me the letter. Not that part again about your father; that I will keep + till presently for myself alone.” + </p> + <p> + Orion undid the roll, and with quivering lips glanced over the nun’s + accusations against his father. The wildest fanaticism breathed in every + line of this epistle from the martyr’s widow. She had found in the + cloister all she sought: she lived now, she said, in God alone and in the + Divine Saviour. She thought of her child, even, only as an alien, one of + God’s young creatures for whom it was a joy to pray. At the same time it + was her duty to care for the little one’s soul, and if it were not too + hard for her grandmother to part from her, she longed to see Mary once + more. She had lately been chosen abbess of her convent—and no one + could prevent her taking possession of the child; but she feared lest an + overwhelming natural affection might drag her back to the carnal world, + which she had for ever renounced, so she would have Mary brought up in a + neighboring nunnery, and led to Heavenly joys, not to earthly misery—to + be the wife of no sinful husband, but a pure bride of Christ. + </p> + <p> + Orion shuddered as he read and, when he laid the letter down, his mother + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she is right, perhaps it is already ordained that the child + should be sent to the convent, and not to the leech’s friend, and started + on the only path that leads to Heaven without danger or hindrance!” + </p> + <p> + But Orion said to himself that he would make it his duty to guard the + happy-hearted child from this fate, and he begged his mother to consider + that the first important point was to restore the little girl to health. + He now saw that she had been right. His father had always obeyed the + prescriptions of Philippus, and for that reason, if for no other, it would + be her duty to act by his advice. + </p> + <p> + Neforis, who for some time had been casting longing eyes at a small box by + her side, did not contradict him; and in the course of the afternoon Orion + conducted little Mary and her governess to the house of Rufinus, who, + notwithstanding the doubts he had expressed the day before, made them + heartily welcome. + </p> + <p> + When Mary was lying in her bed, close by the side of Paula’s, the child + threw her arms round the young girl’s neck as she leaned over her, and + laying her head on her bosom, felt herself in soft and warm security. + There, as one released from prison and bondage, she wept out her woes, + pouring all the grief of her deeply wounded child’s heart into that of her + friend. + </p> + <p> + Paula, however, heard Orion’s voice, and she longed to go down to her + lover, whom she had greeted but briefly on his arrival; still, she could + not bear to snatch the child from her bosom, to disturb her in her + newly-found happiness and leave her at this very moment! And yet, she must—she + must see him! Every impulse urged her towards him and, when Pulcheria came + into the room, she placed Mary’s hand in hers and said: “There, now make + friends and stay together like good children till I come back again and + have something nice to tell you. You are fond of Orion, little one, my + story shall be all about him.” + </p> + <p> + “He was obliged to go,” said Pulcheria, interrupting her. “Here is his + message on this tablet. He was almost dying of impatience, and when he + could wait no longer he wrote this for you.” + </p> + <p> + Paula took the tablet, with a cry of regret, and carried it to her room to + read. He had longed for their meeting as eagerly as herself, but at last + he could wait no longer. How differently—so he wrote—had he + hoped to end this day which must be devoted to the rescue of her friends. + </p> + <p> + Why, oh why had she allowed herself to be detained here? Why had she not + flown to him, at least for a few moments, to thank him for his kindness + and faithfulness, and to hear him confess publicly and aloud what he had + but murmured in her ear the day before? She returned to the little girl, + anxious and dissatisfied with herself. + </p> + <p> + Orion had in fact postponed his departure till the last moment; he thought + it necessary to give Amru due notice of his journey and of his rupture + with the patriarch. Of all the motives which could prompt him to aid the + nuns, revenge was that which the Arab could best understand. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + As Orion rode across the bridge of boats to Fostat, the gladness that had + inspired him died away. Could not—ought not Paula to have spared him + a small part of the time she had devoted to the child? He had been left to + make the most of a kind grasp of the hand and a grateful look of welcome. + Would she not have flown to meet him, if the love of which she had assured + him yesterday were as fervent, as ardent as his own? Was the proud spirit + of this girl, who, as his mother said, was cold and unapproachable, + incapable of passionate, self-forgetting devotion? Was there no way of + lighting up in her the sacred fire which burnt in him? He was tormented by + many doubts and a bitter feeling of disappointment, and a crowd of + suspicions forced themselves upon him, which would never have troubled him + if only he had seen her once more, had heard her happy words of love, and + felt his lips consecrated by his mistress’ first kiss. + </p> + <p> + He was out of spirits, indeed out of temper, as he entered the Arab + general’s dwelling. In the anteroom he was met by rejected petitioners, + and he said to himself, with a bitter smile, that he had just been sent + about his business in the same unsatisfied mood—yes, sent about his + business—and by whom? + </p> + <p> + He was announced, and his spirits rose a little when he was at once + admitted and led past many, who were left waiting, into the Arab + governor’s presence-chamber. He was received with paternal warmth; and, + when Amru heard that Orion and the patriarch had come to high words, he + jumped up and holding out both his hands exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “My right hand on that, my friend; come over to Islam, and with my left I + will appoint you your father’s successor, in the Khaliff’s name, in spite + of your youth. Away with hesitation! Clasp hands; at once, quickly! I + cannot bear to quit Egypt and know that there is no governor at Memphis!” + </p> + <p> + The blood tingled in the young man’s veins. His father’s successor! He, + the new Mukaukas! How it flattered his ambition, what a way to all + activity it opened out to him! It dazzled his vision, and moved him + strongly to grasp the right hand which his generous patron still held out + to him. But suddenly his excited fancy showed him the image of the + Redeemer with whom he had entered into a silent covenant in the church, + sadly averting his gentle face. At this he remembered what he had vowed; + at this he forgot all his grievance against Paula; he took the general’s + hand, indeed, but only to raise it to his lips as he thanked him with all + his heart. But then he implored him, with earnest, pleading urgency, not + to be wroth with him if he remained firm and clung to the faith of his + father and his ancestors. And Amru was not wroth, though it was with none + of the hearty interest with which he had at first welcomed him, that he + hastily warned Orion to be on his guard against the prelate, since, so + long as he remained a Christian, he had no power to protect him against + Benjamin. + </p> + <p> + When Orion went on to tell him that he was intending to travel for a short + time, and had, in fact, come to take leave of him, the Arab was much + annoyed. He, too, he said, must be going away and was starting within two + days for Medina. + </p> + <p> + “And in casting my eye on you,” he went on, “in spite of your youth, to + fill your father’s place, I took care to find a task for you which would + enable you to prove that I had not put too great confidence in you. But, + if you persist in your own opinions, I cannot possibly entrust so + important a post as the governorship of Memphis to a Christian so young as + you are; with the youthful Moslem I might have ventured on it.—However, + I will not deprive you of the enterprise which I had intended for you. If + you succeed in it, it will be a good thing for yourself, and I can, I + believe, turn it to the benefit of the whole province—for what could + take me from hence at this time, when my presence is so needful for a + hundred incomplete projects, but my anxiety for the good of this country—in + which I am but an alien, while you must love it as your native soil, the + home of your race?—I am going to Medina because the Khaliff, in this + letter, complains that I send too small a revenue into the treasury from + so rich a land as Egypt. And yet not a single dinar of your taxes finds + its way into my own coffers. I keep a hundred and fifty thousand laborers + at work to restore the canals and waterworks which my predecessors, the + blood-sucking Byzantines, neglected so disgracefully and left to fall to + ruin—I build, and plan, and sow seed for posterity to reap. All this + costs money. It swallows up the lion’s share of the revenue. And I am + making the journey, not merely to purge myself from reproach, but to + obtain Omar’s permission for the future to exact no extortionate payments, + but to consider only the true weal of the province. I am most unwilling to + go, for a thousand reasons; and you, young man, if you care for your + native land, ought.... Do you really love it and wish it well?” + </p> + <p> + “With all my soul!” cried Orion. + </p> + <p> + “Well then, at this time, if by any possibility you can arrange it so, you + ought to remain at home, and devote yourself heart and soul to the task I + have to propose to you. I hate postponements. Ride straight at the foe, + and do not canter up and down till you tire the horses! that is my + principle, and not in battle only. Take the moral to heart!—And you + will have no time to waste; what I require is no light matter: It is that + you should endeavor to sketch a new division of the districts, drawing on + your own knowledge of the country and its inhabitants, and using the + records and lists in the archives of your ancient government-offices, of + which your father has told me; you must have special regard to the + financial condition of each district. That the old mode of levying taxes + is unsatisfactory we find every day; you will have ample room for + improvements in every respect. Overthrow the existing arrangements, if you + consider it necessary. Other men have attempted to redistribute the + divisions and devise new modes of collecting the revenue. The best scheme + will have the preference; and you seem to me to be the man to win the + prize, and, with it, a wide and noble field of work in the future. It is + not a mere sense of tedium, or a longing for the pleasures of the capital + to which you are accustomed, that are tempting you to quit Memphis the + melancholy....” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed, my Lord,” Orion assured him. “The duty I have in view does + not even profit me, and if I had not given my word I would throw myself, + heart and soul, into so grand a task, no later than to-morrow. That you + should expect me to solve so hard a problem is the most precious incense + ever offered me. If it is only to be worthy of your confidence, I will + return as soon as possible and put forth my utmost powers of intelligence + and prudence, of endurance and patriotism. I have always been a diligent + student; and it would be a shame indeed, if my experiences as a youth + could hinder the man from outdoing the school-boy.” + </p> + <p> + “That is right, well said!” replied Amru, holding out his hand. “Do your + best, and you shall have ample opportunity of proving your powers.—Take + my warnings to heart as regards the patriarch and the black Vekeel. I + unfortunately have no one who could fill his place except the worthy Kadi + Othman; but he is no soldier, and he cannot be spared from his post. Keep + out of Obada’s way, return soon, and may the All-merciful protect you....” + </p> + <p> + When Orion had recrossed the bridge on his way home, he saw a + gaily-dressed Nile-boat, such as now but rarely stopped at Memphis, lying + at anchor in the dock, and on the road he met two litters followed by + beasts of burden and a train of servants. The whole party had a brilliant + and wealthy appearance, and at any other time would have roused his + curiosity; but to-day he merely wondered for a moment who these new-comers + might be, and then continued to meditate on the task proposed to him by + Amru. From the bottom of his heart he cursed the hour in which he had + pledged himself to take the part of these strangers; for after such long + idleness he longed to be able to prove his powers. Suddenly, and as if by + a miracle, he saw the way opened before him which he had himself hoped to + tread, and now he was fettered and held back from an enterprise which he + felt he could carry out with success and benefit to his country, while it + attracted him as with a hundred lode-stones. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, when his will had been duly signed and witnessed, he called + the treasurer for an interview alone with him. He had made up his mind + that one person, at least, must be informed of the enterprise he had + planned, and that one could be no other than Nilus. So he begged him to + accompany him to the impluvium of his private residence; and several + office scribes who were present heard the invitation given. They did not, + however, allow themselves to be disturbed in their work; the youngest only—a + handsome lad of sixteen, an olive-complexioned Egyptian, with keen, eager + black eyes, who had listened sharply to every word spoken by the treasurer + and his master, quietly rose from his squatting posture as soon as they + had quitted the office, and, stole, unobserved into the anteroom. From + thence he flew up the ladder-like steps which led to the dovecote of which + he had the care, sprang on to the roof of the lower story, and crept flat + on his face till he was close to the edge of the large square opening + which gave light and air to the impluvium below. With a swift movement of + the hand he pushed back the awning which shaded it at midday, and listened + intently to the dialogue that went on below. + </p> + <p> + This listener was Anubis, the water-wagtail’s foster-brother; and he + seemed to be in no way behind his beloved mistress in the art of + listening; for no one could prick up his ears more sharply than Anubis. He + knew, too, what was to be his reward for exposing himself on a roof to the + shafts of the pitiless African sun, for Katharina, his adored play-fellow + and the mistress of his ardent boy’s heart, had promised him a sweet kiss, + if only he would bring her back some more exact news as to Orion’s + perilous journey. Anubis had told her, the evening before, all he had + heard in the anteroom to the office, but such general information had not + satisfied her. She must see clearly before her, must know exactly what was + going on, and she was not mistaken when she imagined that the reward she + had promised the lad would spur him to the utmost. + </p> + <p> + Anubis had not indeed expected to gain his end so soon, boldly as he dared + to hope; scarcely had he pushed aside the awning, when Orion began to + explain to Nilus all his plan and purpose. + </p> + <p> + When he had finished speaking, the boy did not wait to hear Nilus reply. + Intoxicated with his success, and the prospect of a guerdon which to him + included all the bliss of heaven, he crept back to the dovecote. But he + could not go back by the way by which he had come; for if one of the older + scribes should meet him in the anteroom, he would be condemned to return + to his work. He therefore wriggled along the ridge of the roof towards the + fishing-cove, got over it, and laid hold of a gutter pipe, intending to + slip down it; unfortunately it was old and rotten-rain was rare in Memphis—and + hardly had he trusted his body after his hands when the lead gave way. The + rash youth fell with the clattering fragments of the gutter from a height + of four men; a heavy thump on the pavement was followed by a loud cry, and + in a few minutes all the officials had heard that poor Anubis, nimble as + he was, had fallen from the roof while attending to his pets, and had + broken his leg. + </p> + <p> + The two men in the impluvium were not informed of the accident till some + time later, for strict orders had been given that they were not to be + disturbed. + </p> + <p> + Nilus had received his young master’s communication with growing + amazement, indignation, and horror. When Orion ended, the treasurer put + forth all the eloquence of a faithful heart, anxious for the safety of the + body and soul of the youth he loved, to dissuade him from a deed of daring + which could bring him nothing but misapprehension, disaster, and + persecution. Nilus was with all his soul a Jacobite; and the idea that his + young master was about to risk everything for a party of Melchite nuns, + and draw down upon himself the wrath and maledictions of the patriarch, + was more than he could bear. + </p> + <p> + His faithful friend’s warnings and entreaties did not leave Orion unmoved; + but he clung to his determination, representing to Nilus that he had + pledged his word to Rufinus, and could not now draw back, though he had + already lost all his pleasure in the enterprise. But it went against him + to leave the brave old man to face the danger alone—indeed, it was + out of the question. + </p> + <p> + Genuine anxiety is fertile in expedient; Orion had scarcely done speaking, + when Nilus had a proposal to make which seemed well calculated to dispel + the youth’s last objections. Melampus, the chief shipbuilder, was a Greek + and a zealous Melchite, though he no longer dared to confess his creed + openly. He and his sons, two bold and sturdy ships carpenters, had often + given proof of their daring, and Nilus had no doubt that they would be + more than willing to share in an expedition which had for its object the + rescue of so many pious fellow-believers. They might take Orion’s place, + and would be far more helpful to the old man than Orion himself. + </p> + <p> + Orion so far approved of this suggestion as to promise himself good aid + from the brave artisans, who were well known to him; and he was willing to + take them with him, though he would not give up his own share in the + business. + </p> + <p> + Nilus, though he adhered firmly to his objections, was at last reduced to + silence. However, Orion went with his anxious friend to the ship-yard; the + old ship-builder, a kind-hearted giant, was as ready and glad to undertake + the rescue of the Sisters as if each one was his own mother. It would be a + real treat to the youngsters to have a hand in such a job,—and he + was right, for when they were taken into confidence one flourished his + hatchet with enthusiasm, and the tether struck his horny fist against his + left palm as gleefully as though he were bidden to a dance. + </p> + <p> + Orion took boat at once with the three men, and was rowed to the house of + Rufinus, to whom he introduced them; the old man was entirely satisfied. + </p> + <p> + Orion remained with him after dismissing them. He had promised last + evening to breakfast with him, and the meal was waiting. Paula had gone, + about an hour since, to the convent, and Joanna expected her to return at + any moment. They began without her, however; the various dishes were + carried away, the meal was nearly ended-still she had not returned. Orion, + who had at first been able to conceal his disappointment, was now so + uneasy that his host could with difficulty extract brief and inadvertent + replies to his repeated questions. Rufinus himself was anxious; but just + as he rose to go in search of her, Pulcheria, who was at the window, saw + her coming, and joyfully exclaiming: “There she is!” ran out. + </p> + <p> + But now again minute after minute passed, a quarter of an hour grew to + half an hour, and still Orion was waiting in vain. Glad expectation had + long since turned to impatience, impatience to a feeling of injured + dignity, and this to annoyance and bitter vexation, when at last Pulcheria + came back instead of Paula, and begged him from Paula to join her in the + garden. + </p> + <p> + She had been detained too long at the convent. The terrible rumor had + scared the pious sisters out of their wonted peace and put them all into + confusion, like smoke blown into a bee-hive. The first thing was to pack + their most valuable possessions; and although Orion had expressly said + only a small number of cases and bags could be taken on board, one was for + dragging her prayer-desk, another a large picture of some saint, a third a + copper fish-kettle, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth the great reliquary + with the bones of Ammonius the Martyr, to which the chapel owed its + reputation for peculiar sanctity. To reduce this excess of baggage, the + abbess had been obliged to exert all her energy and authority, and many a + sister retired weeping over some dear but too bulky treasure. + </p> + <p> + The superior had therefore been unable to devote herself to Paula till + this portable property had been under review. Then the damsel had been + admitted to her parlor, a room furnished with rich and elegant simplicity, + and there she had been allowed to pour out her whole heart to warm and + sympathetic ears. + </p> + <p> + Any one who could have seen these two together might have thought that + this was a daughter in grief seeking counsel on her mother’s breast. In + her youth the grey-haired abbess must have been very like Thomas’ + daughter; but the lofty and yet graceful mien of the younger woman had + changed in the matron to majestic and condescending dignity, and it was + impossible to guess from her defiantly set mouth that it had once been the + chief charm of her face. + </p> + <p> + As she listened to the girl’s outpourings the expression of her calm eyes + changed frequently; when her soul was fired by fanatical zeal they could + gleam brightly; but now she was listening to a variety of experiences, for + Paula regarded this interview as a solemn confession, and concealed + nothing from the friend who was both mother and priest-neither of what had + happened to her in external circumstances, nor of what had moved her heart + and mind ever since she had first entered the house of the Mtikaukas. Not + a corner of her soul did she leave unsearched; she neither concealed nor + palliated anything; and when she described her lover’s strenuous efforts + to apprehend the whole seriousness of life, her love and enthusiasm fairly + carried her away, making his image shine all the more brightly by + comparison with the brief, but dark shadow, that had fallen upon it. When + Paula had at last ended her confession, the superior had remained silent + for some time; then drawing the girl to her, she had affectionately asked + her: + </p> + <p> + “And now? Now, tell me truly, does not the passion that has such wonderful + power over you prompt and urge your inmost soul to yield—to fly to + the embrace of the man you love—to give all up for him and say: + ‘Here I am—I am yours! Call a priest to bless our union!—Is it + not so—am I not right?’” + </p> + <p> + Paula, deeply blushing, bowed assent; but the old woman drew her head on + to her motherly bosom, and went on thoughtfully: + </p> + <p> + “I saw him drive past in his quadriga, and was reminded of many a noble + statue of the heathen Greeks. Beauty, rank, wealth, aye—and talents + and intellect—all that could ruin the heart of a Paula are his, and + she—I see it plainly—will give it to him gladly.” + </p> + <p> + And again the maiden bowed her head. The abbess sighed, and went on as + though she had with difficulty succeeded in submitting to the inevitable + “Then all warning would be in vain.—Still, he is not of our + confession, he....” + </p> + <p> + “But how highly he esteems it!” cried Paula. “That he proves by risking + his freedom and life for you and your household.” + </p> + <p> + “Say rather for you whom he loves,” replied the other. “But putting that + out of the question, it pains me deeply to think of Thomas’ daughter as + the wife of a Jacobite. You will not, I know, give him up; and the Father + of Love often leads true love to good ends by wonderful ways, even though + they are ways of error, passing through pitfalls and abysses.” + </p> + <p> + Paula fell on her neck to kiss her gratefully: but the abbess could only + allow the girl a few minutes to enjoy her happiness. She desired her to + sit down by her side, and holding Paula’s hand in both her own, she spoke + to her in a tone of calm deliberation. She and her sisterhood, she began + by saying, were deeply indebted to Orion. She had no dearer wish than that + Paula should find the greatest earthly happiness in her marriage; still, + it was her part to tender advice, and she dared not blind herself to the + dangers which threatened this happiness. She herself had a long life + behind her of varied experience, in which she had seen hundreds of young + men who had been given up as lost sinners by father and mother—lost + to the Church and to all goodness—and among these many a one, like + Saul, had had his journey to Damascus. A turning point had come to them, + and the outcast sons had become excellent and pious men. + </p> + <p> + Paula, as she listened, had drawn closer to the speaker, and her eyes + beamed with joy; but the elder woman shook her head, and her gaze grew + more devout and rapt, as she went on with deep solemnity: + </p> + <p> + “But then, my child, in all of these Grace had done its perfect work; the + miracle was accomplished which we term regeneration. They were still the + same men in the flesh and in the elements of their sensible nature, but + their relation to the world and to life was altogether new. All that they + had formerly thought desirable they could now hate; what they had deemed + important was now worthless, and the worthless precious in their eyes; + whereas they once referred everything to their own desires, they now + referred all to God and His will. Their impulses were the same as of old, + but they kept them within bounds by a never-sleeping consciousness that + they led, not to joys, but to everlasting punishment. These regenerate + souls learned to contemn the world, and instead of gazing down at the dust + their eyes were fixed upwards on Heaven. If either of them tottered, his + whole ‘new man’ prompted him to recover his balance before he fell to the + ground.—But Orion! Your lover? His guilt seems to have passed over + him; he hopes for reunion with God from a more meritorious life in the + world. Not only is his nature unaltered, but his attitude with regard to + life and to the joys it offers to the children of this world. Earthly love + is spurring him on to strive for what is noble and great and he earnestly + seeks to attain it; but he will fall over every stone that the devil casts + in his path, and find it hard to pick himself up again, for misfortune has + not led him to the new birth or the new life in God. Just such men have I + seen, numbers of times, relapsing into the sins they had escaped from. + Before we can entirely trust a man who has once—though but + once-wandered so far from God’s ways, while Grace has not yet worked + effectually in him, we shall do well to watch his dealings and course for + more than a few short days. If you still feel that you must follow the + dictates of your heart, at any rate do not fly into your lover’s open + arms, do not abandon to him the pure sanctuary of your body and soul, do + not be wholly his till he has been fully put to the proof.” + </p> + <p> + “But I believe in him entirely!” cried Paula, with a flood of tears. + </p> + <p> + “You believe because you love him,” replied the abbess. + </p> + <p> + “And because he deserves it.” + </p> + <p> + “And how long has he deserved it?” + </p> + <p> + “Was he not a splendid man before his fall?” + </p> + <p> + “And so was many a murderer. Most criminals become outcasts from society + in a single moment.” + </p> + <p> + “But society still accepts Orion.” + </p> + <p> + “Because he is the son of the Mukaukas.” + </p> + <p> + “And because he wins all hearts!” + </p> + <p> + “Even that of the Almighty?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Mother, Mother! why do you measure him by the standard of your own + sanctified soul? How few are the elect who find a share of the grace of + which you speak!” + </p> + <p> + “But those who have sinned like him must strive for it.” + </p> + <p> + “And he does so, Mother, in his way.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the wrong way; wrong for those who have sinned as he has. All he + strives for is worldly happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no. He is firm in his faith in God and the Saviour. He is not a + liar.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet he thinks he may escape the penalty?” + </p> + <p> + “And does not the Lord pardon true repentance?—He has repented; and + how bitterly, how fearfully he has suffered!” + </p> + <p> + “Say rather that he has felt the stripes that his own sin brought upon + him.—There are more to come; and how will he take them? Temptation + lurks in every path, and how will he avoid it? As your mother, indeed it + is my duty to warn you: Keep your passion and yourself still under + control; continue to watch him, and grant him nothing—not the + smallest favor, as you are a maiden, before he...” + </p> + <p> + “Till when; how long am I to be so basely on my guard?” sobbed Paula. “Is + that love which trusts not and is not ready to share the lot even of the + backslider?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, child, yes,” interrupted the old woman. “To suffer all things, to + endure all things, is the duty of true love, and therefore of yours; but + you must not allow the most indissoluble of all bonds to unite you to him + till the back-slider has learnt to walk firmly. Follow him step by step, + hold him up with faithful care, never despair of him if he seems other + than what you had hoped. Make it your duty, pious soul, to render him + worthy of grace—but do not be in a hurry to speak the final yes—do + not say it yet.” + </p> + <p> + Paula yielded, though unwillingly, to this last word of counsel; but, in + fact, Orion’s fault had filled the abbess with deep distrust. So great a + sinner, under the blight, too, of a father’s curse, ought, in her opinion, + to have retired from the world and besieged Heaven for grace and a new + birth, instead of seeking joys, such as she thought none but the most + blameless—and, those of her own confession—could deserve, in + union with so exceptional a creature as her beloved Paula. Indeed, having + herself found peace for her soul only in the cloister, after a stormy and + worldly youth, she would gladly have received the noble daughter of her + old friend as the Bride of Christ within those walls, to be, perhaps, her + successor as Mother Superior. She longed that her darling should be spared + the sufferings she had known through the ruthlessness of faithless men; so + she would not abate a jot of the tenor of her advice, or cease to impress + on Paula, firmly though lovingly, the necessity of following it. At last + Paula took leave of her, bound by a promise not to pledge herself + irrevocably to Orion till his return from Doomiat, and till the abbess had + informed her by letter what opinion she had formed of him in the course of + their flight. + </p> + <p> + The high-spirited girl had not shed so many tears, as in the course of + this interview, since the fatal affair at Abyla where she had lost her + father and brother; it was with a tear-stained face and aching head that + she had made her way back, under the scorching mid-day sun, to Rufinus’ + house, where she sought her old nurse. Betta had earnestly entreated her + to lie down, and when Paula refused to hear of it she persuaded her at any + rate to bathe her head with water as cold as was procurable in this + terrific heat, and to have her hair carefully rearranged by her skilful + hand; for this had been her mother’s favorite remedy against headache. + When, at length, Paula and her lover stood face to face, in a shady spot + in the garden, they both looked embarrassed and estranged. He was pale, + and gazed at her with some annoyance; and her red eyes and knit brows, for + her brain was throbbing with piercing pain, did not tend to improve his + mood. It was her part to explain and excuse herself; and as he did not at + once address her after they had exchanged greetings, she said in a low + tone of urgent entreaty: + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me for coming so late. How long you must have been waiting! But + parting from my best friend, my second mother, agitated me so painfully—it + was so unspeakably sad.—I did not know how to hold up my head, it + ached so when I came home, and now—oh, I had hoped that we might + meet to-day so differently!” + </p> + <p> + “But even yesterday you had no time to spare for me,” he retorted + sullenly, “and this morning—you were present when Rufinus invited me—this + morning!—I am not exacting, and to you, good God! How could I be?—But + have we not to part, to bid each other farewell—perhaps for ever? + Why should you have given up so much time and strength to your friend, + that so scanty a remnant is left for the lover? That is an unfair + division.” + </p> + <p> + “How could I deny it?” she said with melancholy entreaty. “You are indeed + very right; but I could not leave the child last evening, as soon as she + came, and while she was weeping out all her sorrows; and if you only knew + how surprised and grieved I was—how my heart ached when, instead of + finding you, your note....” + </p> + <p> + “I was obliged to go to Amru,” interrupted Orion. “This undertaking + compels me to leave much behind, and I am no longer the freest of the + free, as I used to be. During this dreadful breakfast I have been sitting + on thorns. But let all that pass. I came hither with a heart high with + hope—and now?—You see, Paula, this enterprise tears me in two + in more ways than you can imagine, puts me into a more critical position, + and weighs more on my mind than you can think or know—I will explain + it all to you at another time—and to bear it all, to keep up the + spirit and happy energy that I need, I must be secure of the one thing for + which I could take far greater toil and danger as mere child’s play; I + must know....” + </p> + <p> + “You must know,” she interposed, “whether my heart is fully and wholly + open to your love....” + </p> + <p> + “And whether,” he added, with growing ardor, “in spite of the bitter + suffering that weighs on my wretched soul, I may hope to be happier than + the saints in bliss. O Paula, adored and only woman, may I....” + </p> + <p> + “You may,” she said clearly and fervently. “I love you, Orion, and shall + never, never cease to love you with my whole soul.” + </p> + <p> + He flew to her side, clasped both her hands as if beside himself, snatched + them to his lips regardless of the nearness of the house, whence ten pairs + of eyes might have seen him, and covered them with burning kisses, till + she drew them from him with the entreaty: “No, no; forbear, I entreat you. + No—not now.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, now, at this very moment—or, if not, when?” he asked + vehemently. “But here, in this garden—you are right, this is no + place for two human beings so happy as we are. Come with me; come into the + house and lead the way to a spot where we may be unseen and unheard, alone + with each other and our happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, no!” she hastily put in, pressing her hand to her aching brow. + “Come with me to the bench under the sycamore; it is shady there, and you + can tell me everything, and hear once more how entirely love has taken + possession of me.” + </p> + <p> + He looked in her face, surprised and disappointed; but she turned towards + the sycamore and sat down beneath it. He slowly followed her. She signed + to him to take a seat by her side, but he stood up in front of her, saying + sadly and despondently. + </p> + <p> + “Always the same—always calm and cold. Is this fair, Paula? Is this + the overwhelming love of which you spoke? Is this your response to the + yearning cry of a passionately ardent heart? Is this all that love can + grant to love—that a betrothed owes to her lover on the very eve of + parting?” + </p> + <p> + At this she looked up at him, deeply distressed, and said in pathetically + urgent entreaty: “O Orion, Orion! Have I not told you, can you not see and + feel how much I love you? You must know and feel it; and if you do, be + content, I entreat. You, whom alone I love, be satisfied to know that this + heart is yours, that your Paula—your own Paula, for that indeed I am—will + think of nothing, care for nothing, pray and entreat Heaven for nothing + but you, yes you, my own, my all.” + </p> + <p> + “Then come, come with me,” he insisted, “and grant your betrothed the + rights that are his due. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not my betrothed—not yet,” she besought him, with all the + fervor of her tortured soul. “In my veins too the blood flows warm with + yearning. Gladly would I fly to your arms and lay my head against yours, + but not to-day can I become your betrothed, not yet; I cannot, I dare + not!” + </p> + <p> + “And why not? Tell me, at any rate, why not,” he cried indignantly, + clenching his fist to his breast. “Why will you not be my bride, if indeed + it is true that you love me? Why have you invented this new and + intolerable torment?” + </p> + <p> + “Because prudence tells me,” she replied in a low, hurried voice, while + her bosom heaved painfully, as though she were afraid to hear her own + words; “because I see that the time is not yet come. Ah, Orion! you have + not yet learnt to bridle the desires and cravings that burn within you; + you have forgotten all too quickly what is past—what a mountain we + had to cross before we succeeded in finding each other, before I—for + I must say it, my dear one—before I could look you in the face + without anger and aversion. A strange and mysterious ordering has brought + it about; and you, too, have honestly done your best that everything + should be changed, that what was white should now be black, that the chill + north wind should turn to a hot southerly one. Thus poison turns to + healing, and a curse to a blessing. In this foolish heart of mine + passionate hatred has given way to no less fervent love. Still, I cannot + yet be your bride, your wife. Call it cowardice, call it selfish caution, + what you will. I call it prudence, and applaud it; though it cost my poor + eyes a thousand bitter tears before my heart and brain could consent to be + guided by the warning voice. Of one thing you may be fully assured: my + heart will never be another’s, come what may—it is yours with my + whole soul!—But I will not be your bride till I can say to you with + glad confidence, as well as with passionate love: ‘You have conquered—take + me, I am yours!’ Then you shall feel and confess that Paula’s love is not + less vehement, less ardent.... O God! Orion, learn to know and understand + me. You must—for my sake and your own, you must!—My head, + merciful Heaven, my head!” + </p> + <p> + She bowed her face and clasped her hands to her burning brow; Orion, pale + and shivering, laid his hand on her shoulder, and said in a harsh, forced + voice that had lost all its music: “The Esoterics impose severe trials on + their disciples before they admit them into the mysteries. And we are in + Egypt—but the difference is a wide one when the rule is applied to + love. How ever, all this is not from yourself. What you call prudence is + the voice of that nun!” + </p> + <p> + “It is the voice of reason,” replied Paula softly. “The yearning of my + heart had overpowered it, and I owe to my friend....” + </p> + <p> + “What do you owe her?” cried the young man furiously indignant. “You + should curse her, rather, for doing you so ill a turn, as I do at this + moment. What does she know of me? Has she ever heard a word from my lips? + If that despotic and casuistic recluse could have known what my heart and + soul are like, she would have advised you differently. Even as a childs’ + confidence and love alone could influence me. Whatever my faults might be, + I never was false to kindness and trust.—And, so far as you are + concerned—you who are prudence and reason in person—blest in + your love, I should have cared only for your approbation. If I could have + overcome the last of your scruples, I should indeed have been proud and + happy!—I would have brought the sun and stars down from the sky for + you, and have laughed temptation to scorn!—But as it is—instead + of being raised I am lowered, a laughing-stock even in my own eyes. One + with you, I could have led the way on wings to the realms of light where + Perfection holds sway!—But as it is? What a task lies before me!—To + heat your frigid love to flaming point by good deeds, as though they were + olive-logs. A pretty task for a man—to put himself to the proof + before the woman he loves! It is a hideous and insulting torture which I + will not submit to, against which my whole inner man revolts, and which + you will and must forego—if indeed it is true that you love me!” + </p> + <p> + “I love you, oh! I love you,” she cried, beside herself, and seizing his + hands. “Perhaps you are right. I—my God what shall I do? Only do not + ask me yet, to speak the final yes or no. I cannot control myself to the + feeblest thought. You see, you see, how I am suffering!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I see it,” he replied, looking compassionately at her pale face and + drawn brow. “And if it must be so, I say: till this evening then. Try to + rest now, and take care of yourself.—But then....” + </p> + <p> + “Then, during the voyage, the flight, repeat to the abbess all you have + just said to me. She is a noble woman, and she, too, will learn to + understand and to love you, I am sure. She will retract the word I + know....” + </p> + <p> + “What word?” + </p> + <p> + “My word, given to her, that I would not be yours....” + </p> + <p> + “Till I had gone through the Esoteric tests?” exclaimed Orion with an + angry shrug. “Now go,—go and lie down. This hour, which should have + been the sweetest of our lives, a stranger has embittered and darkened. + You are not sure of yourself—nor I of myself. Anything more that we + could say now and here would lead to no good issue for either you or me. + Go and rest; sleep off your pain, and I—I will try to forget.—If + you could but see the turmoil in my soul!—But farewell till our + next, more friendly—I hardly dare trust myself to say our happier + meeting.” + </p> + <p> + He hastily turned away, but she called after him in sad lament: “Orion do + not forget—Orion, you know that I love you.” + </p> + <p> + But he did not hear; he buried on with his head bowed over his breast, + down to the road, without reentering Rufinus’ house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + When Orion reached home, wounded to the quick, he flung himself on a + divan. Paula had said that her heart was his indeed, but what a cool and + grudging love was this that would give nothing till it had insured its + future. And how could Paula have allowed a third person to come between + them, and rule her feelings and actions? She must have revealed to that + third person all that had previously passed between them—and it was + for this Melchite nun, his personal foe, that he was about to—it was + enough to drive him mad!—But he could not withdraw; he had pledged + himself to the brave old man to carry out this crazy enterprise. And in + the place of the lofty, noble mistress of his whole being, his fancy + pictured Paula as a tearful, vacillating, and cold-hearted woman. + </p> + <p> + There lay the maps and plans which he had desired Nilus to send in from + his room for his study of the task set him by Amru; as his eye fell upon + them, he struck his fist against the wall, started up, and ran like a + madman up and down the room which had been sacred to her peaceful life. + </p> + <p> + There stood her lute; he had freshly strung and tuned it. To calm himself + he drew it to him, took up the plectrum, and began to play. But it was a + poor instrument; she had been content with this wretched thing! He flung + it on the couch and took up his own, the gift of Heliodora. How sweetly, + how delightfully she had been wont to play it! Even now its strings gave + forth a glorious tone; by degrees he began to rejoice in his own playing, + and music soothed his excitement, as it had often done before. It was + grand and touching, though he several times struck the strings so + violently that their loud clanging and sighing and throbbing answered each + other like the wild wailing of a soul in torment. + </p> + <p> + Under this vehement usage the bridge of the lute suddenly snapped off with + a dull report; and at the same instant his secretary, who had been with + him at Constantinople, threw open the door in glad excitement, and began, + even before he had crossed the threshold: + </p> + <p> + “Only think, my lord! Here is a messenger come from the inn kept by + Sostratus with this tablet for you.—It is open, so I read it. Only + think! it is hardly credible! The Senator Justinus is here with his wife, + the noble Martina—here in Memphis, and they beg you to visit them at + once to speak of matters of importance. They came last night, the + messenger tells me, and now—what joy! Think of all the hospitality + you enjoyed in their house. Can we leave them in an inn? So long as + hospitality endures, it would be a crime!” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible, quite impossible!” cried Orion, who had cast aside the lute, + and was now reading the letter himself. “It is true indeed! his own + handwriting. And that immovable pair are in Egypt—in Memphis! By + Zeus!”—for this was still the favorite oath of the golden youth of + Alexandria and Constantinople, even in these Christian times.—“By + Zeus, I ought to receive them here like princes!—Wait!—of + course you must tell the messenger that I am coming at once—have the + four new Pannonians harnessed to the silver-plated chariot. I must go to + my mother; but there is time enough for that. Desire Sebek to have the + guest-chambers prepared for distinguished guests—those sick people + are out of them, thank God! Take my present room for them too; I will go + back to the old one. Of course they have a numerous suite. Set twenty or + thirty slaves to work. Everything must be ready in two hours at furthest. + The two sitting-rooms are particularly handsome, but where anything is + lacking, place everything in the house at Sebek’s command.—Justinus + in Egypt!—But make haste, man! Nay, stay! One thing more. Carry + these maps and scrolls—no; they are too heavy for you. Desire a + slave to fetch them, and take them to Rufinus; he must keep them till I + come. Tell him I meant to use them on the way—he knows.” + </p> + <p> + The secretary rushed off; Orion performed a rapid toilet and had his + mourning dress rearranged in fresh folds; then he went to his mother. She + had often heard of the cordial reception that her son, and her husband, + too, in former days, had met with in the senator’s house, and she took it + quite as a matter of course that the strangers’ rooms, and among them that + which had been Paula’s, should be prepared for the travellers; all she + asked was that it should be explained that she was suffering, so that she + might not have to trouble herself to entertain them. + </p> + <p> + She advised Orion to put off his journey and to devote himself to his + friends; but he explained that even their arrival must not delay him. He + had entire confidence in Sebek and the upper housekeeper, and the emperor + himself would remit the duties of hostess to a sick woman. Once, at any + rate, she would surely allow the illustrious guests to pay their respects + to her,—but even this Neforis refused It would be quite enough if + her visitors received messages and greetings daily in her name, with + offerings of choice fruit and flowers, and on the last day some costly + gift. Orion thought this proposal quite worthy of them both, and presently + drove off behind his Pannonians to the hostelry. + </p> + <p> + By the harbor he met the captain of the boat he had hired; to him he held + up two fingers, and the boatman signified by repeated nodding that he had + understood the meaning of this signal: “Be ready at two hours before + midnight.” + </p> + <p> + The sight of this weather-beaten pilot, and the prospect of making some + return to his noble friends for all their kindness, cheered Orion greatly; + and though he regretted being obliged to leave these guests of all others, + the perils that lay before him reasserted their charm. He could surely win + over the abbess in the course of the voyage, and Paula might be brought to + reason, perhaps, this very evening. Justinus and his wife were Melchites, + and he knew that both these friends—for whom he had a particular + regard—would be enchanted with his scheme if he took them into his + confidence. + </p> + <p> + The inn kept by Sostratus, a large, square building surrounding a spacious + court-yard, was the best and most frequented in the town. The eastern side + faced the road and the river, and contained the best rooms, in which, on + the previous night, the senator had established himself with his wife and + servants. The clatter of the quadriga drew Justinus to the window; as soon + as he recognized Orion he waved a table-napkin to him, shouting a hearty + “Welcome!” and then retired into the room again. + </p> + <p> + “Here he is!” he cried to his wife, who was lying on a couch in the + lightest permissible attire, and sipping fruit-syrup from time to time to + moisten her dry lips, while a boy fanned her for coolness. + </p> + <p> + “That is well indeed!” she exclaimed, and desired her maid to be quick, + very quick, and fetch her a wrap, but to be sure it was a thin one. Then, + turning to a very lovely young woman who had started to her feet at + Justinus’ first exclamation, she asked: + </p> + <p> + “Would you rather that he should find you here, my darling, or shall we + see him first, and tell him that we have brought you with us?” + </p> + <p> + “That will be best,” answered the other in a sweet voice, and she sighed + softly before she added: “What will he not think of me? We may grow older, + but folly—folly...” + </p> + <p> + “Grows with years?” laughed the matron. “Or do you think it decreases?—But + here he is.” + </p> + <p> + The younger woman hurried away by a side door, behind which she + disappeared. Martina looked after her, and pointing that way to direct her + husband’s glance, she observed: “She has left herself a chink. Good God! + Fancy being in love in such heat as this; what a hideous thought!” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the door was opened, and the heartiest greetings ensued. It + was evident that the meeting was as great a pleasure to the elderly pair + as to the young man. Justinus embraced him warmly, while the matron cried + out: “And a kiss for me too!” And when the youth immediately and heartily + gave it, she exclaimed with a groan: + </p> + <p> + “O man, and child of man, great Sesostris! How did your famous ancestor + ever achieve heroic deeds under such a sun as this? For my part I am fast + disappearing, melting away like butter; but what will a man not do for + love’s sake?—Syra, Syra; for God’s sake bring me something, however + small, that looks like a garment! How rational is the fashion of the + people of Africa whom we met with on our journey. If they have three + fingers’ breadth of cloth about them, they consider themselves elegantly + dressed.—But come, sit down—there, at my feet. A seat, Argos, + and some wine, and water in a damp clay pitcher, and cool like the last. + Husband, the boy seems to me handsomer than ever. But dear God! he is in + mourning, and how becoming it is! Poor boy, poor boy! Yes, we heard in + Alexandria.” + </p> + <p> + She wiped first her eyes and then her damp brow, and her husband added his + expressions of sympathy at the death of the Mukaukas. + </p> + <p> + They were a genial and comfortable couple, Justinus and his wife Martina. + Two beings who felt perfectly secure in their vast inherited wealth, and + who, both being of noble birth, never need make any display of dignity, + because they were sure of it in the eyes of high and low alike. They had + asserted their right to remain natural and human under the formalities of + the most elaborately ceremonious society; those who did not like the easy + tone adopted by them in their house might stay away. He, devoid of + ambition, a senator in virtue of his possessions and his name, never + caring to make any use of his adventitious dignity but that of procuring + good appointments for his favorite clients, or good places for his family + on any festive occasion, was a hospitable soul; the good friend of all his + friends, whose motto was “live and let live.” Martina, with a heart as + good as gold, had never made any pretensions to beauty, but had + nevertheless been much courted. This worthy couple had for many years + thought that nothing could be more delightful than a residence in the + capital, or at their beautiful villa on the Bosphorus, scorning to follow + the example of other rich and fashionable folks, and go to take baths or + make journeys. It was enough for them to be able to make others happy + under their roof; and there was never any lack of visitors, just because + those who were weary of bending their backs at the Byzantine Court, found + this unceremonious circle particularly restful. + </p> + <p> + Martina was especially fond of having young people about her, and + Heliodora, the widow of her nephew, had found comfort with her in her + trouble; it was in her house that Orion and Heliodora had met. The young + widow was a great favorite with the old couple, but higher in their esteem + even than she, had been the younger brother of her deceased husband. He + was to have been their heir; but they had mourned his death now two years; + for news had reached them that Narses, who had served in the Imperial army + as tribune of cavalry, had fallen in battle against the infidels. No one, + however, had ever brought a more exact report of his death; and at last + their indefatigable enquiries had resulted in their learning that he had + been taken prisoner by the Saracens and carried into slavery in Arabia. + This report received confirmation through the efforts of Orion and his + deceased father. Within a few hours of the young Egyptian’s departure, + they received a letter from the youth they had given up for lost, written + in trembling characters, in which he implored them to effect his + deliverance through Amru, the Arab governor of Egypt. The old people had + set forth at once on their pilgrimage, and Heliodora had done her part in + urging them to this step. Her passion for Orion, to whom, for more than a + year, her gentle heart had been wholly devoted, had increased every hour + since his departure. She had not concealed it from Martina, who thought it + no less than her duty to stand by the poor lovesick child; for Heliodora + had nursed her husband, the senator’s nephew, to the end, with touching + fidelity and care; and besides, Martina had given the young Egyptian—with + whom she was “quite in love herself”—every opportunity of paying his + addresses to the young widow. + </p> + <p> + They were a pair that seemed made for each other, and Martina delighted in + match-making. But in this case, though hearts had met, hands had not, and + finally it had been a real grief to Martina to hear Orion and Heliodora + called—and with good reason—a pair of lovers. + </p> + <p> + Once she had appealed in her genial way to the young man’s conscience, and + he had replied that his father, who was a Jacobite, would never consent to + his union with a woman of any other confession. At that time she had found + little to answer; but she had often thought if only she could make the + Mukaukas acquainted with Heliodora, he, whom she had known in the capital + as a young and handsome admirer of every charming woman, would certainly + capitulate. + </p> + <p> + Her favorite niece had indeed every grace that a father’s heart could + desire to attract the son. She was of good family, the widow of a man of + rank, rich, but just two and twenty, and beautiful enough to bewitch old + or young. A sweeter and gentler soul Martina had never known. Those large + dewy eyes-imploring eyes, she called them—might soften a stone, and + her fair waving hair was as soft as her nature. Add to this her full, + supple figure—and how perfectly she dressed, how exquisitely she + sang and struck the lute! It was not for nothing that she was courted by + every youth of rank in Constantinople—and if the old Mukaukas could + but hear her laugh! There was not a sound on earth more clear, more glad + than Heliodora’s laugh. She was not indeed remarkable for intellect, but + no one could call her a simpleton, and your very clever women were not to + every man’s taste. + </p> + <p> + So, when they were to travel to Egypt, Martina took it for granted that + Heliodora must go with them, and that the flirtation which had made her + favorite the talk of the town must, in Memphis, become courtship in + earnest. Then, when she heard at Alexandria that the Mukaukas was lately + dead, she regarded the game as won. Now they were in Memphis, Orion was + sitting before her, and the young man had invited her and her following of + above twenty persons to stay in his house. It was a foregone conclusion + that the travellers were to accept this bidding as prescribed by the laws + of hospitality, and preparations for the move were immediately set on + foot. + </p> + <p> + Justinus meanwhile explained what had brought them to Egypt, and begged + Orion’s assistance. The young man had known the senator’s nephew well as + one of the most brilliant and amiable youths of the capital, and he was + sincerely distressed to be forced to inform his friends that Amru, who + could easily have procured the release of Narses, was to start within two + days for Medina, while he himself was compelled to set out on a journey + that very evening, at an hour he could not name. + </p> + <p> + He saw how greatly this firmly-expressed determination agitated and + disturbed the old couple, and the senator’s urgency led him to tell them, + under the pledge of strict secrecy, what business it was that took him + away and what a perilous enterprise he had before him. + </p> + <p> + He began his story confident of his orthodox guests’ sympathy; but to his + amazement they both disapproved of the undertaking, and not, as they + declared, on his account only or for the sake of the help they had counted + on. + </p> + <p> + The senator reminded him that he was the natural chief of the Egyptian + population in Memphis, and that, by such a scheme, he was undermining his + influence with those whose leader he was by right and duty as his father’s + son. His ambition ought to make him aim at this leadership; and instead of + offering such a rebuff to the patriarch, it was his part to work with him—whose + power he greatly underrated—so as to make life tolerable to their + fellow-Christians in a land ruled by Moslems. + </p> + <p> + Paula’s name was not once mentioned; but Orion thought of her and remained + firm, though not without an inward struggle. + </p> + <p> + At the same time, to prove to his friends how sincerely he desired to + please them, he proposed that he and Justinus should immediately cross the + Nile to lay his application before the Khaliff’s vicar. A glance at the + sky showed him that it wanted still an hour and a half of sunset. His + swift horses would not need more than that time for the journey, and + during their absence the rest of the party could move from the inn. Carts + for the baggage were already in waiting below, and chariots had been + ordered to follow and convey his beloved guests to their new quarters. + </p> + <p> + The senator agreed to this proposal, and as the two men went off Martina + called after Orion. + </p> + <p> + “My senator must talk to you on the road, and if you can be brought to + reason you will find your reward waiting for you! Do not be saving of your + talents of gold, old man, till the general has promised to procure the + lad’s release.—And listen to me, Orion; give up your mad scheme.” + </p> + <p> + The sun had not wholly disappeared behind the Libyan range when the + snorting Pannonians, all flecked with foam, drove back into the court-yard + of the governor’s residence. The two men had unfortunately gained nothing; + for Amru was absent, reviewing the troops between Heliopolis and Onix, and + was not expected home till night or even next morning. The party had + removed from the inn and the senator’s white slaves were already mixing + with the black and brown ones of the establishment. + </p> + <p> + Martina was delighted with her new quarters, and with the beautiful + flowers—most of them new to her—with which the invalid + mistress of the house had had the two great reception-rooms garnished in + token of welcome; but the failure of Justinus’ visit to Fostat fell like + hoar-frost on her happy mood. + </p> + <p> + Orion, she asserted, ought to regard this stroke of ill-luck as a judgment + from God. It was the will of Heaven that he should give up his enterprise + and be content to make due preparations for a noble work which could be + carried through without him, in order to accomplish another, out of + friendship, which urgently needed his help. However, he again expressed + his regret that in spite of everything he must adhere to his purpose; and + when Martina asked him: “What, even if my reward is one that would + especially delight you?” he nodded regretfully. “Yes, even then.” + </p> + <p> + So she merely added, “Well, we shall see,” and went on impressively: + “Every one has some peculiarity which stamps his individuality and becomes + him well: in you it is amiability, my son. Such obstinacy does not suit + you; it is quite foreign to you, and is the very opposite to what I call + amiability. Be yourself, even in this instance.” + </p> + <p> + “That is to say weak and yielding, especially when a kind woman....” + </p> + <p> + “When old friends ask it,” she hastily put in; but almost before she had + finished she turned to her husband, exclaiming: “Good Heavens! come to the + window. Did you ever see such a glorious mingling of purple and gold in + the sky? It is as though the old pyramids and the whole land of Egypt were + in flames. But now, great Sesostris,”—the name she gave to Orion + when she was in a good humor with him, “it is time that you should see + what I have brought you. In the first place this trinket,” and she gave + him a costly bracelet of old Greek workmanship set with precious stones, + “and then—nay, no Thanks—and then—Well the object is + rather large, and besides—come with me.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she went from the reception-room into the anteroom, led the + way to the door of the room which had once been Paula’s, and then his own, + opened it a little way, peeped in, and then pushed Orion forward, saying + hastily: “There—do you see—there it is!” + </p> + <p> + By the window stood Heliodora. The bright radiance of the sinking sun + bathed her slender but round and graceful form, her “imploring” eyes + looked up at him with rapturous delight, and her white arms folded across + her bosom gave her the aspect of a saint, waiting with humble longing for + some miracle, in expectation of unutterable joys. + </p> + <p> + Martina’s eyes, too, were fixed on Orion; she saw how pale he turned at + seeing the young widow, she saw him start as though suddenly overcome by + some emotion—what, she could not guess—and shrink back from + the sunlit vision in the window. These were effects which the worthy + matron had not anticipated. + </p> + <p> + Never off the stage, thought she, had she seen a man so stricken by love; + for she could not suspect that to him it was as though a gulf had suddenly + yawned at his feet. + </p> + <p> + With a swiftness which no one could have looked for from her heavy and + bulky figure, Martina hastily returned to her husband, and even at the + door exclaimed: “It is all right, all has gone well! At the sight of her + he seemed thunderstruck! Mark my words: we shall have a wedding here by + the Nile.” + </p> + <p> + “My blessing on it,” replied Justinus. “But, wedding or no wedding, all I + care is that she should persuade that fine young fellow to give up his + crazy scheme. I saw how even the brown rascals in the Arab’s service bowed + down before him; and he will persuade the general, if any one can, to do + all in his power for Narses. He must not and shall not go! You impressed + it strongly on Heliodora....” + </p> + <p> + “That she should keep him?” laughed the matron. “I tell you, she will nail + him down if need be.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better,” replied her husband. “But, wife, folks might say + that it was not quite seemly in you to force them together. Properly + speaking, you are as it were her female mentor, the motherly patroness.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Heavens!” exclaimed Martina. “At home they invited no witnesses to + look on at their meetings. The poor love-lorn souls must at any rate have + a chance of speaking to each other and rejoicing that they have met once + more. I will step in presently, and be the anxious, motherly friend. Tine, + Tine! And if it does not end in a wedding, I will make a pilgrimage to St. + Agatha, barefoot.” + </p> + <p> + “And I with only one shoe!” the senator declared, “for, everything in + reason—but the talk about Dora was at last beyond all bounds. It was + no longer possible to have them both together under the same roof. And you + yourself—no, seriously; go in to them.” + </p> + <p> + “Directly, directly.—But first look out of this window once more. + Oh, what a sun!—there, now it is too late. Only two minutes ago the + whole heaven was of the hue of my red Syrian cloak; and now it is all + dark!—The house and garden are beautiful, and everything is old and + handsome; just what I should have expected in the home of the rich + Mukaukas.” + </p> + <p> + “And I too,” replied Justinus. “But now, go. If they have come to an + understanding, Dora may certainly congratulate herself.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think so! But she need not be ashamed even of her villa, and + they must spend every summer there, I will manage that. If that poor, dear + fellow Narses does not escape with his life—for two years of slavery + are a serious matter—then I should be able....” + </p> + <p> + “To alter your will? Not a bad idea; but there is no hurry for that; and + now, you really must go.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, in a minute. Surely I may have time to speak.—I, for my + part, know of no one whom I would sooner put in the place of Narses....” + </p> + <p> + “Than Orion and Heliodora? Certainly, I have no objection; but now....” + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps it is wicked to think of a man who may still be alive as + numbered with the dead.—At any rate the poor boy cannot go back to + his legion....” + </p> + <p> + “On no consideration. But, Martina....” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow morning Orion must urge our case on the Arab....” + </p> + <p> + “If he does not go away.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you bet that she fails to keep him.” + </p> + <p> + “I should be a fool for my pains,” laughed Justinus. “Do you ever pay me + when I win?—But now, joking apart, you must go and see what they are + about.” + </p> + <p> + And this time she obeyed. She would have won her bet; for Orion, who had + remained unmoved by his sister-in-law’s letter, by the warning voice of + the faith of his childhood, by the faithful council of his honest servant + Nilus, or by the senator’s convincing arguments—had yielded to + Heliodora’s sweet blandishments. + </p> + <p> + How ardently had her loving heart flamed up, when she saw him so deeply + agitated at the sight of her! With what touching devotion had she sunk + into his arms; how humbly-half faint with sweet sorrow and sweeter ecstasy—had + she fallen at his feet, and clasped his knees, and entreated him, with + eyes full of tears of adoring rapture, not to leave to-day, to wait only + till tomorrow, and then, if he would, to tread her in the dust. Now—now + when she had just found him again after being worn out with pining and + longing-to part now, to see him rush on an uncertain fate—it would + kill her, it would certainly be her death! And when he still had tried to + resist she had rushed into his arms, had stopped his lips with burning + kisses, and whispered in his ear all the flattering words of love he once + had held so dear. + </p> + <p> + Why had he never seriously tried to win her, why had he so soon forgotten + her? Because she, who could assert her dignity firmly enough with others, + had abandoned herself to him unresistingly after a few meetings, as if + befooled by some magician’s spell. The precious spoil so easily won had + soon lost its value in his eyes. But to-day the fire which had died out + blazed up again. Yes, this was the love he craved, he must have! To be + loved with entire and utter devotion, with a heart that thought only of + him and not of itself, that asked only for love in return for love, that + did not fence itself round with caution and invoke the aid of others for + protection against him. This lovely creature, all passion, who had taken + upon herself to endure the contumely of society, and pain and grief for + his sake, knowing too that he had abandoned her, and would never make her + his wife before God and men—she indeed knew what it was to love; and + he who was so often inclined to despair of himself felt his heart uplifted + at the thought that he was so precious in her eyes, nay—he would own + it—so idolized. + </p> + <p> + And how sweet, how purely womanly she was! Those imploring eyes—which + he had grown quite sick of in Constantinople, for they were as full of + pathetic entreaty when she merely begged him to hold her cloak for her as + when she appealed to his heart of hearts not to leave her—that + entrancing play of glances which had first bewitched him, came to him + to-day as something new and worked the old spell. + </p> + <p> + In this moment of tender reunion he had promised her at any rate to + consider whether he could not release himself from the pledge by which he + was bound; but hardly had he spoken the words when the memory of Paula + revived in his mind, and an inward voice cried out to him that she was a + being of nobler mould than this yielding, weak woman, abject before him—that + she symbolized his upward struggle, Heliodora his perdition. + </p> + <p> + At length he was able to tear himself from her embrace; and at the first + step out of this intoxication into real life again he looked about like + one roused from sleep, feeling as though it were by some mocking sport of + the devil himself that Paula’s room should have been the scene of this + meeting and of his weakness. + </p> + <p> + An enquiry from Heliodora, as to the fate of the little white dog that she + had given him as a remembrance, recalled to his mind that luckless emerald + which was to have been his return offering or antidoron. He evasively + replied that, remembering her love of rare gems, he had sent her a + remarkably fine stone about which he had a good deal to say; and she gave + such childlike and charming expression to her delight and gratitude, and + took such skilful advantage of his pleasure in her clinging tenderness, to + convince him of the necessity for remaining at home, that he himself began + to believe in it, and gave way. The more this conclusion suited his own + wishes the easier it became to find reasons for it: old Rufinus really did + not need him; and if he—Orion—had cause to be ashamed of his + vacillation, on the other hand he could comfort himself by reflecting that + it would be unkind and ungrateful to his good friends to leave them in the + lurch just when he could be of use to them. One pair of protecting arms + more or less could not matter to the nuns, while the captive Narses might + very probably perish before he could be rescued without his interest with + the Arab general. + </p> + <p> + It was high time to decide one way or the other.—Well, no; he ought + not to go away to-day! + </p> + <p> + That was settled! + </p> + <p> + Rufinus must at once be informed of his change of purpose. To sit down and + write at such a moment he felt was impossible: Nilus should go and speak + in his name; and he knew how gladly and zealously he would perform such an + errand. + </p> + <p> + Heliodora clapped her hands, and just as Martina knocked at the door the + pair came out into the anteroom: She, radiant with happiness, and so + graceful in her fashionable, costly, and well-chosen garb, so + royal-looking in spite of her no more than middle height, that even in the + capital she would have excited the admiration of the men and the envy of + the women: He, content, but with a thoughtful smile on his lips. + </p> + <p> + He had not yet closed the door when in the anteroom he perceived two + female figures, who had come in while Martina was knocking at her niece’s + door. These were Katharina and her waiting-maid. + </p> + <p> + Anubis had been brought to these rooms after his fall from the roof, and + notwithstanding the preparations that had been made for illustrious guests + Philippus could not be persuaded to allow his patient, for whom perfect + quiet was indispensable, to be moved to the lower floor. + </p> + <p> + The listener who had been so severely punished had with him his mother, + Katharina’s old nurse; the water-wagtail, with her maid, had accompanied + her to see the lad, for she was very anxious to assure herself whether her + foster-brother, before his tumble, had succeeded in hearing anything; but + the poor fellow was so weak and his pain so severe that she had not the + heart to torment him with questions. However, her Samaritan’s visit + brought her some reward, for to meet Orion coming out of Paula’s room with + so beautiful and elegant a woman was a thing worth opening her eyes to + see. She would have walked from home hither twice over only to see the + clothes and jewels of this heaven sent stranger. Such a being rarely + strayed to Memphis,—and might not this radiant and beautiful + creature be “the other” after all, and not Paula? Might not Orion have + been trifling with her rival as he had already trifled with her? They must + have had a rapturous meeting in that room; every feature of the fair + beauty’s saint-like face betrayed the fact. Oh, that Orion! She would have + liked to throttle him; and yet she was glad to think that there was + another besides herself—and she so elegant and lovely—whom he + had betrayed. + </p> + <p> + “He will stay!” Heliodora exclaimed as she came out of the room; and + Martina held out her hand to the young man, with a fervent: “God bless you + for that!” + </p> + <p> + She was delighted to see how happy her niece looked but the lively old + woman’s eyes were everywhere at once, and when she caught sight of + Katharina who had stood still with curiosity, she turned to her with a + friendly nod and said to Orion: + </p> + <p> + “Your sister? Or the little niece of whom you used to speak?” + </p> + <p> + Orion called Katharina and introduced her to his guests, and the girl + explained what had brought her hither; in such a sweet and pathetic manner—for + she was sincerely fond of her foster-brother and play-fellow—that + she quite charmed Martina and Heliodora, and the younger woman expressed a + hope that they might see her often. Indeed, when she was gone, Martina + exclaimed: “A charming little thing! As fresh and bright as a + newly-fledged bird, so brisk and pretty too—and how nicely she + prattles!” + </p> + <p> + “And the richest heiress in Memphis into the bargain,” added Orion. But, + noticing that on this Heliodora cast down her eyes with a troubled + expression, he went on with a laugh: “Our mothers destined us to marry + each other, but we are too ill-matched in size, and not exactly made for a + pair in other ways.” + </p> + <p> + Then, taking leave of them, he went to Nilus and informed him of his + decision. His request that the treasurer would make his excuses to + Rufinus, carry his greetings to Thomas’ daughter, and make the most of his + reasons for remaining behind, sent the good man almost beside himself for + joy; and he so far forgot his modest reserve as to embrace Orion as a son. + </p> + <p> + The young host sat with his visitors till nearly midnight: and when, on + the following morning, Martina first greeted her niece—who looked + peacefully happy though somewhat tired—she was able to tell her that + the two men had already gone across the Nile, and, she hoped, settled + everything with the Arab governor. Great was her disappointment when + presently Justinus and Orion came back to say that Amru, instead of + returning to Fostat from the review at Heliopolis, had gone straight to + Alexandria. He had engagements there for a few days, and would then start + for Medina. + </p> + <p> + The senator saw nothing for it but to follow him up, and Orion volunteered + to accompany him. + </p> + <p> + A faint attempt on Heliodora’s part to detain him met with a decisive, + nay, stern refusal. This journey was indeed sheer flight from his own + weakness and from the beautiful creature who could never be anything to + him. + </p> + <p> + Early in the day he had found time to write to Paula; but he had cast + aside more than one unfinished letter before he could find the right + words. He told her that he loved her and her alone; and as his stylus + marked the wax he felt, with horror of himself, that in fact his heart was + Paula’s, and his determination ripened to put an end once for all to his + connection with Heliodora, and not allow himself to see Paula again till + he had forever cut the tie that bound him to the young widow. + </p> + <p> + The two women went out to see the travellers start, and as they returned + to the house, hanging their heads like defeated warriors, in the vestibule + they met Katharina and her maid. Martina wanted to detain the little girl, + and to persuade her to go up to their rooms with them; but Katharina + refused, and appeared to be in a great hurry. She had just come from + seeing Anubis, who was in less pain to-day, and who had done his best to + tell her what he had overheard. That the flight was to be northwards he + was certain; but he had either misunderstood or forgotten the name of the + place whither the sisters were bound. + </p> + <p> + His mother and the nurse were dismissed from the room, and then the + water-wagtail in her gratitude had bent over him, had raised his pretty + face a little, and had given him two such sweet kisses that the poor boy + had been quite uneasy. But, when he was alone with his mother once more, + he had felt happier and happier, and the remembrance of the transient + rapture he had known had alleviated the pain he was suffering on + Katharina’s account. + </p> + <p> + Katharina, meanwhile, did not go home at once to her mother; on the + contrary, she went straight off to the Bishop of Memphis, to whom she + divulged all she had learnt with regard to the inhabitants of the convent + and the intended rescue. The gentle Plotinus even had been roused to great + wrath, and no sooner had she left him than he set out for Fostat to invoke + the help of Amru, and—finding him absent—of his Vekeel to + enable him to pursue the fugitive Melchite sisters. + </p> + <p> + When the water-wagtail was at home again and alone in her room, she said + to herself, with calm satisfaction, that she had now contrived something + which would spoil several days for Orion and for Paula, and that might + prove even fatal, so far as she was concerned. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + Nilus had performed his errand well, and Rufinus was forced to admit that + Orion had done his part and had planned the enterprise with so much care + and unselfishness that his personal assistance could be dispensed with. + Under these circumstances he scarcely owed the young man a grudge for + placing himself at the service of his Byzantine friends; still, his not + coming to the house disturbed and vexed him, less on his own account, or + that of the good cause, than for Paula’s sake, for her feelings towards + Orion had remained no secret to him or his wife. + </p> + <p> + Dame Joanna, indeed, felt the young man’s conduct more keenly than + Rufinus; she would have been glad to withhold her husband from the + enterprise, whose dangers now appeared to her frightened soul tenfold + greater than they were. But she knew that the Nile would flow backwards + before she could dissuade him from keeping his promise to the abbess, so + she forced herself to preserve at any rate outward composure. + </p> + <p> + Before Paula, Rufinus declared that Orion was fully justified and he + loudly praised the young man’s liberality in providing the Nile-boat and + the vessel for the sea-voyage, and such admirable substitutes for himself. + Pulcheria was delighted with her father’s undertaking; she only longed to + go with him and help him to save her dear nuns. The ship-builder had + brought with him, besides his sons, three other Greeks of the orthodox + confession, shipwrights like himself, who were out of work in consequence + of the low ebb of the Nile, which had greatly restricted the navigation. + Hence they were glad to put a hand to such a good work, especially as it + would be profitable, too, for Orion had provided the old man with ample + funds. + </p> + <p> + As the evening grew cooler after sundown Paula had got better. She did + not, indeed, know what to think of Orion’s refusal to start. First she was + grieved, then she rejoiced; for it certainly preserved him from great + perils. In the early days after his return from Constantinople she had + heard his praise of the senator’s kindness and hospitality, in which the + Mukaukas, who had pleasant memories of the capital, heartily joined. He + must, of course, be glad to be able to assist those friends, of all + others; and Nilus, who was respectfully devoted to her, had greeted her + from Orion with peculiar warmth. He would come to-morrow, no doubt; and + the oftener she repeated to herself his assertion that he had never + betrayed affectionate trust, the more earnestly she felt prompted, in + spite of the abbess’ counsel, to abandon all hesitancy, to follow the + impulse of her heart, and to be his at once in full and happy confidence. + </p> + <p> + The waning moon had not yet risen, and the night was very dark when the + nuns set forth. The boat was too large to come close to the shore in the + present low state of the river, and the sisters, disguised as + peasant-women, had to be carried on board one by one from the convent + garden. Last of all the abbess was to be lifted over the shallow water, + and the old ship-builder held himself in readiness to perform this + service. Joanna, Pulcheria, Perpetua, and Eudoxia, who was also zealously + orthodox, were standing round as she gave Paula a parting kiss and + whispered: “God bless thee, child!—All now depends on you, and you + must be doubly careful to abide by your promise.” + </p> + <p> + “I owe him, in the first place, friendly trust,” was Paula’s whispered + reply, and the abbess answered: “But you owe yourself firmness and + caution.” Rufinus was the last; his wife and daughter clung around him + still. + </p> + <p> + “Take example from that poor girl,” cried the old man, clasping his wife + in his arms. “As sure as man is the standard of all things, all must go + well with me this time if everlasting Love is not napping. Till we meet + again, best of good women!—And, if ill befalls your stupid old + husband, always remember that he brought it upon himself in trying to save + a quarter of a hundred innocent women from the worst misfortunes. At any + rate I shall fall on the road I myself have chosen.—But why has + Philippus not come to take leave of me?” + </p> + <p> + Dame Joanna burst into tears: “That-that is so hard too! What has come + over him that he has deserted us, and just now of all times? Ah, husband! + If you love me, take Gibbus with you on the voyage.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, master, take me,” the hunchbacked gardener interposed. “The Nile + will be rising again by the time we come back, and till then the flowers + can die without my help. I dreamt last night that you picked a rose from + the middle of my Bump. It stuck up there like the knob on the lid of a + pot. There is some meaning in it and, if you leave me at home, what is the + good of the rose—that is to say what good will you get out of me?” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, carry your strange flower-bed on board,” said the old man + laughing. “Now, are you satisfied Joanna?” + </p> + <p> + Once more he embraced her and Pulcheria and, as a tear from his wife’s + eyes dropped on his hand, he whispered in her ear: “You have been the rose + of my life; and without you Eden—Paradise itself can have no joys.” + </p> + <p> + The boat pushed out into the middle of the stream and was soon hidden by + the darkness from the eyes of the women on the bank. + </p> + <p> + The convent bells were soon heard tolling after the fugitives: Paula and + Pulcheria were pulling them. There was not a breath of air; not enough + even to fill the small sail of the seaward-bound boat; but the rowers + pulled with all their might and the vessel glided northward. The captain + stood at the prow with his pole; sounding the current: his brother, no + less skilled, took the helm.—The shallowness of the water made + navigation very difficult, and those who knew the river best might easily + run aground on unexpected shoals or newly-formed mud-drifts. The moon had + scarcely risen when the boat was stranded at a short distance below + Fostat, and the men had to go overboard to push it off to an accompaniment + of loud singing which, as it were, welded their individual wills and + efforts into one. Thus it was floated off again; but such delays were not + unfrequent till they reached Letopolis, where the Nile forks, and where + they hoped to steal past the toll-takers unobserved. Almost against their + expectation, the large boat slipped through under the heavy mist which + rises from the waters before sunrise, and the captain and crew, steering + down the Phatmetic branch of the river with renewed spirit, ascribed their + success to the intercession of the pious sisters. + </p> + <p> + By daylight it was easier to avoid the sand-banks; but how narrow was the + water-way-at this season usually overflowing! The beds of papyrus on the + banks now grew partly on dry land, and their rank green had faded to + straw-color. The shifting ooze of the shore had hardened to stone, and the + light west wind, which now rose and allowed of their hoisting the sail, + swept clouds of white dust before it. In many cases the soil was deeply + fissured and wide cracks ran across the black surface, yawning to heaven + for water like thirsty throats. The water-wheels stood idle, far away from + the stream, and the fields they were wont to irrigate looked like the + threshing floors on which the crops they bore should be threshed out. The + villages and palm-groves were shrouded in shimmering mist, quivering heat, + and dazzling yellow light; and the passer-by on the raised dykes of the + shore bent his head as he dragged his weary feet through the deep dust. + </p> + <p> + The sun blazed pitilessly in the cloudless sky, down on land and river, + and on the fugitive nuns who had spread their white head-cloths above them + for an awning and sat in dull lethargy, awaiting what might he before + them. + </p> + <p> + The water-jar passed from hand to band; but the more they drank the more + acute was their discomfort, and their longing for some other refreshment. + At meal time the dishes were returned to the tiny cabin almost untouched. + The abbess and Rufinus tried to speak comfort to them; but in the + afternoon the superior herself was overpowered by the heat, and the air in + the little cabin, to which she retired, was even less tolerable stuffy + than on deck. + </p> + <p> + Thus passed a long day of torment, the hottest that even the men could + remember; and they on the whole suffered least from it, though they toiled + at the oar without ceasing and with wonderful endurance. + </p> + <p> + At length evening fell after those fearful midday hours; and as a cool + breeze rose shortly before sunset to fan their moist brows, the hapless + victims awoke to new energies. Their immediate torment had so crushed them + that, incapable of anticipating the future, they had ceased either to fear + or to hope; but now they could rejoice in thinking of the start they had + gained over their pursuers. They were hungry and enjoyed their evening + meal; the abbess made friends with the worthy ship-wright, and began an + eager conversation with Rufinus as to Paula and Orion: Her wish that the + young man should spend a time of probation did not at all please Rufinus; + with such a wife as Paula, he could not fail to be at all times the noble + fellow which his old friend held him to be in spite of his having remained + at home. + </p> + <p> + The hump-backed gardener made the younger nuns merry with his jests, and + after supper they all united in prayer. + </p> + <p> + Even the oarsmen had found new vigor and new life; and it was well that + few of the Greek sisters understood Egyptian, for the more jovial of them + started a song in praise of the charms of the maids they loved, which was + not composed for women’s ears. + </p> + <p> + The nuns chatted of those they had left behind, and many a one spoke of a + happy meeting at home once more; but an elderly nun put a stop to this, + saying that it was a sin to anticipate the ways of God’s mercy, or, when + His help was still so sorely needed, to speak as though He had already + bestowed it. They could only tremble and pray, for they knew from + experience that a threatening disaster never turned to a good end unless + it had been expected with real dread. + </p> + <p> + Another one then began to speculate as to whether their pursuers could + overtake them on foot or on horseback, and as it seemed only too probable + that they could, their hearts sank again with anxiety. Ere long, however, + the moon rose; the objects that loomed on the banks and were mirrored in + the stream, were again clearly visible and lost their terrors. + </p> + <p> + The lower down they sailed, the denser were the thickets of papyrus on the + shore. Thousands of birds were roosting there, but they were all asleep; a + “dark ness that might be felt” brooded over the silent land scape. The + image of the moon floated on the dark water, like a gigantic lotos-flower + below the smaller, fragrant lotos-blossoms that it out-did in sheeny + whiteness; the boat left a bright wake in its track, and every stroke of + the oar broke the blackness of the water, which reflected the light in + every drop. The moonlight played on the delicate tufts that crowned the + slender papyrus-stems, filmy mist, like diaphanous brocade of violet and + silver, veiled the trees; and owls that shun the day, flew from one branch + to another on noiseless, rhythmic wings. + </p> + <p> + The magic of the night fell on the souls of the nuns; they ceased + prattling; but when Sister Martha, the nightingale of the sisterhood, + began to sing a hymn the others followed her example. The sailors’ songs + were hushed, and the psalms of the virgin sisters, imploring the + protection of the Almighty, seemed to float round the gliding boat as + softly as the light of the circling moon. For hours—and with + increased zeal as the comet rose in the sky—they gave themselves up + to the soothing and encouraging pleasure of singing; but one by one the + voices died away and their peaceful hymn was borne down the river to the + sea, by degrees more low, more weary, more dreamlike. + </p> + <p> + They sat looking in their laps, gazing in rapture up to heaven, or at the + dazzling ripples and the lotos flowers on the surface. No one thought of + the shore, not even the men, who had been lulled to sleep or daydreams by + the nuns’ singing. The pilot’s eyes were riveted on the channel—and + yet, as morning drew near, from time to time there was a twinkle, a flash + behind the reed-beds on the eastern bank, and now and then there was a + rustling and clatter there. Was it a jackal that had plunged into the + dense growth to surprise a brood of water-fowl; was it a hyena trampling + through the thicket? + </p> + <p> + The flashing, the rustling, the dull footfall on parched earth followed + the barge all through the night like a sinister, lurid, and muttering + shadow. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the captain started and gazed eastwards.—What was that? + </p> + <p> + There was a herd of cattle feeding in a field beyond the reeds-two bulls + perhaps were sharpening their horns. The river was so low, and the banks + rose so high, that it was impossible to see over them. But at this moment + a shrill voice spoke his name, and then the hunchback whispered in his + ear: + </p> + <p> + “There—over there—it is glittering again.—I will bite + off my own nose if that is not—there, again. Merciful God! I am not + mistaken. Harness—and there, that is the neighing of a horse; I know + the sound. The east is growing grey. By all the saints, we are pursued!” + </p> + <p> + The captain looked eastwards with every sense alert, and after a few + minutes silence he said decidedly “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Like a flight of quail for whom the fowler spreads his net,” sighed the + gardener; but the boatman impatiently signed to him to be quiet, and gazed + cautiously on every side. Then he desired Gibbus to wake Rufinus and the + shipwrights, and to hide all the nuns in the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “They will be packed as close as the dates sent to Rome in boxes,” + muttered the gardener, as he went to call Rufinus. “Poor souls, their + saints may save them from suffocation; and as for me, on my faith, if it + were not that Dame Joanna was the very best creature on two legs, and if I + had not promised her to stick to the master, I would jump into the water + and try the hospitality of the flamingoes and storks in the reeds! We must + learn to condescend!” + </p> + <p> + While he was fulfilling his errand, the captain was exchanging a few words + with his brother at the helm. There was no bridge near, and that was well. + If the horsemen were indeed in pursuit of them, they must ride through the + water to reach them; and scarcely three stadia lower down, the river grew + wider and ran through a marshy tract of country; the only channel was near + the western bank, and horsemen attempting to get to it ran the risk of + foundering in the mud. If the boat could but get as far as that reach, + much would be gained. + </p> + <p> + The captain urged the men to put forth all their strength, and very soon + the boat was flying along under the western shore, and divided by an oozy + flat from the eastern bank. Day was breaking, and the sky was tinged red + as with blood—a sinister omen that this morning was destined to + witness bitter strife and gaping wounds. + </p> + <p> + The seed sown by Katharina was beginning to grow. At the bishop’s request + the Vekeel had despatched a troop of horse in pursuit of the nuns, with + orders to bring the fugitives back to Memphis and take their escort + prisoners. As the boat had slipped by the toll watch unperceived, the + Arabs had been obliged to divide, so as to follow down each arm of the + Nile. Twelve horsemen had been told off to pursue the Phasmetic branch; + for by every calculation these must suffice for the capture of a score or + so of nuns, and a handful of sailors would scarcely dare to attempt to + defend themselves. The Vekeel had heard nothing of the addition to the + party of the ship-master and his sons. + </p> + <p> + The pursuers had set out at noon of the previous day, and had overtaken + the vessel about two hours before daylight. But their leader thought it + well to postpone the attack till after sunrise, lest any of the fugitives + should escape. He and his men were all Arabs, and though well acquainted + with the course of that branch of the river which they were to follow, + they were not familiar with its peculiarities. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the morning star was invisible, the Moslems performed their + devotions, and then rushed out of the papyrus-beds. Their leader, making a + speaking trumpet of his hand, shouted to the boat his orders to stop. He + was commissioned by the governor to bring it back to Fostat. And the + fugitives seemed disposed to obey, for the boat lay to. The captain had + recognized the speaker as the captain of the watch from Fostat, an + inexorable man; and now, for the first time, he clearly understood the + deadly peril of the enterprise. He was accustomed, no doubt, to evade the + commands of his superiors, but would no more have defied them than have + confronted Fate; and he at once declared that resistance was madness, and + that there was no alternative but to yield. Rufinus, however, vehemently + denied this; he pointed out to him that the same punishment awaited him, + whether he laid down his arms or defended himself, and the old ship-wright + eagerly exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “We built this boat, and I know you of old, Setnau; You will not turn + Judas—and, if you do, you know that Christian blood will be shed on + this deck before we can show our teeth to those Infidels.” + </p> + <p> + The captain, with all the extravagant excitability of his southern blood, + beat his forehead and his breast, bemoaned himself as a betrayed and + ruined man, and bewailed his wife and children. Rufinus, however, put an + end to his ravings. He had consulted with the abbess, and he put it + strongly to the unhappy man that he could, in any case, hope for no mercy + from the unbelievers; while, on Christian ground, he would easily find a + safe and comfortable refuge for himself and his family. The abbess would + undertake to give them all a passage on board the ship that was awaiting + her, and to set them on shore wherever he might choose. + </p> + <p> + Setnau thought of a brother living in Cyprus; still, for him it meant + sacrificing his house and garden at Doomiat, where, at this very hour, + fifty date-palms were ripening their fruit; it meant leaving the fine new + Nile-boat by which he and his family got their living; and as he + represented this to the old man, bitter tears rolled down his brown + cheeks. Rufinus explained to him that, if he should succeed in saving the + sisters, he might certainly claim some indemnification. He might even + calculate the value of his property, and not only would he have the + equivalent paid to him out of the convent treasure, now on board in heavy + coffers, but a handsome gift into the bargain. + </p> + <p> + Setnau exchanged a meaning glance with his brother, who was a single man, + and when it was also agreed that he, too, might embark on the sea-voyage + he shook hands with Rufinus on the bargain. Then, giving himself a shake, + as if he had thrown off something that cramped him, and sticking his + leather cap knowingly on one side of his shaven head, he drew himself up + to his full height and scornfully shouted back to the Arab—who had + before now treated him and other Egyptian natives with insolent + haughtiness—that if he wanted anything of him he might come and + fetch it. + </p> + <p> + The Moslem’s patience was long since exhausted, and at this challenge he + signed to his followers and sprang first into the river; but the foremost + horses soon sank so deep in the ooze that further advance was evidently + impossible, and the signal to return was perforce given. In this manoeuvre + a refractory horse lost his footing, and his rider was choked in the mud. + </p> + <p> + On this, the men in the boat could see the foe holding council with lively + gesticulations, and the captain expressed his fears lest they should give + up all hope of capturing the boat, and ride forward to Doomiat to combine + with the Arab garrison to cut off their further flight. But he had not + reckoned on the warlike spirit of these men, who had overcome far greater + difficulties in twenty fights ere this. They were determined to seize the + boat, to take its freight prisoners, and have them duly punished. + </p> + <p> + Six horsemen, among them the leader of the party, were now seen to + dismount; they tied their horses up, and then proceeded to fell three tall + palms with their battle-axes; the other five went off southwards. These, + no doubt, were to ride round the morass, and ford the river at a favorable + spot so as to attack the vessel from the west, while the others tried to + reach it from the east with the aid of the palm-trunks. + </p> + <p> + On the right, or eastern shore, where the Arabs were constructing the + raft, spread solid ground-fields through which lay the road to Doomiat; on + the other shore, near which the boat was lying, the bog extended for a + long way. An interminable jungle of papyrus, sedge, and reeds, burnt + yellow by the heat of the sun and the extraordinary drought, covered + almost the whole of this parched and baked wilderness; and, when a stiff + morning breeze rose from the northeast, the captain was inspired with a + happy thought. The five men who had ridden forward would have to force + their way through the mass of scorched and dried up vegetation. If the + Christians could but set fire to it, on the further side of a canal which + must hinder their making a wide sweep to the north, the wind would carry + it towards the enemy; and, they would be fortunate if it did not stifle + them or compel them to jump into the river, where, when the flames reached + the morass, they must inevitably perish. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the helmsman’s keen eyes had made sure, from the mast-head, + that the Arabs had forded the river at a point to the south, they set fire + to several places and it roared and flared up immediately. The wind swept + it southwards, and with it clouds of pale grey smoke through which the + rising sun shot shafts of light. The flames writhed and darted over the + baked earth like gigantic yellow and orange lizards, here shooting + upwards, there creeping low. Almost colorless in the ardent daylight, they + greedily consumed everything they approached, and white ashes marked their + track. Their breath added to the heat of the advancing day; and though the + smoke was borne southwards by the wind, a few cloudlets came over to the + boat, choking the sisters and their deliverers. + </p> + <p> + A large vessel now came towards them from Doomiat and found the narrow + channel barred by the other one. The captain was related to Setnau, and + when Setnau shouted to him that they were engaged in a struggle with Arab + robbers, his friend followed his advice, turned the boat’s head with + considerable difficulty, and cast anchor at the nearest village to warn + other vessels southward bound not to get themselves involved in so + perilous an adventure. Any that were coming north would be checked by the + fire and smoke. + </p> + <p> + The six horsemen left on the eastern shore beheld the spreading blaze with + rage and dismay; however, they had by this time bound the palm-trunks + together, and were preparing by their aid to inflict condign punishment on + the refractory Christians. These, meanwhile, had not been idle. Every man + on board was armed, and one of the ship-wrights was sent on shore with a + sailor, to steal through the reeds, ford the river at a point lower down + and, as soon as the Arabs put out to the attack, to slaughter their + horses, or—if one of them should be left to go forward on the road + to Doomiat—to drag him from his steed. + </p> + <p> + The six men now laid hold of the slightly-constructed float, on which they + placed their bows and quivers; they pushed it before them, and it + supported them above the shallow water, while their feet only just touched + the oozy bottom. They were all thorough soldiers, true sons of the desert + and of their race—men whom nature seemed to have conceived as a + counterpart to the eagle, the master-piece of the winged creation. + Keen-eyed, strongly-knit though small-boned, bereft of every fibre of + superfluous flesh on their sinewy limbs, with bold brown faces and + sharply-cut features, suggesting the king of birds not merely by the + aquiline nose, they had also the eagle’s courage, thirst for blood, and + greed of victory. + </p> + <p> + Each held on to the raft by one lean, wiry arm, carrying on the other the + round bucklers on which the arrows that came whistling from the boat, fell + and stuck as soon as they were within shot. They ground their white teeth + with fury and nothing within ken escaped their bright hawk’s eyes. They + had come to fight, even if the boat had been defended by fifty Egyptian + soldiers instead of carrying a score or so of sailors and artisans. Their + brave hearts felt safe under their shirts of mail, and their ready, + fertile brains under their brazen helmets; and they marked the dull rattle + of the arrows against their metal shields with elation and contempt. To + deal death was the wish of their souls; to meet it caused them no dread; + for their glowing fancy painted an open Paradise where beautiful women + awaited them open-armed, and brimming goblets promised to satisfy every + desire. + </p> + <p> + Their keen ears heard their captain’s whispered commands; when they + reached the ship’s side, one caught hold of the sill of the cabin window, + their leader, as quick as thought, sprang on to his shoulders, and from + thence on to the deck, thrusting his lance through the body of a sailor + who tried to stop him with his axe. A second Arab was close at his heels; + two gleaming scimitars flashed in the sun, the shrill, guttural, savage + war-cry of the Moslems rent the air, and the captain fell, the first + victim to their blood-thirsty fury, with a deep cut across the face and + forehead; in a moment, however, a heavy spar sang through the air down on + the head of the Moslem leader and laid him low. The helmsman, the brother + of the fallen pilot, had wielded it with the might of the avenger. + </p> + <p> + A fearful din, increased by the shrieks and wailing of the nuns, now + filled the vessel. The second Arab dealt death on all sides with the + courage and strength of desperation, and three of his fellows managed to + climb up the boat’s side; but the last man was pushed back into the water. + By this time two of the shipwrights and five sailors had fallen. Rufinus + was kneeling by the captain, who was crying feebly for help, bleeding + profusely, though not mortally wounded. Setnau had spoken with much + anxiety of his wife and children, and Rufinus, hoping to save his life for + their sakes, was binding up the wounds, which were wide and deep, when + suddenly a sabre stroke came down on the back of his head and neck, and a + dark stream of blood rushed forth. But he, too, was soon avenged: the old + shipwright hewed down his foe with his heavy axe. On the eastern shore, + meanwhile, the men charged to kill the Arabs’ horses were doing their + work, so as to prevent any who might escape from returning to Fostat, or + riding forward to Doormat and reporting what had occurred. + </p> + <p> + On board silence now prevailed. All five Arabs were stretched on the deck, + and the insatiate boatmen were dealing a finishing stroke to those who + were only wounded. A sailor, who had taken refuge up a mast, could see how + the other five horsemen had plunged into the bog to avoid the fire and had + disappeared beneath the waters; so that none of the Moslems had escaped + alive—not even that one which Fate and romance love to save as a + bearer of the disastrous tidings. + </p> + <p> + By degrees the nuns ventured out on deck again. + </p> + <p> + Those who were skilled in tending the wounded gathered round them, and + opened their medicine cases; as they proceeded on their voyage, under the + guidance of the steersman, they had their hands full of work and the zeal + they gave to it mitigated the torment of the heat. + </p> + <p> + The bodies of the five Moslems and eight Christians—among these, two + of the Greek ship-wrights—were laid on the shore in groups apart, in + the neighborhood of a village; in the hand of one of them the abbess + placed a tablet with this inscription: + </p> + <p> + “These eight Christians met their death bravely fighting to defend a party + of pious and persecuted believers. Pray for them and bury them as well as + those who, in obedience to their duty and their commander, took their + lives.” + </p> + <p> + Rufinus, lying with his head on the gardener’s knee, and sheltered from + the sun under the abbess’ umbrella, presently recovered his senses; + looking about him he said to himself in a low voice, as he saw the captain + lying by his side: + </p> + <p> + “I, too, had a wife and a dear child at home, and yet—Ah! how this + aches! We may well do all we can to soothe such pain. The only reality + here below is not pleasure, it is pain, vulgar, physical pain; and though + my head burns and aches more than enough.—Water, a drink of water.—How + comfortable I could be at this moment with my Joanna, in our shady house.—But + yet, but yet—we must heal or save, it is all the same, any who need + it.—A drink—wine and water, if it is to be had, worthy + Mother!” + </p> + <p> + The abbess had it at hand; as she put the cup to his lips she spoke her + warm and effusive thanks, and many words of comfort; then she asked him + what she could do for him and his, when they should be in safety. + </p> + <p> + “Love them truly,” he said gently. “Pul will certainly never be quite + happy till she is in a convent. But she must not leave her mother—she + must stay with her; Joanna-Joanna....” + </p> + <p> + He repeated the name several times as if the sound pleased his ear and + heart. Then he shuddered again and again, and muttered to himself: “Brrr!—a + cold shiver runs all over me—it is of no use!—The cut in my + shoulder.—It is my head that hurts worst, but the other—it is + bad luck that it should have fallen on the left side. And yet, no; it is + best so; for if he—if it had damaged my right shoulder I could not + write, and I must—I must-before it is too late. A tablet and stylus; + quick, quick! And when I have written, good mother, close the tablet and + seal it—close and tight. Promise! Only one person may read it, he to + whom it must go.—Gibbus, do you hear, Gibbus?—It is for + Philippus the leech. Take it to him.—Your dream about a rose on your + hump, if I read rightly, means that peace and joy in Heaven blossom from + our misery on earth.—Yes, to Philippus. And listen my old school + friend Christodorus, a leech too, lives at Doomiat. Take my body to him—mind + me now? He is to pack it with sand which will preserve it, and have it + buried by the side of my mother at Alexandria. Joanna and the child—they + can come and visit me there. I have not much to leave; whatever that may + cost....” + </p> + <p> + “That is my affair, or the convent’s,” cried the abbess. + </p> + <p> + “Matters are not so bad as that,” said the old man smiling. “I can pay for + my own share of the business; your revenue belongs to the poor, noble + Mother.—You will find more than enough in this wallet, good Gibbus. + But now, quick, make haste—the tablets.” + </p> + <p> + When he had one in his hand, and a stylus for writing with, he thought for + some time, and then wrote with trembling fingers, though exerting all his + strength. How acutely he was suffering could be seen in his drawn mouth + and sad eyes, but he would not allow himself to be interrupted, often as + the abbess and the gardener entreated him to lay aside the stylus. At + last, with a deep sigh of relief, he closed the tablets, handed them to + the abbess, and said: + </p> + <p> + “There! Close it fast.—To Philippus the physician; into his own + hand: You hear, Gibbus?” + </p> + <p> + Here he fainted; but after they had bathed his forehead and wounds he came + to himself, and softly murmured: “I was dreaming of Joanna and the poor + child. They brought me a comic mask. What can that mean? That I have been + a fool all my life for thinking of other folks’ troubles and forgetting + myself and my own family? No, no, no! As surely as man is the standard of + all things—if it were so, then, then folly would be truth and right.—I, + I—my desire—the aim to which my life was devoted....” + </p> + <p> + He paused; then he suddenly raised himself, looked up with a bright light + in his eyes, and cried aloud with joy: “O Thou, most merciful Saviour! + Yes, yes—I see it all now. I thank thee—All that I strove for + and lived for, Thou, my Redeemer who art Love itself—Ah how good, + how comforting to think of that!—It is for this that Thou grantest + me to die!” + </p> + <p> + Again he lost consciousness; his head grew very hot, his breath came + hoarsely and his parched lips, though frequently moistened by careful + hands, could only murmur the names of those he loved best, and among them + that of Paula. + </p> + <p> + At about five hours after noon he fell back on the hunchback’s knees; he + had ceased to suffer. A happy smile lighted up his features, and in death + the old man’s calm face looked like that of a child. + </p> + <p> + The gardener felt as though he had lost his own father, and his lively + tongue remained speechless till he entered Doormat with the rescued + sisters, and proceeded to carry out his master’s last orders. The abbess’ + ship took the wounded captain Setnau on board, with his wife, his + children, his brother the steersman, and the surviving ship-wrights. + </p> + <p> + At the very hour when Rufinus closed his eyes, the town-watch of Memphis, + led by Bishop Plotinus, appeared to claim the Melchite convent of St. + Cecilia, and all the possessions of the sisterhood, in the name of the + patriarch and the Jacobite church. Next morning the bishop set out for + Upper Egypt to make his report to the prelate. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + Philippus started up from the divan on which he had been reclining at + breakfast with his old friend. Before Horapollo was a half-empty plate; he + had swallowed his meal less rapidly than his companion, and looked + disapprovingly at the leech, who drank off his wine and water as he stood, + whereas he generally would sit and enjoy it as he talked to the old man of + matters light or grave. To the elder this was always the pleasantest hour + of the day; but now Philippus would hardly allow himself more than just + time enough to eat, even at their principal evening meal. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, not he alone, but every physician in the city, had as much as he + could do with the utmost exertion. Nearly three weeks had elapsed since + the attack on the nuns, and the fearful heat had still gone on in + creasing. The river, instead of rising had sunk lower and lower; the + carrier-pigeons from Ethiopia, looked for day by day with growing anxiety + and excitement, brought no news of a rising stream even in the upper Nile, + and the shallow, stagnant and evil-smelling waters by the banks began to + be injurious, nay, fatal, to the health of the whole population. + </p> + <p> + Close to the shore, especially, the water had a reddish tinge, and the + usually sweet, pure fluid in the canals was full of strange vegetable + growths and other foreign bodies putrid and undrinkable. The common people + usually shirked the trouble of filtering it, and it was among them that + the greater number died of a mortal and infectious pestilence, till then + unknown. The number of victims swelled daily, and the approach of the + comet kept pace with the growing misery of the town. Every one connected + it with the intense heat of the season, with the delay in the inundation, + and the appearance of the sickness; and the leech and his friend often + argued about these matters, for Philippus would not admit that the meteor + had any influence on human affairs, while Horapollo believed that it had, + and supported his view by a long series of examples. + </p> + <p> + His antagonist would not accept them and asked for arguments; at the same + time he, like every one else, felt the influence of a vague dread of some + imminent and terrible disaster hanging over the earth and humanity at + large. + </p> + <p> + And, just as every heart in Memphis felt oppressed by such forebodings, + and by the weight of a calamity, which indeed no longer threatened them + but had actually come upon them, so the roads, the gardens, the palms and + sycamores by the way-side were covered by thick layers of dingy, choking + dust. The hedges of tamarisk and shrubs looked like decaying walls of + colorless, unburnt mud-bricks; even in the high-roads the wayfarer walked + in the midst of dense white clouds raised by his feet, and if a chariot, + or a horseman galloped down the scorching street, fine, grey sand at once + filled the air, compelling the foot-passengers to shut their eyes and + lips. + </p> + <p> + The town was so silent, so empty, so deserted! No one came out of doors + unless under pressure of business or piety. Every house was a furnace, and + even a bath brought no refreshment, for the water had long since ceased to + be cold. A disease had also attacked the ripening dates as they hung; they + dropped off in thousands from the heavy clusters under the beautiful + bending crown of leaves; and now for two days hundreds of dead fish had + been left on the banks. Even the scaly natives of the river were + plague-stricken; and the physician explained to his friend that this + brought the inhabitants a fresh danger; for who could clear the shores of + the dead fish?—And, in such heat, how soon they would become putrid! + </p> + <p> + The old man did not conceal from himself that it was hard, cruelly hard, + for the physician to follow his calling conscientiously at such a time; + but he knew his friend; he had seen him during months of pestilence two + years since—always brisk, decisive and gay, indeed inspired to + greater effort by the greater demands on him. What had so completely + altered him, had poisoned and vexed his soul as with a malignant spell? It + was not the almost superhuman sacrifices required by his duties;—it + came of the unfortunate infatuation of his heart, of which he could not + rid himself. + </p> + <p> + Philippus had kept his promise. He went every day to the house of Rufinus, + and every day he saw Paula; but, as a murdered body bleeds afresh in the + presence of the assassin, so every day the old pain revived when he was + forced to meet her and speak with her. The only cure for this particular + sufferer was to remove the cause of his pain: that is to say, to take + Paula away out of his path; and this the old man made his care and duty. + </p> + <p> + Little Mary and the other patients under Rufinus’ roof were on the way to + recovery; still there was much to cast gloomy shadows over this happy + termination. Joanna and Pulcheria were very anxious as to the fate of + Rufinus. No news had been received of him or of the sisters, and Philippus + was the vessel into which the forsaken wife and Pulcheria—who looked + up to him as to a kind, faithful, and all-powerful protecting + spirit-poured all their sorrows, cares, and fears. Their forebodings were + aggravated by the fact that three times Arab officials had come to the + house to enquire about the master and his continued absence. All that the + women told them was written down, and Dame Joanna, whose lips had never + yet uttered a lie, had found herself forced to give a false clue by saying + that her husband had gone to Alexandria on business, and might perhaps + have to proceed to Syria.—What could these enquiries forebode? Did + they not indicate that Rufinus’ complicity in the rescue of the nuns was + known at Fostat? + </p> + <p> + The authorities there were, in fact, better informed than the women could + suspect. But they kept their knowledge a secret, for it would never do to + let the oppressed people know that a handful of Egyptians had succeeded in + defeating a party of Arab soldiers; so the Memphites heard no more than a + dark rumor of what had occurred. + </p> + <p> + Philippus had known nothing of the old man’s purpose till he had gone too + far to be dissuaded; and it was misery to him now to reflect that his dear + old friend, and his whole household, might come to ruin for the sake of + the sisterhood who were nothing to them; for he had received private + information that there had been a skirmish between the Moslems and the + deliverers of the nuns, which had cost the lives of several combatants on + both sides. + </p> + <p> + And Paula! If only he could have seen her happy—But she was pale; + and that which robbed the young girl—healthy as she was in mind and + body—of her proud, frank, independent bearing was not the heat, + which tormented all creation, but a secret, devouring sorrow; and this + sorrow was the work of one alone—of him on whom she had set her + heart, and who made, ah! what a return, for the royal gift of her love. + </p> + <p> + Philippus had frequent business at the governor’s residence, and a + fortnight since he had plainly perceived what it was that had brought + Neforis into this strange state. She was taking the opium that her husband + had had, taking it in excessive quantities; and she could easily procure + more through some other physician. However, her piteous prayer that + Philippus would not abandon her to her fate had prevailed to induce him to + continue to see her, in the hope of possibly restricting her use of the + drug. + </p> + <p> + The senator’s wife, Martina, also required his visits to the palace. She + was not actually ill, but she suffered cruelly from the heat, and she had + always been wont to see her worthy old house-physician every day, to hear + all the latest gossip, and complain of her little ailments when anything + went wrong with her usually sound health. Philippus was indeed too much + overburdened to chatter, but his professional advice was good and helped + her to endure the fires of this pitiless sky. She liked this incisive, + shrewd, plain-spoken man—often indeed sharp and abrupt in his + freedom—and he appreciated her bright, natural ways. Now and then + Martina even succeeded in winning a smile from “Hermes Trismegistus,” who + was “generally as solemn as though there was no such thing on earth as a + jest,” and in spurring him to a rejoinder which showed that this dolorous + being had a particularly keen and ready wit. + </p> + <p> + Heliodora attracted him but little. There was, to be sure, an unmistakable + likeness in her “imploring eyes” to those of Pulcheria; but the girl’s + spoke fervent yearning for the grace and love of God, while the widow’s + expressed an eager desire for the admiration of the men she preferred. She + was a graceful creature beyond all question, but such softness, which + never even attempted to assert a purpose or an opinion, did not commend + itself to his determined nature; it annoyed him, when he had contradicted + her, to hear her repeat his last statement and take his side, as if she + were ashamed of her own silliness. Her society, indeed, did not seem to + satisfy the clever older woman, who at home, was accustomed to a + succession of visitors, and to whom the word “evening” was synonymous with + lively conversation and a large gathering. She spoke of the leech’s visits + as the oasis in the Egyptian desert, and little Katharina even she + regarded as a Godsend. + </p> + <p> + The water-wagtail was her daily visitant, and the girl’s gay and often + spiteful gossip helped to beguile her during this terrific heat. + Katharina’s mother made no difficulties; for Heliodora had gone to see her + in all her magnificence, and had offered her and her daughter hospitality, + some day, at Constantinople. They were very likely going thither; at any + rate they would not remain in Memphis, and then it would be a piece of + good fortune to be introduced to the society of the capital by such people + as their new acquaintances. + </p> + <p> + Martina thus heard a great deal about Paula; and though it was all adverse + and colored to her prejudice she would have liked to see the daughter of + the great and famous Thomas whom she had known; besides, after all she had + heard, she could fear nothing from Paula for her niece: uncommonly + handsome, but haughty, repellent, unamiable, and—like Heliodora + herself—of the orthodox sect.—What could tempt “great + Sesostris” to give her the preference? + </p> + <p> + Katharina herself proposed to Martina to make them acquainted; but nothing + would have induced Dame Martina to go out of her rooms, protected to the + utmost from the torrid sunshine, so she left it to Heliodora to pay the + visit and give her a report of the hero’s daughter. Heliodora had devoted + herself heart and soul to the little heiress, and humored her on many + points. + </p> + <p> + This was carried out. Katharina actually had the audacity to bring the + rivals together, even after she had reported to each all she knew of + Orion’s position with regard to the other. It was exquisite sport; still, + in one respect it did not fulfil her intentions, for Paula gave no sign of + suffering the agonies of jealousy which Katharina had hoped to excite in + her. Heliodora, on the other hand, came home depressed and uneasy; Paula + had received her coldly and with polite formality, and the young widow had + remained fully aware that so remarkable a woman might well cast her own + image in Orion’s heart into the shade, or supplant it altogether. + </p> + <p> + Like a wounded man who, in spite of the anguish, cannot resist touching + the wound to assure himself of its state, Heliodora went constantly to see + Katharina in order to watch her rival from the garden or to be taken to + call on her, though she was always very coldly received. + </p> + <p> + At first Katharina had pitied the young woman whose superior in + intelligence she knew herself to be; but a certain incident had + extinguished this feeling; she now simply hated her, and pricked her with + needle-thrusts whenever she had a chance. Paula seemed invulnerable; but + there was not a pang which Katharina would not gladly have given her to + whom she owed the deepest humiliation her young life had ever known. How + was it that Paula failed to regard Heliodora as a rival? She had reflected + that, if Orion had really returned the widow’s passion, he could not have + borne so long a separation. It was on purpose to avoid Heliodora, and to + remain faithful to what he was and must always be to Paula, that he had + gone with the senator, far from Memphis. Heliodora—her instinct + assured her—was the poor, forsaken woman with whom he had trifled at + Byzantium, and for whom he had committed that fatal theft of the emerald. + If Fate would but bring him home to her, and if she then yielded all he + asked—all her own soul urged her to grant, then she would be the + sole mistress and queen of his heart—she must be, she was sure of + it! And though, even as she thought of it, she bowed her head in care, it + was not from fear of losing him; it was only her anxiety about her father, + her good old friend, Rufinus, and his family, whom she had made so + entirely her own. + </p> + <p> + This was the state of affairs this morning, when to his old friend’s + vexation, Philippus had so hastily and silently drunk off his + after-breakfast draught; just as he set down the cup, the black + door-keeper announced that a hump-backed man wished to see his master at + once on important business. + </p> + <p> + “Important business!” repeated the leech. “Give me four more legs in + addition to my own two, or a machine to make time longer than it is, and + then I will take new patients-otherwise no! Tell the fellow....” + </p> + <p> + “No, not sick....” interrupted the negro. “Come long way. Gardener to + Greek man Rufinus.” + </p> + <p> + Philippus started: he could guess what this messenger had to say, and his + heart sank with dread as he desired that he might be shown in. + </p> + <p> + A glance at Gibbus told him what he had rightly feared. The poor fellow + was hardly recognizable. He was coated with dust from head to foot, and + this made him look like a grey-haired old man; his sandals hung to his + feet in strips; the sweat, pouring down his cheeks, had made gutters as it + were in the dust on his face, and his tears, as the physician held out his + hand to him, washed out other channels. + </p> + <p> + In reply to the leech’s anxious, long drawn “Dead?” he nodded silently; + and when Philippus, clasping his hands to his temples, cried out: “Dead! + My poor old Rufinus dead! But how, in Heaven’s name, did it happen? Speak, + man, speak!”—Gibbus pointed to the old philosopher and said: “Come + out then, with me, Master. No third person....” + </p> + <p> + Philippus, however, gave him to understand that Horapollo was his second + self; and the hunch-back went on to tell him what he had seen, and how his + beloved master had met his end. Horapollo sat listening in astonishment, + shaking his head disapprovingly, while the physician muttered curses. But + the bearer of evil tidings was not interrupted, and it was not till he had + ended that Philippus, with bowed head and tearful eyes, said: + </p> + <p> + “Poor, faithful old man; to think that he should die thus—he who + leaves behind him all that is best in life, while I—I....” And he + groaned aloud. The old man glanced at him with reproachful displeasure. + </p> + <p> + While the leech broke the seals of the tablets, which the abbess had + carefully closed, and began to read the contents, Horapollo asked the + gardener: “And the nuns? Did they all escape?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Master! on the morning after we reached Doomiat, a trireme took them + all out to sea.” + </p> + <p> + And the old man grumbled to himself: “The working bees killed and the + Drones saved!” + </p> + <p> + Gibbus, however, contradicted him, praising the laborious and useful life + of the sisters, in whose care he himself had once been. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Philippus had read his friend’s last letter. Greatly disturbed + by it he turned hither and thither, paced the room with long steps, and + finally paused in front of the gardener, exclaiming: “And what next? Who + is to tell them the news?” + </p> + <p> + “You,” replied Gibbus, raising his hands in entreaty. + </p> + <p> + “I-oh, of course, I!” growled the physician. “Whatever is difficult, + painful, intolerable, falls on my shoulders as a matter of course! But I + cannot—ought not—I will not do it. Had I any part or lot in + devising this mad expedition? You observe, Father?—What he, the + simpleton, brewed, I—I again am to drink. Fate has settled that!” + </p> + <p> + “It is hard, it is hard, child!” replied the old man. “Still, it is your + duty. Only consider—if that man, as he stands before us now, were to + appear before the women....” + </p> + <p> + But Philippus broke in: “No, no, that would not do! And you, Gibbus—this + very day there has been an Arab again to see Joanna; and if they were to + suspect that you had been with your master—for you look strangely.—No, + man; your devotion merits a better reward. They shall not catch you. I + release you from your service to the widow, and we—what do you say, + Father?—we will keep him here.” + </p> + <p> + “Right, very right,” said Horapollo. “The Nile must some day rise again. + Stay with us; I have long had a fancy to eat vegetables of my own + growing.” + </p> + <p> + But Gibbus firmly declined the offer, saying he wished to return to his + old mistress. When the physician again pointed out to him how great a + danger he was running into, and the old man desired to know his reasons, + the hunch-back exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “I promised my master to stay with the women; and now, while in all the + household I am the only free man, shall I leave them unprotected to secure + my own miserable life? Sooner would I see a scimitar at my throat. When my + head is off the rascals are welcome to all that is left.” + </p> + <p> + The words came hollow and broken from his parched tongue, and as he spoke + the faithful fellow’s face changed. Even under the dust he turned pale, + and Philippus had to support him, for his feet refused their office. His + long tramp through the torrid heat had exhausted his strength; but a + draught of wine soon brought him to himself again and Horapollo ordered + the slave to lead him to the kitchen and desire the cook to take the best + care of him. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the friends were alone, the elder observed: + </p> + <p> + “That worthy, foolhardy, old child who is now dead, seems to have left you + some strange request. I could see that as you were reading.” + </p> + <p> + “There—take it!” replied Philippus; and again he walked up and down + the room, while Horapollo took the letter. Both faces of the tablets were + covered with irregular, up-and-down lines of writing to the following + effect: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Rufinus, in view of death, to his beloved Philippus: + + “One shivering fit after another comes over me; I shall certainly + die to-day. I must make haste. Writing is difficult. If only I + can say what is most pressing.—First: Joanna and the poor child. + Be everything you can be to them. Protect them as their guardian, + Kyrios, and friend. They have enough to live on and something still + to spare for others. My brother Leonax manages the property, and he + is honest. Joanna knows all about it.—Tell her and the poor child + that I send them ten thousand blessings—and to Joanna endless + thanks for all her goodness.—And to you, my friend: heed the old + man’s words. Rid your heart of Paula. She is not for you: you + know, young Orion. But as to yourself: Those who were born in high + places rarely suit us, who have dragged ourselves up from below to a + better position. Be her friend; that she deserves—but let that be + all. Do not live alone, a wife brings all that is best into a man’s + life; it is she who weaves sweet dreams into his dull sleep. You + know nothing of all this as yet; and your worthy old friend—to whom + my greetings—has held aloof from it all his life.... + + “For your private eye: it is a dying man who speaks thus. You must + know that my poor child, our Pul, regards you as the most perfect of + men and esteems you above all others. You know her and Joanna. + Bear witness to your friend that no evil word ever passed the lips + of either of them. Far be it from me to advise you, who bear the + image of another woman in your heart,—to say: marry the child, she + is the wife for you. But this much to you both—Father and son—I + do advise you to live with the mother and daughter as true and + friendly house-mates. You will none of you repent doing so. This + is a dying man’s word. I can write no more. You are the women’s + guardian, Philip, a faithful one I know. A common aim makes men + grow alike. You and I, for many a year.—Take good care of them for + me; I entreat you—good care.” + </pre> + <p> + The last words were separated and written all astray; the old man could + hardly make them out. He now sat looking, as Phillipus had done before, + sorely puzzled and undecided over this strange document. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked the leech at last. + </p> + <p> + “Aye-well?” repeated the other with a shrug. Then both again were silent; + till Horapollo rose, and taking his staff, also paced the room while he + murmured, half to himself and half to his younger friend “They are two + quiet, reasonable women. There are not many of that sort, I fancy. How the + little one helped me up from the low seat in the garden!” It was a + reminiscence that made him chuckle to himself; he stopped Philippus, who + was pacing at his side, by lightly patting his arm, exclaiming with + unwonted vivacity: “A man should be ready to try everything—the care + of women even, before he steps into the grave. And is it a fact that + neither of them is a scold or a chatter-box?” + </p> + <p> + “It is indeed.” + </p> + <p> + “And what ‘if’ or ‘but’ remains behind?” asked the old man. “Let us be + reckless for once, brother! If the whole business were not so diabolically + serious, it would be quite laughable. The young one for me and the old one + for you in our leisure hours, my son; better washed linen; clothes without + holes in them; no dust on our books; a pleasant ‘Rejoice’ every morning, + or at meal-times;—only look at the fruit on that dish! No better + than the oats they strew before horses. At the old man’s everything was as + nice as it used to be in my own home at Philae: Supper a little work of + art, a feast for the eye as well as the appetite! Pulcheria seems to + understand all that as well as my poor dead sister did. And then, when I + want to rise, such a kind, pretty little hand to help one up! I have long + hated this dwelling. Lime and dust fall from the ceiling in my bedroom, + and here there are wide gaps in the flooring-I stumbled over one yesterday—and + our niggardly landlords, the officials, say that if we want anything + repaired we may do it ourselves, that they have no money left for such + things. Now, under that worthy old man’s roof everything was in the best + order.” The philosopher chuckled aloud and rubbed his hands as he went on: + “Supposing we kick over the traces for once, Philip. Supposing we were to + carry out our friend’s dying wish? Merciful Isis! It would certainly be a + good action, and I have not many to boast of. But cautiously—what do + you say? We can always throw it up at a month’s notice.” + </p> + <p> + Then he grew grave again, shook his head, and said meditatively: “No, no; + such plans only disturb one’s peace of mind. A pleasant vision! But + scarcely feasible.” + </p> + <p> + “Not for the present, at any rate,” replied the leech. + </p> + <p> + “So long as Paula’s fate remains undecided, I beg you to let the matter + rest.” + </p> + <p> + The old man muttered a curse on her; then he said with a vicious, sharp + flash in his eyes: “That patrician viper! Every where in everything—she + spoils it all! But wait a while! I fancy she will soon be removed from our + path, and then.... No, even now, at the present time, I will not allow + that we should be deprived of what would embellish life, of doing a thing + which may turn the scale in my favor in the day of judgment. The wishes of + a dying man are sacred: So our fathers held it; and they were right. The + old man’s will must be done! Yes, yes, yes. It is settled. As soon as that + hindrance is removed, we will keep house with the two women. I have said; + and I mean it.” + </p> + <p> + At this point the gardener came in again, and the old man called out to + him: + </p> + <p> + “Listen, man. We shall live together after all; you shall hear more of + this later. Stay with my people till sundown, but you must keep your own + counsel, for they are all listeners and blabs. The physician here will now + take the melancholy tidings to the unfortunate widow, and then you can + talk it all over with her at night. Nothing startling must take place at + the house there; and with regard to your master, even his death must + remain a secret from every one but us and his family.” + </p> + <p> + The gardener knew full well how much depended on his silence; Philippus + tacitly agreed to the old man’s arrangement, but for the present he + avoided discussing the matter with the women. When, at length he set off + on his painful errand to the widow, Horapollo dismissed him saying: + </p> + <p> + “Courage, courage, my Son.—And as you pass by, just glance at our + little garden;—we grieved to see the fine old palm-tree perish; but + now a young and vigorous shoot is growing from the root.” + </p> + <p> + “It has been drooping since yesterday and will die away,” replied + Philippus shrugging his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + But the old man exclaimed: “Water it, Gibbus! the palm-tree must be + watered at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, you have water at hand for that!” retorted the leech, but he added + bitterly as he reached the stairs, “If it were so in all cases!” + </p> + <p> + “Patience and good purpose will always win,” murmured the old man; and + when he was alone he growled on angrily: “Only be rid of that dry old + palm-tree—his past life in all its relations to that patrician hussy + Away with it, into the fire!—But how am I to get her? How can I + manage it?” + </p> + <p> + He threw himself back in his arm-chair, rubbing his forehead with the tips + of his fingers. He had come to no result when the negro requested an + audience for some visitors. These were the heads of the senate of Memphis, + who had come as a deputation to ask counsel of the old sage. He, if any + one, would find some means of averting or, at any rate, mitigating the + fearful calamity impending over the town and country, and against which + prayer, sacrifice, processions, and pilgrimages had proved abortive. They + were quite resolved to leave no means untried, not even if heathen magic + should be the last resource. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + All Katharina’s sympathy with Heliodora had died finally in the course of + the past, moonless night. She had secretly accompanied her, with her maid + and an old deaf and dumb stable-slave, to a soothsayer—for there + still were many in Memphis, as well as magicians and alchemists; and this + woman had told the young widow that her line of life led to the greatest + happiness, and that even the wildest wishes of her heart would find + fulfilment. What those wishes were Katharina knew only too well; the + probability of their accomplishment had roused her fierce jealousy and + made her hate Heliodora. + </p> + <p> + Heliodora had gone to consult the sorceress in a simple but rich dress. + Her peplos was fastened on the shoulder, not by an ordinary gold pin, but + by a button which betrayed her taste for fine jewels, as it consisted of a + sapphire of remarkable size; this had at once caught the eye of the witch, + showing her that she had to deal with a woman of rank and wealth. She had + taken Katharina, who had come very plainly dressed, for her companion or + poor friend, so she had promised her no more than the removal of certain + hindrances, and a happy life at last, with a husband no longer young and a + large family of children. + </p> + <p> + The woman’s business was evidently a paying one; the interior of her house + was conspicuously superior to the wretched hovels which surrounded it, in + the poorest and most squalid part of the town. Outside, indeed, it + differed little from its neighbors; in fact; it was intentionally + neglected, to mislead the authorities, for witchcraft and the practice of + magic arts were under the penalty of death. But the fittings of the + roofless centre-chamber in which she was wont to perform her incantations + and divinations argued no small outlay. On the walls were hangings with + occult figures; the pillars were painted with weird and grewsome pictures; + crucibles and cauldrons of various sizes were simmering over braziers on + little altars; on the shelves and tables stood cups, phials, and vases, a + wheel on which a wryneck hopped up and down, wax images of men and women—some + with needles through their hearts, a cage full of bats, and glass jars + containing spiders, frogs, leeches, beetles, scorpions, centipedes and + other foul creatures; and lengthways down the room was stretched a short + rope walk, used in a Thracian form of magic. Perfumes and pungent vapors + filled the air, and from behind a curtain which hid the performers came a + monotonous music of children’s voices, bells, and dull drumming. + </p> + <p> + Medea, so the wise woman was called, though scarcely past five and forty, + harmonized in appearance with this strange habitation, full as it was of + objects calculated to rouse repulsion, dread, and amazement. Her face was + pale, and her extraordinary height was increased by a mass of coal-black + hair, curled high over a comb at the very top of her head. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the first visit paid her by the two young women, who had + taken her by surprise, so that several things were lacking which on the + second occasion proved to be very effective in the exercise of her art, + she had made Heliodora promise to return in three days’ time. The young + widow had kept her word, and had made her appearance punctually with + Katharina. + </p> + <p> + To be in Egypt, the land of sorcery and the magic arts, without putting + them to the test, was impossible. Even Martina allowed this, though she + did not care for such things for herself. She was content with her lot; + and if any change for the worse were in prospect she would rather not be + tormented beforehand by a wise prophet; nor was it better to be deluded by + a foolish one. Happiness as of Heaven itself she no longer craved; it + would only have disturbed her peace. But she was the last person to think + ill of the young, whose life still lay before them, if they longed to look + into futurity. + </p> + <p> + The fair widow and her companion crossed the sorceress’ threshold in some + trepidation, and Katharina was the more agitated of the two; for this + afternoon she had seen Philippus leave the house of Rufinus, and not long + after some Arab officials had called there. Paula had come into the garden + shortly before sundown, her eyes red with weeping; and when, soon after, + Pulcheria and her mother had joined her there, Paula had thrown herself on + Joanna’s neck, sobbing so bitterly that the mother and daughter—“whose + tears were near her eyes”—had both followed her example. Something + serious had occurred; but when she had gone to the house to pick up + further information, old Betta, who was particularly snappish with her, + had refused her admission quite rudely. + </p> + <p> + Then, on their way hither, she and Heliodora had had a painful adventure; + the chariot, lent by Neforis to convey them as far as the edge of the + necropolis, was stopped on the way by a troop of Arab horse, and they were + subjected to a catechism by the leader. + </p> + <p> + So they entered the house of “Medea of the curls,” as the common people + called the witch, with uneasy and throbbing hearts; they were received, + however, with such servile politeness that they soon recovered themselves, + and even the timid Heliodora began to breathe freely again. The sorceress + knew this time who Katharina was, and paid more respectful attention to + the daughter of the wealthy widow. + </p> + <p> + The young crescent moon had risen, a circumstance which Medea declared + enabled her to see more clearly into the future than she could do at the + time of the Luna-negers as she called the moonless night. Her inward + vision had been held in typhornian darkness at the time of their first + visit, by the influence of some hostile power. She had felt this as soon + as they had quitted her, but to-day she saw clearer. Her mind’s eye was as + clear as a silver mirror, she had purified it by three days’ fasting and + not a mote could escape her sight.—“Help, ye children of Horapollo! + Help, Hapi and Ye three holy ones!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my beauties, my beauties!” she went on enthusiastically. “Hundreds of + great dames have proved my art, but such splendid fortunes I never before + saw crowding round any two heads as round yours. Do you hear how the + cauldrons of fortune are seething? The very lids lift! Amazing, amazing.” + </p> + <p> + She stretched out her hand towards the vessels as though conjuring them + and said solemnly: “Abundance of happiness; brimming over, brimming over! + Bursting storehouses! Zefa-oo Metramao. Return, return, to the right + levels, the right heights, the right depth, the right measure! Your Elle + Mei-Measurer, Leveller, require them, Techuti, require them, double Ibis!” + </p> + <p> + She made them both sit down on elegant seats in front of the boiling pots, + tied the “thread of Anubis” round the ring-finger of each, asked in a low + whisper between muttered words of incantation for a hair of each, and + after placing the hairs both in one cauldron she cried out with wild + vehemence, as though the weal or woe of her two visitors were involved in + the smallest omission: + </p> + <p> + “Press the finger with the thread of Anubis on your heart; fix your eyes + on the cauldron and the steam which rises to the spirits above, the + spirits of light, the great One on high!” + </p> + <p> + The two women obeyed the sorceress’ directions with beating hearts, while + she began spinning round on her toes with dizzy rapidity; her curls flew + out, and the magic wand in her extended hand described a large and + beautiful curve. Suddenly, and as if stricken by terror, she stopped her + whirl, and at the same instant the lamps went out and the only light was + from the stars and the twinkling coals under the cauldrons. The low music + died away, and a fresh strong perfume welled out from behind the curtain. + </p> + <p> + Medea fell on her knees, lifted up her hands to Heaven, threw her head so + far back that her whole face was turned up to the sky and her eyes gazed + straight up at the stars-an attitude only possible to so supple a spine. + In this torturing attitude she sang one invocation after another, to the + zenith of the blue vault over their heads, in a clear voice of fervent + appeal. Her body was thrown forward, her mass of hair no longer stood up + but was turned towards the two young women, who every moment expected that + the supplicant would be suffocated by the blood mounting to her head, and + fall backwards; but she sang and sang, while her white teeth glittered in + the starlight that fell straight upon her face. Presently, in the midst of + the torrent of demoniacal names and magic formulas that she sang and + warbled out, a piteous and terrifying sound came from behind the curtain + as of two persons gasping, sighing, and moaning: one voice seemed to be + that of a man oppressed by great anguish; the other was the + half-suffocated wailing of a suffering child. This soon became louder, and + at length a voice said in Egyptian: “Water, a drink of water.” + </p> + <p> + The woman started to her feet, exclaiming: “It is the cry of the poor and + oppressed who have been robbed to enrich those who have too much already; + the lament of those whom Fate has plundered to heap you with wealth enough + for hundreds.” As she spoke these words, in Greek and with much unction, + she turned to the curtain and added solemnly, but in Egyptian: “Give drink + to the thirsty; the happy ones will spare him a drop from their overflow. + Give the white drink to the wailing child-spirit, that he may be soothed + and quenched.—Play, music, and drown the lamentations of the spirits + in sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning to Heliodora’s kettle she said sternly, as if in obedience + to some higher power: + </p> + <p> + “Seven gold pieces to complete the work,”—and while the young widow + drew out her purse the sorceress lighted the lamps, singing as she did so + and as she dropped the coin into the boiling fluid: “Pure, bright gold! + Sunlight buried in a mine! Holy Seven. Shashef, Shashef! Holy Seven, marry + and mingle—melt together!” + </p> + <p> + When this was done she poured out of the cauldron a steaming fluid as + black as ink, into a shallow saucer, called Heliodora to her side, and + told her what she could see in the mirror of its surface. + </p> + <p> + It was all fair, and gave none but delightful replies to the widow’s + questioning. And all the sorceress said tended to confirm the young + woman’s confidence in her magic art; she described Orion as exactly as + though she saw him indeed in the surface of the ink, and said he was + travelling with an older man. And lo! he was returning already; in the + bright mirror she could see Heliodora clasped in her lover’s arms; and now—it + was like a picture: A stranger—not the bishop of Memphis—laid + her hand in his and blessed their union before the altar in a vast and + magnificent cathedral. + </p> + <p> + Katharina, who had been chilled with apprehensions and a thrill of awe, as + she listened to Medea’s song, listened to every word with anxious + attention; what Medea said—how she described Orion—that was + more wonderful than anything else, beyond all she had believed possible. + And the cathedral in which the lovers were to be united was the church of + St. Sophia at Constantinople, of which she had heard so much. + </p> + <p> + A tight grip seemed to clutch her heart; still, eagerly as she listened to + Medea’s words, her sharp ears heard the doleful gasping and whimpering + behind the hanging; and this distressed and dismayed her; her breath came + short, and a deep, torturing sense of misfortune possessed her wholly. The + wailing child-spirit within, a portion of whose joys Medea said had been + allotted to her—nay, she had not robbed him, certainly not—for + who could be more wretched than she? It was only that beautiful, + languishing young creature who was so lavishly endowed by Fortune with + gifts enough and to spare for others without number. Oh! if she could but + have snatched them from her one after another, from the splendid ruby she + was wearing to-day, to Orion’s love! + </p> + <p> + She was pale and tremulous as she rose at the call of the sorceress, after + she also had offered seven gold pieces. She would gladly have purchased + annihilating curses to destroy her happier rival. + </p> + <p> + The black liquid in the saucer began to stir, and a sharply smelling vapor + rose from it; the witch blew this aside, and as soon as the murky fluid + was a little cool, and the surface was smooth and mirror-like, she asked + Katharina what she most desired to know. But the answer was checked on her + lips; a fearful thundering and roaring suddenly made the house shake; + Medea dropped the saucer with a piercing shriek, the contents splashed up, + and warm, sticky drops fell on the girl’s arms and dress. She was quite + overcome with the startling horror, and Heliodora, who could herself + scarcely stand, had to support her, for she tottered and would have + fallen. + </p> + <p> + The sorceress had vanished; a half-grown lad, a young man, and a very tall + Egyptian girl in scanty attire were rushing about the room. They flew + hither and thither, throwing all the vessels they could lay hands on into + an opening in the floor from which they had lifted a trap-door; pouring + water on the braziers and extinguishing the lights, while they drove the + two strangers into a corner of the hall, rating and abusing them. Then the + lads clambered like cats up to the opening in the roof, and sprang off and + away. + </p> + <p> + A shrill whistle rang through the house, and in moment Medea burst into + the room again, clutched the two trembling women by the shoulders, and + exclaimed: “For Christ’s sake, be merciful! My life is at stake Sorcery is + punishable by death. I have done my best for you. You came here—that + is what you must say—out of charity to nurse the sick.” She pushed + them both behind the hanging whence they still heard feeble groans, into a + low, stuffy room, and the over-grown girl slipped in behind them. + </p> + <p> + Here, on miserable couches, lay an old man shivering, and showing dark + spots on his bare breast and face: and a child of five, whose crimson + cheeks were burning with fever. + </p> + <p> + Heliodora felt as if she must suffocate in the plague stricken, heavy + atmosphere, and Katharina clung to her helplessly; but the soothsayer + pulled her away, saying: “Each to one bed: you to the child, and you—the + old man.” + </p> + <p> + Involuntarily they obeyed the woman who was panting with fright. The + water-wagtail, who never in her life thought of a sick person, turned very + sick and looked away from the sufferer; but the your widow, who had spent + many and many a night by the death-bed of a man she had loved, and who, + tender-hearted, had often tended her sick slaves with her own hand, looked + compassionately into the pretty, pain-stricken face of the child, and + wiped the dews from his clammy brow. + </p> + <p> + Katharina shuddered; but her attention was presently attracted to + something fresh; from the other side of the house came a clatter of + weapons, the door was pushed open, and the physician Philippus walked into + the room. He desired the night-watch, who were with him, to wait outside. + He had come by the command of the police authorities, to whose ears + information had been brought that there were persons sick of the plague in + the house of Medea, and that she, nevertheless, continued to receive + visitors. It had long been decided that she must be taken in the act of + sorcery, and warning had that day been given that she expected illustrious + company in the evening. The watch were to find her red-handed, so to + speak; the leech was to prove whether her house was indeed + plague-stricken; and in either case the senate wished to have the + sorceress safe in prison and at their mercy, though even Philippus had not + been taken into their confidence. + </p> + <p> + The visitors he had come upon were the last he had expected to find here. + He looked at them with a disapproving shake of the head, interrupted the + woman’s voluble asseverations that these noble ladies had come, out of + Christian charity, to comfort and help the sick, with a rough exclamation: + “A pack of lies!” and at once led the coerced sick nurses out of the + house. He then represented to them the fearful risk to which their folly + had exposed them, and insisted very positively on their returning home + and, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, taking a bath and putting + on fresh garments. + </p> + <p> + With trembling knees they found their way back to the chariot; but even + before it could start Heliodora had broken down in tears, while Katharina, + throwing herself back on the cushions, thought, as she glanced at her + weeping companion: “This is the beginning of the wonderful happiness she + was promised! It is to be hoped it may continue!” + </p> + <p> + It seemed indeed as though Katharina’s guardian spirit had overheard this + amiable wish; for, as the chariot drove past the guard-house into the + court-yard of the governor’s house, it was stopped by armed men with + brown, warlike faces, and they had to wait some minutes till an Arab + officer appeared to enquire who they were, and what they wanted. This they + explained in fear and trembling, and they then learnt that the Arab + government had that very evening taken possession of the residence. Orion + was accused of serious crimes, and his guests were to depart on the + following day. + </p> + <p> + Katharina, who was known to the interpreter, was allowed to go with + Heliodora to the senator’s wife; she might also use the chariot to return + home in, and if she pleased, take the Byzantines with her, for the palace + would be in the hands of the soldiery for the next few days. + </p> + <p> + The two young women held council. Katharina pressed her friend to come at + once to her mother’s house, for she felt certain that they were + plague-stricken, and how could they procure a bath in a house full of + soldiers? Heliodora could not and must not remain with Martina in this + condition, and the senator’s wife could follow her next day. Her mother, + she added, would be delighted to welcome so dear a guest. + </p> + <p> + The widow was passive, and when Martina had gladly consented to accept the + invitation of her “delivering angel,” the chariot carried them to + Susannah’s house. The widow had long been in bed, firmly convinced that + her daughter was asleep and dreaming in her own pretty room. + </p> + <p> + Katharina would not have her disturbed, and the bath-room was so far from + Susannah’s apartment that she slept on quietly while Katharina and her + guest purified themselves. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + The inhabitants of the governor’s residence passed a fearful night. + Martina asked herself what sin she had committed that she, of all people, + should be picked out to witness such a disaster. + </p> + <p> + And where were her schemes of marriage now? Any movement in such heat was + indeed scarcely endurable; but she would have moved from one part of the + house to another a dozen times, and allowed herself to be tossed hither + and thither like a ball, if it could have enabled her to save her dear + “great Sesostris” from such hideous peril. And at the bottom of all this + was, no doubt, this wild, senseless business of the nuns. + </p> + <p> + And these Arabs! They simply helped themselves to whatever they fancied, + and were, of course, in a position to strip the son of the great Mukaukas + of all he possessed and reduce him to beggary. A pretty business this! + </p> + <p> + Heliodora, to be sure, had enough for both, and she and her husband would + not forget them in their will; but there was more than this in the balance + now: it was a matter of life and death. + </p> + <p> + A cold shudder ran through her at the thought; and her fears were only too + well founded: the black Arab who had come to parley with her, and had + finally allowed her to remain under this roof till next day, had told her + as much through the interpreter. A fearful, horrible, nameless + catastrophe! And that she should be in the midst of it and have to see it + all! + </p> + <p> + Then her husband, her poor Justinus! How hard this would fall on him! She + could not cease weeping; and before she fell asleep she prayed fervently + indeed, to the saints and the dear Mother of God, that they would bring + all to a happy issue. She closed her eyes on the thought: “What a + misfortune!” and she woke to it again early in the morning. + </p> + <p> + She, however, had known nothing of the worst horrors of that fatal night. + </p> + <p> + A troop of Arab soldiers had crossed the Nile at nightfall, some on foot + or on horseback and some in boats, led by Obada the Vekeel, and had + invested the governor’s residence. When they had fully assured themselves + that Orion was indeed absent they took Nilus prisoner. It was then Obada’s + business to inform the Mukaukas’ widow of what had happened, and to tell + her that she must quit the house next day. This must be done, because he + had views of his own as to what was to become of the venerable house of + the oldest family in the country. + </p> + <p> + Neforis was still up, and when the interpreter was announced as Obada’s + forerunner, she was in the fountain-room. He found her a good deal + excited; for, although she was incapable of any consecutive train of + thought and, when her mind was required to exert itself, her ideas only + came like lightning-flashes through her brain, she had observed that + something unusual was going on. Sebek and her maid had evaded her + enquiries, and would say no more than that Amru’s representative had come + to speak with the young master. It seemed to be something important, + perhaps some false accusation. + </p> + <p> + The interpreter now explained that Orion himself was accused of having + planned and aided an enterprise which had cost the lives of twelve Arab + soldiers; and, as she knew, any injury inflicted even on a single Moslem + by an Egyptian was punished by death and the confiscation of his goods. + Besides this, her son was accused of a robbery. + </p> + <p> + At the close of this communication, to which Neforis listened with a + vacant stare, horrified and at last almost crushed, the interpreter begged + that she would grant the Vekeel an audience. + </p> + <p> + “Not just yet—give me a few minutes,” said the widow, bringing out + the words with difficulty: first she must have recourse to her secret + specific. When she had done so, she expressed her readiness to see Obada. + Her son’s swarthy foe was anxious to appear a mild and magnanimous man in + her eyes, so it was with flattering servility and many smirking grins that + he communicated to her the necessity for her quitting the house in which + she had passed the longest and happiest half of her life, and no later + than next day. + </p> + <p> + To his announcement that her private fortune would remain untouched, and + that she would be at liberty to reside in Memphis or to go to her own + house in Alexandria, she indifferently replied that “she should see.” + </p> + <p> + She then enquired whether the Arabs had yet succeeded in capturing her + son. + </p> + <p> + “Not actually,” replied the Vekeel. “But we know where he is hiding, and + by to-morrow or the next day we shall lay hands on the unhappy young man.” + </p> + <p> + But, as he spoke, the widow detected a malicious gleam in his eyes to + which, so far, he had tried to give a sympathetic expression, and she went + on with a slight shake of the bead: “Then it is a case of life and death?” + </p> + <p> + “Compose yourself, noble lady,” was the reply. “Of death alone.” + </p> + <p> + Neforis looked up to heaven and for some minutes did not speak; then she + asked: + </p> + <p> + “And who has accused him of robbery?” “The head of his own Church....” + </p> + <p> + “Benjamin?” she murmured with a peculiar smile. Only yesterday she had + made her will in favor of the patriarch and the Church. “If Benjamin could + see that,” said she to herself, “he would change his views of you and your + people, and have prayers constantly said for us.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke no more the Vekeel sat looking at her inquisitively and + somewhat at a loss, till at length she rose, and with no little dignity + dismissed him, remarking that now their business was at an end and she had + nothing further to say to him. + </p> + <p> + This closed the interview; and as the Vekeel quitted the fountain-room he + muttered to himself: “What a woman! Either she is possessed and her brain + is crazed, or she is of a rarely heroic pattern.” + </p> + <p> + Neforis was supported to her own room; when she was in bed she desired her + maid to bring a small box out of her chest and place it on the little + table containing medicines by the bead of the couch. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she was alone she took out two letters which George had written + to her before their marriage, and a poem which Orion had once addressed to + her; she tried to read them, but the words danced before her eyes, and she + was forced to lay them aside. She took up a little packet containing hair + cut from the heads of her sons after death, and a lock of her husband’s. + She gazed on these dear memorials with rapt tenderness, and now the poppy + juice began to take effect: the images of those departed ones rose clear + in her mind, and she was as near to them as though they were standing in + living actuality by her side. + </p> + <p> + Still holding the curls in her hand, she looked up into vacancy, trying to + apprehend clearly what had occurred within the last few hours and what lay + before her: She must leave this room, this ample couch, this house—all, + in short, that was bound up with the dearest memories of those she had + loved. She was to be forced to this—but did it beseem her to submit + to this Negro, this stranger in the house where she was mistress? She + shook her head with a scornful smile; then opening a glass phial, which + was still half-full of opium pillules, she placed a few on her tongue and + again gazed sky-wards.—Another face now looked down on her; she saw + the husband from whom not even death could divide her, and at his feet + their two murdered sons. Presently Orion seemed to rise out of the clouds, + as a diver comes up from the water, and make for the shore of the island + on which George and the other two seemed to be standing. His father opened + his arms to receive him and clasped him to his heart, while she herself—or + was it only her wraith—went to the others, who hurried forward to + greet her tenderly; and then her husband, too, met her, and she found rest + on his bosom. + </p> + <p> + For hours, and long before the incursion of the Arabs, she had been + feeling half stunned and her mind clouded; but now a delicious, slumberous + lethargy came over her, to which her whole being urged her to yield. But + every time her eyes closed, the thought of the morrow shot through her + brain, and finally, with a great effort, she sat up, took some water—which + was always close at hand—shook into it the remaining pillules in the + bottle, and drank it off to the very last drop. + </p> + <p> + Her hand was steady; the happy smile on her lips, and the eager expression + of her eyes, might have led a spectator to believe that she was thirsty + and had mixed herself a refreshing draught. She had no look of a desperate + creature laying violent hands on her own life; she felt no hesitancy, no + fear of death, no burthen of the guilt she was incurring—nothing but + ecstatic weariness and hope; blissful hope of a life without end, united + to those she loved. + </p> + <p> + Hardly had she swallowed the deadly draught when she shivered with a + sudden chill. Raising herself a little she called her maid, who was + sitting up in the adjoining room; and as the woman looked alarmed at her + mistress’s fixed stare, she stammered out: “A priest—quick—I + am dying.” + </p> + <p> + The woman flew off to the viridarium to call Sebek, who was standing in + front of the tablinum with the Vekeel; she told him what had happened, and + the Negro gave him leave to obey his dying mistress, escorting him as far + as the gate. Just outside, the steward met a deacon who had been giving + the blessing of the Church to a poor creature dying of the pestilence, and + in a few minutes they were standing by the widow’s bed. + </p> + <p> + The locks of her sons’ hair lay by her side; her hands were folded over a + crucifix; but her eyes, which had been fixed on the features of the + Saviour, had wandered from it and again gazed up to Heaven. + </p> + <p> + The priest spoke her name, but she mistook him for her son and murmured in + loving accents: + </p> + <p> + “Orion, poor, poor child! And you, Mary, my darling, my sweet little pet! + Your father—yes, dear boy, only come with me.—Your father is + kind again and forgives you. All those I loved are together now, and no + one—Who can part us? Husband—George, listen...” + </p> + <p> + The priest performed his office, but she paid no heed, still staring + upwards; her smiling lips continued to move, but no articulate sound came + from them. At last they were still, her eyelids fell, her hands dropped + the crucifix, a slight shiver ran through her limbs, which then relaxed, + and she opened her mouth as though to draw a deeper breath. But it closed + no more, and when the faithful steward pressed her lips together her face + was rigid and her heart had ceased to beat. + </p> + <p> + The honest man sobbed aloud; when he carried the melancholy news to the + Vekeel, Obada growled out a curse, and said to a subaltern officer who was + super-intending the loading of his camels with the treasures from the + tablinum: + </p> + <p> + “I meant to have treated that cursed old woman with conspicuous + generosity, and now she has played me this trick; and in Medina they will + lay her death at my door, unless...” + </p> + <p> + But here he broke off; and as he once more watched the loading of the + camels, he only thought to himself: “In playing for such high stake’s, a + few gold pieces more or less do not count. A few more heads must fall yet—the + handsome Egyptian first and foremost.—If the conspirators at Medina + only play their part! The fall of Omar means that of Amru, and that will + set everything right.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + Katharina slept little and rose very early, as was her habit, while + Heliodora was glad to sleep away the morning hours. In this scorching + season they were, to be sure, the pleasantest of the twenty-four, and the + water-wagtail usually found them so; but to-day, though a splendid Indian + flower had bloomed for the first time, and the head gardener pointed it + out to her with just pride, she could not enjoy it and be glad. It might + perish for aught she cared, and the whole world with it! + </p> + <p> + There was no one stirring yet in the next garden, but the tall leech + Philippus might be seen coming along the road to pay a visit to the women. + </p> + <p> + A few swift steps carried her to the gate, whence she called him. She must + entreat him to say nothing of her last night’s expedition; but before she + had time to prefer her request he had paused to tell her that the widow of + the Mukaukas, overcome by alarm and horror, had followed her husband to + the next world. + </p> + <p> + There had been a time when Katharina had been devoted to Neforis, + regarding her as a second mother; when the governor’s residence had seemed + to her the epitome of all that was great, venerable, and illustrious; and + when she had been proud and happy to be allowed to run in and out, and to + be loved like a child of the family. The tears that started to her eyes + were sincere, and it was a relief to her, too, to lay aside the gay and + defiantly happy mien which she wore as a mask, while all in her soul was + dark, wild, and desperate. + </p> + <p> + The physician understood her grief; he readily promised not to betray her + to any one, and did not blame her, though he again pointed out the danger + she had incurred and earnestly insisted that every article of clothing, + which she or Heliodora had worn, must be destroyed. The subtle germ of the + malady, he said, clung to everything; every fragment of stuff which had + been touched by the plague-stricken was especially fitted to carry the + infection and disseminate the disease. She listened to him in deep alarm, + but she could satisfy him on this point; everything she or her companion + had worn had been burnt in the bath-room furnace. + </p> + <p> + The physician went on; and she, heedless of the growing heat, wandered + restlessly about the grounds. Her heart beat with short, quick, painful + jerks; an invisible burthen weighed upon her and prevented her breathing + freely. A host of torturing thoughts haunted her unbidden; they were not + to be exorcised, and added to her misery: Neforis dead; the residence in + the hands of the Arabs; Orion bereft of his possessions and held guilty of + a capital crime. + </p> + <p> + And the peaceful house beyond the hedge—what trouble was hanging + over its white-haired master and his guileless wife and daughter? A storm + was gathering, she could see it approaching—and beyond it, like + another murky, death-dealing thunder-cloud, was the pestilence, the + fearful pestilence. + </p> + <p> + And it was she, a fragile, feeble girl—a volatile water-wagtail—who + had brought all these terrors down on them, who had opened the + sluice-gates through which ruin was now beginning to pour in on all around + her. She could see the flood surging, swelling—saw it lapping round + her own house, her own feet; drops of sweat bedewed her forehead and hands + from terror at the mere thought. And yet, and yet!—If she had really + had the power to bind calamity in the clouds, to turn the tide back into + its channel, she would not have done so! The uttermost that she longed + for, as the fruit of the seed she had sown and which she longed to see + ripen, had not yet come to pass—and to see that she would endure + anything, even death and parting from this deceitful, burning, unlovely + world. + </p> + <p> + Death awaited Orion; and before it overtook him he should know who had + sharpened the sword. Perhaps he might escape with his life; but the Arab + would not disgorge what he once had seized, and if that young and splendid + Croesus should come out of prison alive, but a beggar, then—then.... + And as for Paula! As for Heliodora! For once her little hand had wrenched + the thunderbolts from Zeus’ eagle, and she would find one for them! + </p> + <p> + The sense of her terrible power, to which more than one victim had already + fallen, intoxicated her. She would drive Orion—Orion who had + betrayed her—into utter ruin and misery; she would see him a beggar + at her feet!—And this it was that gave her courage to do her worst; + this, and this alone. What she would do then, she herself knew not; that + lay as yet in the womb of the Future. She might take a fancy to do + something kind, compassionate, and tender. + </p> + <p> + By the time she went into the house again her fears and depression had + vanished; revived energy possessed her soul, and the little eavesdropper + and tale-bearer had become in this short hour a purposeful and terrible + woman, ready for any crime. + </p> + <p> + “Poor little lamb!” thought Philippus, as he went into Rufinus’ garden. + “That miserable man may have brought pangs enough to her little heart!” + </p> + <p> + His old friend’s garden-plot was deserted. Under the sycamore, however, he + perceived the figures of a very tall young man and a pretty woman, + delicate, fair-haired, and rather pale. The big young fellow was holding a + skein of wool on his huge, outstretched hands; the girl was winding it on + to a ball. These were Rustem the Masdakite and Mandane, both now recovered + from their injuries; the girl, indeed, had been restored to the new life + of a calm and understanding mind. Philippus had watched over this + wonderful resuscitation with intense interest and care. He ascribed it, in + the first instance, to the great loss of blood from the wound in her head; + and secondly, to the fresh air and perfect nursing she had had. All that + was now needful was to protect her against agitation and violent emotions. + In the Masdakite she had found a friend and a submissive adorer; and + Philippus could rejoice as he looked at the couple, for his skill had + indeed brought him nothing but credit. + </p> + <p> + His greeting to them was cheery and hearty, and in answer to his enquiry: + “How are you getting on?” Rustem replied, “As lively as a fish in water,” + adding, as he pointed to Mandane, “and I can say the same for my + fellow-countrywoman.” + </p> + <p> + “You are agreed then?” said the leech, and she nodded eager assent. + </p> + <p> + At this Philippus shook his finger at the man, exclaiming: “Do not get too + tightly entangled here, my friend. Who knows how soon Haschim may call you + away.” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning his back on the convalescents, he murmured to himself: “Here + again is something to cheer us in the midst of all this trouble-these two, + and little Mary.” + </p> + <p> + Rufinus, before starting on his journey, had sent back all the crippled + children he had had in his care to their various parents; thus the + anteroom was empty. + </p> + <p> + The women apparently were at breakfast in the dining-room. No, he was + mistaken; it was yet too early, and Pulcheria was still busy laying the + table. She did not notice him as he went in, for she was busy arranging + grapes, figs, pomegranates and sycamore-figs, a fruit resembling + mulberries in flavor which grow in clusters from the trunk of the + tree-between leaves, which the drought and heat of the past weeks had + turned almost yellow. The tempting heap was fast rising in an elegant + many-hued hemisphere; but her thoughts were not in her occupation, for + tears were coursing each other down her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Those tears are for her father,” thought the leech as he watched her from + the threshold. “Poor child!”—How often he had heard his old friend + call her so! + </p> + <p> + And till now he had never thought of her but as a child; but to-day he + must look at her with different eyes—her own father had enjoined it. + And in fact he gazed at her as though he beheld a miracle. + </p> + <p> + What had come over little Pulcheria?—How was it that he had never + noticed it before?—It was a well-grown maiden that he saw, moving + round, snowwhite arms; and he could have sworn that she had only thin, + childish arms, for she had thrown them round his neck many a time when she + had ridden up and down the garden on his back, calling him her fine horse. + </p> + <p> + How long ago was that? Ten years! She was now seventeen! + </p> + <p> + And how slender, and delicate, and white her hands were—those hands + for which her mother had often scolded her when, after building castles of + sand, she had sat down to table unwashed. + </p> + <p> + Now she was laying the grapes round the pomegranates, and he remembered + how Horapollo, only yesterday, had praised her dainty skill. + </p> + <p> + The windows were well screened, but a few sunbeams forced their way into + the room and fell on her red-gold hair. Even the fair Boeotians, whom he + had admired in his student-days at Athens, had no such glorious crown of + hair. That she had a sweet and pretty face he had always known; but now, + as she raised her eyes and first observed him, meeting his gaze with + maidenly embarrassment and sweet surprise, and yet with perfect welcome, + he felt himself color and he had to pause a moment to collect himself + before he could respond with something more than an ordinary greeting to + hers. The dialogue that flashed through his mind in that instant began + with sentences full of meaning. But all he said was: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, here I am,” which really did not deserve the hearty reply: + </p> + <p> + “Thank God for that!” nor the bewitching embarrassment of the explanation + that ensued: “on my mother’s account.” + </p> + <p> + Again he blushed; he, the man who had long since forgotten his youthful + shyness. He asked after Dame Joanna, and how she was bearing her trouble, + and then he said gravely: “I was the bearer of bad news yesterday, and + to-day again I have come like a bird of ill-omen.” + </p> + <p> + “You?” she said with a smile, and the simple word conveyed so sweet a + doubt of his capacity for bringing evil that he could not help saying to + himself that his friend, in leaving this child, this girl, to his care, + had bequeathed to him the best gift that one mortal can devise to another: + a dear, trustful, innocent daughter—or no, a younger sister—as + pure, as engaging, and as lovable as only the child of such parents could + be. + </p> + <p> + While he stood telling her of what had happened at the governor’s house, + he noted how deeply, for Paula’s and Mary’s sake, she took to heart the + widow’s death, though Neforis had been nothing to her; and he decided that + he would at once make Pulcheria’s mother acquainted with her dead + husband’s wishes. + </p> + <p> + All this did not supplant his old passion for Paula; far from it—that + tortured him still as deeply and hotly as ever. But at the same time he + was conscious of its evil influence; he knew that by cherishing it he was + doing himself harm—nay a real injury since it was not returned. He + knew that within reach of Paula, and condemned to live with her, he could + never recover his peace, but must suffer constant pangs. It was only away + from her, and yet under the same roof with Joanna and her daughter, that + he could ever hope to be a contented and happy man; but he dared not put + this thought into words. + </p> + <p> + Pulcheria detected that he had something in reserve, and feared lest he + should know of some new impending woe; however, on this head he could + reassure her, telling her that, on the contrary, he had something in his + mind which, so far at least as he was concerned, was a source of pleasure. + Her grieved and anxious spirit could indeed hardly believe him; and he + begged her not to lose all hope in better days, asking her if she had true + and entire trust in him. + </p> + <p> + She warmly replied that he must surely feel that she did; and now, as the + others came into the room, she nodded to her mother, whom she had already + seen quite early, and offering him her hand shook his heartily. This had + been a restful interval; but the sight of Paula, and the news he had to + give her, threw him back into his old depressed and miserable mood. + </p> + <p> + Little Mary, whose cheeks had recovered their roses and who looked quite + well again, threw her arms round Paula’s neck as she heard the evil + tidings; but Paula herself was calmer than he had expected. She turned + very pale at the first shock, but soon she could listen to him with + composure, and presently quite recovered her usual demeanor. Philippus, as + he watched her, had to control himself sternly, and as soon as possible he + took his leave. + </p> + <p> + It was as though he had been fated once more to see with agonizing + clearness what he had lost in her; she walked through life as though borne + up by lofty feeling, and a thoughtful radiance lent her noble features a + bewitching charm which grieved while it enchanted him. + </p> + <p> + Orion a prisoner, and all his possessions confiscated! The thought had + horrified her for a little while; but then it had come to her that this + was just as it should be—that what had at first looked like a + dreadful disaster had been sent to enable her love to cast off its husks, + to appear in all its loftiness and purity, and to give it, by the help of + the All-merciful, its true consecration. + </p> + <p> + She did not fear for his life, for he had told her and written to her that + Amru had been paternal in his kindness; and all that had occurred was, she + was sure, the work of the Vekeel, of whose odious and cruel character he + had given her a horrible picture that day when Rufinus had gone to warn + the abbess. + </p> + <p> + When Philippus had left his friends, he sighed deeply. How different he + had found these women from what he had expected. Yes, his old friend knew + men well! + </p> + <p> + From trifling details he had succeeded in forming a more accurate idea of + Pulcheria than the leech himself had gained in years of intimacy. + Horapollo had foreseen, too, that the danger which threatened the + Mukaukas’ son would fan Paula’s passions like a fresh breeze; and Joanna, + frail, ailing Joanna! she had behaved heroically under the loss of the + companion with whom she had lived for so many years in faithful love. He + could not help comparing her with the wretched Neforis; what was it that + enabled one to bear the equal loss with so much more dignity than the + other? Nothing but the presence of the tender-hearted Pulcheria, who + shared her sorrow with such beautiful resignation, such ready and complete + sympathy. This the governor’s widow had wholly lacked; and how happy were + they who could call such a heart their own! He walked through the garden + with his head bent, and looking neither to the right hand nor the left. + </p> + <p> + The Masdakite, who was still sitting with Mandane under the sycamore, as + indifferent to the torrid heat as she was, looked after him, and said with + a sigh as he pointed to him: + </p> + <p> + “There he goes. This is the first time he ever said a rude word to you or + to me: or did you not understand?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes,” said she in a low voice, looking down at her needlework. + </p> + <p> + They talked in Persian, for she had not forgotten the language which her + mother had spoken till her dying day. + </p> + <p> + Life is sometimes as strange as a fairy-tale; and the accident was indeed + wonderful which had brought these two beings, of all others, at the same + time to the sick room. His distant home was also hers, and he even knew + her uncle—her father’s brother—and her father’s sad history. + </p> + <p> + When the Greek army had taken possession of the province where they had + lived, the men had fled into the woods with their flocks and herds, while + the women and children took refuge in the fortress which defended the main + road. This had not long held out against the Byzantines, and the women, + among them Mandane with her mother, had been handed over to the soldiers + as precious booty. Her father had then joined the troops to rescue the + women, but he and his comrades had only lost their lives in the attempt. + To this day the valiant man’s end was a tale told in his native place, and + his property and valuable rose gardens now belonged to his younger + brother. So the two convalescents had plenty to talk about. + </p> + <p> + It was curious to note how clearly the memories of her childhood were + stamped on Mandane’s mind. + </p> + <p> + She had laid her wounded head on the pillow of sickness with a darkened + brain, and the new pain had lifted the veil from her mind as a storm + clears the oppressive atmosphere of a sultry summer’s day. She loved to + linger now among the scenes of her childhood—the time when she had a + mother.—Or she would talk of the present; all between was like a + night-sky black, and only lighted up by an awful comet and shining stars. + That comet was Orion. All she had enjoyed with him and suffered through + him she consigned to the period of her craziness; she had taught herself + to regard it all as part of the madness to which she had been a victim. + Her nature was not capable of cherishing hatred and she could feel no + animosity towards the Mukaukas’ son. She thought of him as of one who, + without evil intent, had done her great wrong; one whom she might not even + remember without running into peril. + </p> + <p> + “Then you mean to say,” the Masdakite began once more, “that you would + really miss me if Haschim sent for me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes indeed, Rustem; I should be very sorry.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said the other, passing his hand over his big head, on which the + dense mane of hair which had been shaved off was beginning to grow again. + “Well then, Mandane, in that case—I wanted to say it yesterday, but + I could not get it out.—Tell me: why would you be sorry if I were to + leave you?” + </p> + <p> + “Because—well, no one can have all their reasons ready; because you + have always been kind to me; and because you came from my country, and + talk Persian with me as my mother used.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that all?” said the man slowly, and he rubbed his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “No, no. Because—if once you go away, you will not be here.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye that is it; that is just the thing. And if you would be sorry for + that, then you must have liked being here—with me.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not? It has been very nice,” said the girl blushing and trying + not to meet his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “That it has—and that it is!” cried Rustem, striking his palm with + the other huge fist. “And that is why I must have it out; that is why, if + we have any sense, we two need never part.” + </p> + <p> + “But your master is sure to want you,” said she with growing confusion, + “and we cannot always remain a burthen on the kind folks here. I shall not + work at the loom again; but as I am now free, and have the scroll that + proves it, I must soon look about for some employment. And a strong, + healthy fellow like you cannot always be nursing yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Nursing myself!” and he laughed gaily. “I will earn money, and enough for + three!” + </p> + <p> + “By your camels always, up and down the country?” + </p> + <p> + “I have done with that,” said he with a grin. “We will go back to our own + country; there I will buy a good piece of pasture land, for my eldest + brother has our little estate, and you may ask Haschim whether I + understand camel-breeding.” + </p> + <p> + “But Rustem, consider.” + </p> + <p> + “Consider! Think this, and think that! Where there’s a will there’s a way. + That is the upshot of it all. And if you mean to say that before you buy + you must have money, and that the best may come to grief, all I can tell + you is.... Can you read? No? nor I; but here in my pocket I have my + accounts in the master’s own hand. Eleven thousand, three hundred and + sixty drachmae were due to me for wages the last time we reckoned: all the + profit the master had set down to my credit since I led his caravan. He + has kept almost all of it for me; for food was allowed, and there was + almost always a bit of stuff for a garment to be found among the bales, + and I never was a sot. Eleven thousand, three hundred and sixty drachmae! + Hey, little one, that is the figure. And now what do you say? Can we buy + something with that? Yes or no?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at her triumphantly, and she eagerly replied: “Yes, yes indeed; + and in our country I think something worth having.” + </p> + <p> + “And we—you and I—we will begin a quite new life. I was + seventeen when I first set out with my master, and I was twenty-six last + midsummer. How many years wandering does that make?” + </p> + <p> + They both thought this over for some time; then Mandane said doubtfully + </p> + <p> + “If I am not mistaken it is eight.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe it is nine,” he exclaimed. “Let us see. Here, give me your + little paw! There, I begin with seventeen, that is where I started. First + your little-finger—what a mite of a thing, and then the rest.” He + took her right hand and counted off her fingers till he ended with the + last finger of the left. The result puzzled him; he shook his head, + saying: “There are ten fingers on both hands, sure enough, and yet it + cannot be ten years; it is nine at most I know.” + </p> + <p> + He began the counting, which he liked uncommonly, all over again; but with + the same result. Mandane said it was but nine, she had counted it up + herself; and he agreed, and declared that her little fingers must be + bewitched. And this game would have gone on still longer but that she + remembered that the seventeen must not be included at all, and that he + ought to begin with eighteen. Rustem could not immediately take this in, + and even when he admitted it he did not release her hand, but went on with + gay resolution: + </p> + <p> + “And you see, my girl, I mean to keep this little hand—you may pull + it away if you choose—but it is mine, and the pretty little maid, + and all that belongs to it. And I will take you and both your hands, + bewitched fingers and all, home with me. There they may weave and stitch + as much as you like; but as man and wife no one shall part us, and we will + lead a life such a life! The joys of Paradise shall be no better than a + rap on the skull with an olive-wood log in comparison!” + </p> + <p> + He tried to take her hand again, but she drew it away, saying in deep + confusion and without looking up: “No, Rustem. I was afraid yesterday that + it would come to this; but it can never, never be. I am grateful—oh! + so grateful; but no, it cannot be, and that must be the end of it. I can + never be your wife. Rustem.” + </p> + <p> + “No?” he asked with a scowl, and the veins swelled in his low forehead. + “Then you have been making a fool of me!—as to the gratitude you + talk of....” + </p> + <p> + He stood up in hot excitement; she laid her hand on his arm, drew him down + on to the seat again, and ventured to steal an imploring look into his + eyes, which never could long flash with anger. Then she said: + </p> + <p> + “How you break out! I shall really and truly be very grieved to part from + you; cannot you see that I am fond of you? But indeed, indeed it will + never do, I—oh! if only I might go back, home, and with you. Yes, + with you, as your wife. What a proud and happy thought! And how gladly + would I work for us both—for I am very handy and hard-working, + but...” + </p> + <p> + “But?” he repeated, and he put his big, sun-burnt face close to hers, + looking as if he could break her in pieces. + </p> + <p> + “But it cannot be, for your sake; it must not be, positively, certainly. I + will not make you so bad a return for all your kindness. What! have you + forgotten what I was, what I am? You, as a freeman, will soon have a nice + little estate at home, and may command respect and reverence from all; but + how different it would be if you had a wife like me at your heels—if + only from the fact that I was once a slave.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the history of it all!” he interrupted, and his brow cleared. + “That is what is troubling your dear little soul! But do you not know who + and what I am? Have I not told you what a Masdakite is? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Eutychius, Bishop of Alexandria thus describes the communistic + doctrine of Masdak: “God has given to men on earth that which is of + the earth to the end that it may be divided equally among them, and + that no more falls to the lot of one than another. And if one hath + more than is seemly of money or wives or slaves or movable goods, we + will take it from him to the end that he and the rest may be equal.”] +</pre> + <p> + We Masdakites believe, nay, we know, that all men are born equal, and that + this mad-cap world would be a better place if there were neither masters + nor servants; however, as things are, so they must remain. The great Lord + of Heaven will suffer it yet for a season; but sooner or later, perhaps + very soon, everything will be quite different, and it is our business to + make ready for the day of equality. Then Paradise will return on earth; + there will be none greater or less than another, but we shall all walk + hand-in-hand and stand by each other on an equal footing. Then shall war + and misery cease; for all that is fair and good on earth belongs to all + men in common; and then all men shall be as willing to give and to help + others, as they now are to seize and to oppress.—We have no marriage + bond like other people; but when a man loves a woman he says, ‘Will you be + mine?’ and if her heart consents she follows him home; and one may quit + the other if love grows cold. Still, no married couple, whether Christian + or Parsee, ever clung together more faithfully than my parents or my + grandparents; and we will do the same to the end, for our love will bind + us firmly together with strong cords that will last longer than our lives.—So + now you know the doctrine of our master Masdak; my father and grandfather + both followed it, and I was taught it by my mother when I was a little + child. All in our village were Masdakites; and there was not a slave in + the place; the land belonged to all in common and was tilled by all, and + the harvest was equally shared. However, they no longer receive strangers, + and I must seek for fellow-believers elsewhere. Still, a Masdakite I shall + always remain; and, if I were to take a slave for my wife, I should only + be acting on the precepts of the master and helping them on. But as for + you, the case does not apply to you, for you are the child of a brave + freeman, respected in all the land; our people will regard you as a + prisoner of war, not as a slave. They will look up to me as your + deliverer. And if I had found you, just as you are, the meanest of slaves + and keeping pigs, I would have put my hand in my wallet at once and have + bought your freedom and have carried you off home as my wife—and no + Masdakite who saw you would ever blame me. Now you know all about it, and + there, I hope, is an end of your coyness and mincing.” + </p> + <p> + Mandane, however, still would not yield; she looked at him with eyes that + entreated his pity, and pointed to her cropped ears. + </p> + <p> + Rustem shrugged his shoulders with a laugh. “Of course, that too, into the + bargain; You will not let me off any part of it! If it had been your eyes + now, you would not have been able to see, and no countryman can do with a + blind wife, so I should leave you where you are. But you, little one, have + hearing as sharp as a bird’s? And what bird—pretty little things—did + you ever see with ears, unless it were a bat or a nasty owl?—That is + all nonsense. Besides, who can see what you have lost now that Pulcheria + has brought your hair down so prettily? And do not you remember the + head-dress our women wear? You might have ears as long as a hare’s, and + what good would it do you?—no one could see them. Just as you are, a + lily grown like a cypress, you are ten times sweeter to look at than the + prettiest girl there, if she had three or even four ears. A girl with + three ears! Only think, Mandane, where could the third ear grow?” + </p> + <p> + How heartily he laughed, and how glad he was to have hit on this jest and + have turned off a subject which might so well be painful to her! But his + mirth failed of its effect, and only brought a silent smile to her lips. + Even this died quickly away, and in its place there came such a sad, + pathetic expression, as she hung her pretty head, that he could neither + carry on the joke nor reproach her sharply. He said compassionately, with + a little shake of the head: + </p> + <p> + “But you must not look like that, my pigeon: I cannot bear it. What is it + that is weighing on your little soul? Courage, courage, sweetheart, and + make a clean breast of it!—But no! Do not speak. I can spare you + that! I know, poor little darling—it is that old story of the + governor’s son.” + </p> + <p> + She nodded, and her eyes filled with tears; and he, with a loud sigh, + exclaimed: “I thought as much, I was right, poor child!” + </p> + <p> + He took her hand, and went on bravely: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that has given me some bad hours, too, and a great deal to think + about; in fact, I came very near to leaving you alone and spoiling my own + happiness and yours too. But I came to my senses before it was too late. + Not on account of what Dame Joanna said the day before yesterday—though + what she says must be true, and she told me that all—you know what—was + at an end. No; my own sense told me this time; for I said to myself: Such + a motherless, helpless little thing, a slave, too, and as pretty as the + angels, her master’s son took a fancy to her, how could she defend + herself? And how cruelly the poor little soul was punished!—Yes, + little one, you may well weep! Why, my own eyes are full of tears. Well, + so it had to be and so it was. You and I and the Lord Almighty and the + Hosts of Heaven—who can do anything against us?—So you see + that even a poor fool like me can understand how it all came about; and I + do not accuse you, nor have I anything to forgive. It was just a dreadful + misfortune. But it has come to a good end, thank God I and I can forget it + entirely and for ever, if only you can say: ‘It is all over and done with + and buried like the dead!’” + </p> + <p> + Before he could hinder her, she snatched his hand, to her lips with + passionate affection and sobbed out: + </p> + <p> + “You are so good! Oh! Rustem, there is not another man on earth so good as + you are, and my mother will bless you for it. Do what you will with me! + And I declare to you, once for all that all that is past and gone, and + only to think of it gives me horror. And it was exactly as you say: my + mother dead, no one to warn me or protect me,—I was hardly sixteen, + a simple, ignorant creature, and he called me, and it all came over me + like a dream in my sleep; and when I awoke....” + </p> + <p> + “There we are,” he interrupted and he tried to laugh as he wiped his eyes. + “Both laid up with holes in our heads.—And when I am in my own + country I always think the prettiest time is just when the hard + winter-frost is over, and the snow melted, and all the flowers in the + valleys rush into bloom—and so I feel now, my little girl. + Everything will be well now, we shall be so wonderfully happy. The day + before yesterday, do you know, I still was not quite clear about it all. + Your trouble gave me no peace, and it went against the grain-well, you can + understand. But then, later, when I was lying in my room and the moon + shone down on my bed...” and a rapt expression came into his face that + strangely beautified his harsh features, “I could not help asking myself: + ‘Although the moon went down into the sea this morning, does that prevent + its shining as brightly as ever to-night, and bringing a cooler breeze?’ + And if a human soul has gone under in the same way, may it not rise up + again, bright and shining, when it has bathed and rested? And such a heart—of + course every man would like to have its love all to himself, but it may + have enough to give more than once. For, as I remembered, my mother, + though she loved me dearly, when another child came and yet another gave + them the best she had to give; and I was none the worse when she had my + youngest sister at the breast, nor was she when I was petted and kissed. + And it must be just the same with you. Thought I to myself: though she + once loved another man, she may still have a good share left for me!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed, Rustem!” she exclaimed, looking tearfully but gratefully + into his eyes. “All that is in me of love and tenderness is for you—for + you only.” + </p> + <p> + At this he joyfully exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “All, that is indeed good hearing! That will do for me; that is what I + call a good morning’s work! I sat down under this tree a vagabond and a + wanderer, and I get up a future land-holder, with the sweetest little wife + in the world to keep house for me.” + </p> + <p> + They sat a long time under the shady foliage; he craved no more than to + gaze at her and, when he put the old questions asked by all lovers, to be + answered with lips and eyes, or merely a speechless nod. Her hands no + longer plied the needle, and the pair would have smiled in pity on any one + who should have complained of the intolerable heat of this scorching, + parching forenoon. A pair of turtle doves over their heads were less + indifferent to the sun’s rays than they, for the birds had closed their + eyes, and the head of the mother bird was resting languidly against the + dark collar round her mate’s neck. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + The Vekeel, like the Persian lovers, did not allow the heat of the day to + interfere with his plans. He regarded the governor’s house as his own; all + he found there aroused, not merely his avarice, but his interest. His + first object was to find some document which might justify his proceedings + against Orion and the sequestration of his estates, in the eyes of the + authorities at Medina. + </p> + <p> + Great schemes were brewing there; if the conspiracy against the Khaliff + Omar should succeed, he had little to fear; and the greater the sum he + could ere long forward to the new sovereign, the more surely he could + count on his patronage—a sum exceeding, if possible, the largest + which his predecessor had ever cast into the Khaliff’s treasury. + </p> + <p> + He went from room to room with the curiosity and avidity of a child, + touching everything, testing the softness of the pillows, peeping into + scrolls which he did not understand, tossing them aside, smelling at the + perfumes in the dead woman’s rooms, and the medicines she had used. He + showed his teeth with delight when he found in her trunks some costly + jewels and gold coins, stuck the finest of her diamond rings on his + finger, already covered with gems, and then eagerly searched every corner + of the rooms which Orion had occupied. + </p> + <p> + His interpreter, who could read Greek, had to translate every document he + found that did not contain verses. While he listened, he clawed and + strummed on the young man’s lyre and poured out the scented oil which + Orion had been wont to use to smear it over his beard. In front of the + bright silver mirror he could not cease from making faces. + </p> + <p> + To his great disgust he could find nothing among the hundred objects and + trifles that lay about to justify suspicion, till, just as he was leaving + the room, he noticed in a basket near the writing-table some discarded + tablets. He at once pointed them out to the interpreter and, though there + was but little to read on the Diptychon,—[Double writing-tablets, + which folded together]—it seemed important to the negro for it ran + as follows: + </p> + <p> + “Orion, the son of George, to Paula the daughter of Thomas! + </p> + <p> + “You have heard already that it is now impossible for me to assist in the + rescue of the nuns. But do not misunderstand me. Your noble, and only too + well-founded desire to lend succor to your fellow-believers would have + sufficed...” + </p> + <p> + From this point the words written on the wax were carefully effaced, and + hardly a letter was decipherable; indeed, there were so few lines that it + seemed as though the letter had never been ended-which was the fact. + </p> + <p> + Though it gave the Vekeel no inculpating evidence against Orion it pointed + to his connection with the guilty parties: Paula, doubtless, had been + concerned in the scheme which had cost the lives of so many brave Moslems. + The negro had learnt, through the money-changer at Fostat, that she was on + terms of close intimacy with the Mukaukas’ son and had entrusted her + property to his stewardship. They must both be accused as accomplices in + the deed, and the document proved Orion’s knowledge of it, at any rate. + </p> + <p> + Plotinus, the bishop, at whose instigation the fugitives had been chased, + could fill up what the damsel might choose to conceal. + </p> + <p> + He had started to follow the patriarch immediately after the pursuers had + set out, and had only returned from Upper Egypt early on the previous day. + On his arrival he had forwarded to the Vekeel two indictments brought + against Orion by the prelate: the first relating to the evasion of the + nuns; the other to the embezzlement of a costly emerald; the rightful + property of the church. These accusations were what had encouraged the + Negro to confiscate the young man’s estate, particularly as the bitter + tone of the patriarch’s document sufficiently proved that in him he had + found an ally. + </p> + <p> + Paula must next be placed in safe custody, and he had no doubt whatever + that her statement would incriminate Orion in some degree. He would gladly + have cross-examined her at once, but he had other matters in hand to-day. + </p> + <p> + The longest part of his task was ransacking the treasurer’s office; Nilus + himself had to conduct the search. Everything which he pointed out as a + legal document, title-deed, contract for purchase or sale, revenue account + or the like, was at once placed in oxcarts or on camels, with the large + sums of gold and silver coin, and carried across the river under a strong + escort. All the more antique deeds and the family archives, the Vekeel + left untouched. He was indeed an indefatigable man, for although these + details kept him busy the whole day, he allowed himself no rest nor did he + once ask for the refreshment of food or a cooling draught. As the day went + on he enquired again and again for the bishop, with increasing impatience + and irritation. It would have been his part to wait on the patriarch, but + who was Plotinus? Thin-skinned, like all up-starts in authority, he took + the bishop’s delay as an act of personal contumely. But the shepherd of + the flock at Memphis was not a haughty prelate, but a very humble and + pious minister. His superior, the patriarch, had entrusted him with an + important mission to Amru or his lieutenant, and yet he could let the + Vekeel wait in vain, and not even send him a message of explanation; in + the afternoon, however, his old housekeeper dispatched the acolyte who was + attached to his person to seek Philippus. Her master, a hale and vigorous + man, had gone to bed by broad day-light a few hours after his return home, + and had not again left it. He was hot and thirsty, and did not seem fully + conscious of where he was or of what was happening. + </p> + <p> + Plotinus had always maintained that prayer was the Christian’s best + medicine; still, as his poor body had become alarmingly heated the old + woman ventured to send for the physician; but the messenger came back + saying that Philippus was absent on a journey. This was in fact the case: + He had quitted Memphis in obedience to a letter from Haschim. The + merchant’s unfortunate son was not getting better. There seemed to be an + injury to some internal organ, which threatened his life. The anxious + father besought the leech, in whom he had the greatest confidence, to + hasten to Djidda, there to examine the sufferer and undertake the case. At + the same time he desired that Rustem should join him as soon as his health + would permit. + </p> + <p> + This letter—which ended with greetings to Paula, for whose father he + was making diligent search—agitated Philippus greatly. How could he + leave Memphis at a time of such famine and sickness?—And Dame Joanna + and her daughter! + </p> + <p> + On the other hand he was much drawn to get away on Paula’s account—away, + far away; and then how gladly would he do his best to save that fine old + man’s son. In spite of all this he would have remained, but that his old + friend, quite unexpectedly, took Haschim’s side of the question and + implored him to make the journey. He would make it his business and his + pleasure to take charge of the women in Rufinus’ house; Philip’s assistant + could fill his place at the bedside of many of the sick, and the rest + could die without him. Had not he himself said that there was no remedy + for the disease? Again, Philip had said not long since that there could be + no peace for him within reach of Paula: here was a favorable opportunity + for escape without attracting remark, and at the same time for doing a + work of the truest charity. + </p> + <p> + So Philippus had yielded, and had started on his journey with very mixed + feelings. + </p> + <p> + Horapollo did not devote any particular attention to his personal comfort; + but in one respect he took especial care of himself. He had great + difficulty in walking and, as he loved to breathe the fresh air at + sundown, and sometimes to study the stars at a late hour, he kept an ass + of the best and finest breed. He did not hesitate to pay a high price for + such a beast if it really answered his requirements; that is to say if it + were strong, surefooted, gentle, and light-colored. His father and + grandfather, priests of Isis, had always ridden white asses, and so he + would do the same. + </p> + <p> + During the last few sultry weeks he had rarely gone out of doors, and + to-day he waited till the hour before sunset before starting to keep his + promise. + </p> + <p> + Robed in snowy-white linen, with new sandals on his feet, freshly shaven, + and protected from the sun’s rays by a crisply curled, flowing wig, after + the manner of his fathers, as well as by an umbrella, he mounted his + beautiful white ass in the conviction that he had done his best for his + outer man, and set forth, followed by his black slave trotting on foot. + </p> + <p> + It was not yet dark when he stopped at the house of Rufinus. His heart had + not beat so high for many a day. + </p> + <p> + “I feel as if I had come courting,” said he, laughing at himself. “Well, + and I really am come to propose an alliance for the rest of my life! + Still, curiosity, one would think, might be shed with the hair and the + teeth!” However, it still clung to him, and he could not deny to himself + that he was very curious as to the person whom he hated, though he had + never seen her, simply because she was the daughter of a patrician and a + prefect, and had made his Philippus miserable. As he was dismounting, a + graceful young girl and an older woman, in very costly though simple + dresses, came through the garden. These must be the water-wagtail, and + Orion’s Byzantine guest.—How annoying! So many women at once! + </p> + <p> + Their presence here could only embarrass and disturb him—a lonely + student unused to the society of women. However, there was no help for it; + and the new-comers were not so bad after all. + </p> + <p> + Katharina was a very attractive, pretty little mouse, and even without her + millions much too good for the libertine Orion. The matron, who had a + kind, pleasant face, was exactly what Philippus had described her. But + then—and this spoilt all—in their presence he must not allude + to the death of Rufinus, so that he could not mention his proposed + arrangement. He had swallowed all that dust, and borne that heat for + nothing, and to-morrow he must ignominiously go through it all again! + </p> + <p> + The first people he met were a handsome young couple: Rustem and Mandane. + There could be no doubt as to their identity; so he went up to them and + gave Rustem the merchant’s message, offering in Philip’s name to advance + the money for the journey. But the Masdakite patted his sleeve, in which + he carried a good round sum in gold pieces, and exclaimed cheerily: + </p> + <p> + “It is all here, and enough for two travellers to the East.—My + little wife, by your leave; the time has come, little pigeon! Off we go, + homeward bound!” + </p> + <p> + The huge fellow shouted it out in his deep voice with such effervescent + contentment, and the pretty girl, as she looked up at him, was so glad, so + much in love, and so grateful, that it quite cheered the old man; and he, + who read an omen in every incident, accepted this meeting as of good + augury at his first entering the house which was probably to be his home. + </p> + <p> + His visit went on as well as it had begun, for he was welcomed very warmly + both by the widow and daughter of Rufinus. Pulcheria at once pushed + forward her father’s arm-chair and placed a pillow behind his back, and + she did it so quietly, so simply, and so amiably that it warmed his old + heart, and he said to himself that it would be almost too much of a good + thing to have such care given him every day and every hour. + </p> + <p> + He could not forbear from a kindly jest with the young girl over her + attentions, and Martina at once entered into the joke. She had seen him + coming on his fine ass; she praised the steed, and then refused to believe + that the rider was past eighty. His news of Philip’s departure was + regretted by all, and he was delighted to perceive that Pulcheria seemed + startled and presently shrank into the background. What a sweet, pure, + kind face the child had—and pretty withal; she must and should be + his little daughter; and all the while he was talking, or listening to + Katharina’s small jokes and a friendly catechism from Martina and Dame + Joanna, in his mind’s eye he saw Philippus and that dear little creature + as man and wife, surrounded by pretty children playing all about him. + </p> + <p> + He had come to comfort and to condole, and lo! he was having as pleasant + an hour as he had known in a long time. + </p> + <p> + He and the other visitors had been received in the vindarium, which was + now brightly lighted up, and now and then he glanced at the doors which + opened on this, the centre of the house, trying to imagine what the + different rooms should by-and-bye be used for. + </p> + <p> + But he heard a light step behind him; Martina rose, the water-wagtail + hurried to meet the new-comer, and there appeared on the scene the tall + figure of a girl dressed in mourning-robes. She greeted the matron with + distinguished dignity, cast a cordial glance of sympathetic intelligence + to Joanna and Pulcheria, and when the mistress of the house told her who + the old man was, she went up to him and held out her hand—a cool, + slender hand, as white as marble; the true patrician hand. + </p> + <p> + Yes, she was beautiful, wonderfully beautiful! He could hardly remember + ever to have seen her equal. A spotless masterpiece of the Creator’s hand, + made like some unapproachable goddess, to command the worship of subject + adorers; however, she must renounce all hope of his, for those marble + features, all the whiter by contrast with her black dress, had no + attraction for him. No warming glow shone in those proud eyes; and under + that lordly bosom beat no loving or lovable heart; he shivered at the + touch of her fingers, and her presence, he thought, had a chilling and + paralyzing influence on all the party. + </p> + <p> + This was, in fact, the case. + </p> + <p> + Paula had been sent for to see the senator’s wife and Katharina. Martina, + thought she, had come out of mere curiosity, and she had a preconceived + dislike to any one connected with Heliodora. She had lost her confidence + in the water-wagtail, for only two days ago the acolyte in personal + attendance on the bishop—and whose child Rufinus had cured of a lame + foot—had been to the house to warn Joanna against the girl. + Katharina, he told her, had a short while since betrayed to Plotinus some + important secret relating to her husband, and the bishop had immediately + gone over to Fostat. It was hard to believe such a thing of any friend, + still, the girl who, by her own confession, had been so ready to play the + part of spy in the neighboring garden, was the only person who would have + told the prelate what plan was in hand for the rescue of the sisters. The + acolyte’s positive statement, indeed, left no room for doubt. + </p> + <p> + It was not in Paula’s nature to think ill of others; but in this case her + candid spirit, incapable of falsehood, would not suffer her to be anything + but cool to the child; the more effusively Katharina clung to her, the + more icily Paula repelled her. + </p> + <p> + The old man saw this, and he concluded that this mien and demeanor were + natural to Paula at all times patrician haughtiness, cold-hearted + selfishness, the insolent and boundless pride of the race he loathed—noble + by birth alone—stood before him incarnate. He hated the whole class, + and he hated this specimen of the class; and his aversion increased + tenfold as he remembered what woe this cold siren had wrought for the son + of his affections and might bring on him if she should thwart his favorite + project. Sooner would he end his days in loneliness, parted even from + Philippus, than share his home, his table, and his daily life with this + woman, who could repel the sincerely-meant caresses of that pretty, + childlike, simple little Katharina with such frigid and supercilious + haughtiness. The mere sight of her at meals would embitter every mouthful; + only to hear her domineering tones in the next room would spoil his + pleasure in working; the touch of her cold hand as she bid him good-night + would destroy his night’s rest! + </p> + <p> + Here and now her presence was more than he could bear. It was an offense + to him, a challenge; and if ever he had wished to clear her out of his + path and the physician’s—by force, if need should be—the idea + wholly possessed him now. + </p> + <p> + Irritated and provoked, he took leave of all the others, carefully + avoiding a glance even at Paula, though, after he rose, she went up to him + on purpose to say a few pleasant words, and to assure him how highly she + esteemed his adopted son. + </p> + <p> + Pulcheria escorted him through the garden and he promised her to return on + the morrow, or the day after, and then she must take care that he found + her and her mother alone, for he had no fancy to allow Paula to thrust her + pride and airs under his nose a second time. + </p> + <p> + He angrily rejected Pulcheria’s attempts to take her friend’s part, and he + trotted home again, mumbling curses between his old lips. + </p> + <p> + Martina, meanwhile, had made friends with Paula in her genial, frank way. + She had met her parents in time past in Constantinople and spoke of them + with heart-felt warmth. This broke the ice between them, and when Martina + spoke of Orion—her ‘great Sesostris’—of the regard and + popularity he had enjoyed in Constantinople, and then, with due + recognition and sympathy, of his misfortune, Paula felt drawn towards her + indeed. Her reserve vanished entirely, and the conversation between the + new acquaintances became more and more eager, intimate, and delightful. + </p> + <p> + When they parted both felt that they could only gain by further + intercourse. Paula was called away at the very moment of leave-taking, and + left the room with warm expressions intended only for the matron: “Not + good-bye—we must meet again. But of course it is my part, as the + younger, to go to you!” And she was no sooner gone than Martina exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “What a lovely creature! The worthy daughter of a noble father! And her + mother! O dame Joanna! A sweeter being has rarely graced this miserable + world; she was born to die young, she was only made to bloom and fade!” + Then, turning to Katharina, she went on: with kindly reproof. “Evil + tongues gave me a very false idea of this girl. ‘A silver kernel in a + golden shell,’ says the proverb, but in this case both alike are of gold.—Between + you two—good God!—But I know what has blinded your clear eyes, + poor little kitten. After all, we all see things as we wish to see them. I + would lay a wager, dame Joanna, that you are of my opinion in thinking the + fair Paula a perfectly noble creature. Aye, a noble creature; it is an + expressive word and God knows! How seldom is it a true one? It is one I am + little apt to use, but I know no other for such as she is, and on her it + is not ill-bestowed.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed it is not!” answered Joanna with warm assent; but Martina sighed, + for she was thinking to herself! “Poor Heliodora! I cannot but confess + that Paula is the only match for my ‘great Sesostris.’ But what in + Heaven’s name will become of that poor, unfortunate, love-sick little + woman?” + </p> + <p> + All this flashed through her quick brain while Katharina was trying to + justify herself, and asserting that she fully recognised Paula’s great + qualities, but that she was proud, fearfully proud—she had given + Martina herself some evidence of that. + </p> + <p> + At this Pulcheria interposed in zealous defense of her friend. She, + however, had hardly begun to speak when she, too, was interrupted, for + men’s voices were heard in loud discussion in the vestibule, and Perpetua + suddenly rushed in with a terrified face, exclaiming, heedless of the + strangers: “Oh Dame Joanna! Here is another, dreadful misfortune! Those + Arab devils have come again, with an interpreter and a writer. And they + have been sent—Merciful Saviour, is it possible?—they have + brought a warrant to take away my poor dear child, to take her to prison—to + drag her all through the city on foot and throw her into prison.” + </p> + <p> + The faithful soul sobbed aloud and covered her face with her hands. Terror + fell upon them all; Joanna left the viridarium in speechless dismay, and + Martina exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “What a horrible, vile country! Good God, they are even falling on us + women. Children, children—give me a seat, I feel quite ill.—In + prison! that beautiful, matchless creature dragged through the streets to + prison. If the warrant is all right she must go—she must! Not an + angel from heaven could save her. But that she should be marched through + the town, that noble and splendid creature, as if she were a common thief—it + is not to be borne. So much as one woman can do for another at any rate + shall be done, so long as I am here to stand on two feet!—Katharina, + child, do not you understand? Why do you stand gaping at me as if I were a + feathered ape? What do your fat horses eat oats for? What, you do not + understand me yet? Be off at once, this minute, and have the horses put in + the large closed chariot in which I came here, and bring it to the door.—Ah! + At last you see daylight; now, take to your heels and fly!” + </p> + <p> + And she clapped her hands as if she were driving hens off a garden-bed; + Katharina had no alternative but to obey. + </p> + <p> + Martina then felt for her purse, and when she had found it she added + confidently: + </p> + <p> + “Thank God! I can talk to these villains! This is a language,” and she + clinked the gold pieces, intelligible to all. “Come, where are the + rascals?” + </p> + <p> + The universal tongue had the desired effect. The chief of the guard + allowed it to persuade him to convey Paula to prison in the chariot, and + to promise that she should find decent accommodation there, while he also + granted old Betta the leave she insisted on with floods of tears, to share + the girl’s captivity. + </p> + <p> + Paula maintained her dignity and composure under this unexpected shock. + Only when it came to taking leave of Pulcheria and Mary, who clung to her + in frantic grief and begged to go with her and Betta to prison, she could + not restrain her tears. + </p> + <p> + The scribe had informed her that she was charged dy Bishop Plotinus with + having plotted the escape and flight of the nuns, and Joanna’s knees + trembled under her when Paula whispered in her ear: + </p> + <p> + “Beware of Katharina! No one else could have betrayed us; if she has also + revealed what Rufinus did for the sisters we must deny it, positively and + unflinchingly. Fear nothing: they will get not a word out of me.” Then she + added aloud: “I need not beg you to remember me lovingly; thanks to you + both—the warmest, deepest thanks for all.... You, Pul....” And she + clasped the mother and daughter to her bosom, while Mary, clinging to her, + hid her little face in her skirts, weeping bitterly.... “You, Dame Joanna, + took me in, a forlorn creature, and made me happy till Fate fell on us all—you + know, ah! you know too well.—The kindness you have shown to me show + now to my little Mary. And there is one thing more—here comes the + interpreter again!—A moment yet, I beg!—If the messenger + should return and bring news of my father or, my God! my God!—my + father himself, let me know, or bring him to me!—Or, if I am dead by + the time he comes, tell him that to find him, to see him once more, was my + heart’s dearest wish. And beg my father,” she breathed the words into + Joanna’s ear, “to love Orion as a son. And tell them both that I loved + them to the last, deeply, perfectly, beyond words!” Then she added aloud + as: she kissed each on her eyes and lips: “I love you and shall always + love you—you, Joanna, and you, my Pulcheria, and you, Mary, my + sweet, precious darling.” + </p> + <p> + At this the water-wagtail humed forward with outstretched arms, but Dame + Joanna put out a significantly warning hand; and they who were one in + heart clasped each other in a last embrace as though they were indeed but + one and no stranger could have any part in it. + </p> + <p> + Once more Katharina tried to approach Paula; but Martina, whose eyes + filled with tears as she looked on the parting, held her back by the + shoulder and whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Do not disturb them, child. Such hearts spontaneously attract those for + whom they yearn. I, old as I am, would gladly be worthy to be called.” + </p> + <p> + The interpreter now sternly insisted on starting. The three women parted; + but still the little girl held tightly to Paula, even when she went up to + the matron and kissed her with a natural impulse. Martina took her head + between her hands, kissed her fondly, and said in a voice she could + scarcely control: “God protect and keep you, child! I thank Him for having + brought us together. A soul so pure and clear as yours is not to be found + in the capital, but we still know how to be friends to our friends—at + any rate I and my husband do—and if Heaven but grants me the + opportunity you shall prove it. You never need feel alone in the world; + never, so long as Justinus and his wife are still in it. Remember that, + child; I mean it in solemn earnest.” + </p> + <p> + With this, she again embraced Paula, who as she went out to enter the + chariot also bestowed a farewell kiss on Eudoxia and Mandane, for they, + too, stood modestly weeping in the background; then she gave her hand to + the hump-backed gardener, and to the Masdakite, down whose cheeks tears + were rolling. At this moment Katharina stood in her path, seized her arm + in mortified excitement, and said insistently: + </p> + <p> + “And have you not a word for me?” + </p> + <p> + Paula freed herself from her clutch and said in a low voice: “I thank you + for lending me the chariot. As you know, it is taking me to prison, and I + fear it is your perfidy that has brought me to this. If I am wrong, + forgive me—if I am right, your punishment will hardly be lighter + than my fate. You are still young, Katharina; try to grow better.” + </p> + <p> + And with this she stepped into the chariot with old Betta, and the last + she saw was little Mary who threw herself sobbing into Joanna’s arms. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + Susannah had never particularly cared for Paula, but her fate shocked her + and moved her to pity. She must at once enquire whether it was not + possible to send her some better food than the ordinary prison-fare. That + was but Christian charity, and her daughter seemed to take her friend’s + misfortune much to heart. When she and Martina returned home she looked so + cast down and distracted that no stranger now would ever have dreamed of + comparing her with a brisk little bird. + </p> + <p> + Once more a poisoned arrow had struck her. Till now she had been wicked + only in her own eyes; now she was wicked in the eyes of another. Paula + knew it was she who had betrayed her. The traitoress had been met by + treachery. The woman she hated had a right to regard her as spiteful and + malignant, and for this she hated her more than ever. + </p> + <p> + Till now she had nowhere failed to find an affectionate greeting and + welcome; and to-day how coldly she had been repulsed—and not by + Paula alone, but also by Martina, who no doubt had noticed something, and + whose dry reserve had been quite intolerable to the girl. + </p> + <p> + It was all the old bishop’s fault; he had not kept his promise that her + tale-bearing should remain as secret as a confession. Indeed, he must have + deliberately revealed it, for no one but herself knew of the facts. + Perhaps he had even mentioned her name to the Arabs; in that case she + would have to bear witness before the judges, and then in what light would + she appear to Orion, to her mother, to Joanna and Martina? + </p> + <p> + She had not failed to understand that old Rufinus must have perished in + the expedition, and she was truly grieved. His wife and daughter had + always been kind neighbors to her; and she would not have willingly + brought sorrow on them. If she were called up to give evidence it might go + hard with them, and she wished no harm to any one but those who had + cheated her out of Orion’s love. This idea of standing before a court of + justice was the worst of all; this must be warded off at any cost. + </p> + <p> + Where could Bishop Plotinus be? He had returned to Memphis the day before, + and yet he had not been to see her mother, to whom he usually paid a daily + visit. This absence seemed to her ominous. Everything depended on her + reminding the old man of his promise as soon as possible; for if at the + trial next morning—which of course, he must attend—he should + happen to mention her name, the guards, the interpreter, and the scribe + would invade her home too and then-horror! She had given evidence once + already, and could never again go through all that had ensued. + </p> + <p> + But how was she to get at the bishop in the course of the night or early + to-morrow at latest? + </p> + <p> + The chariot had not yet returned, and if—it still wanted two hours + of midnight; yes—it must be done. + </p> + <p> + She began talking to her mother of the prelate’s absence; Susannah, too, + was uneasy about it, particularly since she had heard that the old man had + come home ill and that his servant had been out and about in search of a + physician. Katharina promptly proposed to go and see him: the horses were + still in harness, her nurse could accompany her. She really must go and + learn how her venerable friend was going on. + </p> + <p> + Susannah thought this very sweet; still, she said it was very late for + such a visit; however, her spoilt child had said that she “must” and the + answer was a foregone conclusion. Dame Susannah gave way; the nurse was + sent for, and as soon as the chariot came round Katharina flung her arms + round her mother’s neck, promising her not to stay long, and in a few + minutes the chariot stopped at the door of the bishop’s palace. She bid + the nurse wait for her and went alone into the vast, rambling house. + </p> + <p> + The spacious hall, lighted feebly by a single lamp, was silent and + deserted, even the door-keeper had left his post; however, she was + familiar with every step and turning, and went on through the impluvium + into the library where, at this hour, the bishop was wont to be found. But + it was dark, and her gentle call met with no reply. In the next room, to + which she timidly felt her way, a slave lay snoring; beside him were a + wine jar and a hand-lamp. The sight somewhat reassured her. Beyond was the + bishop’s bedroom, which she had never been into. A dim light gleamed + through the open door and she heard a low moaning and gasping. She called + the house-keeper by name once, twice; no answer. The sleeping slave did + not stir; but a familiar voice addressed her from the bedroom, groaning + rather than saying: + </p> + <p> + “Who is there? Is he come? Have you found him at last?” + </p> + <p> + The whole household had fled in fear of the pestilence; even the acolyte, + who had indeed a wife and children. The housekeeper had been forced to + leave the master to seek the physician, who had already been there once, + and the last remaining slave, a faithful, goodhearted, heedless sot, had + been left in charge; but he had brought a jar of wine up from the + unguarded cellar, had soon emptied it, and then, overcome by drink and the + heat of the night, he had fallen asleep. + </p> + <p> + Katharina at once spoke her name and the old man answered her, saying + kindly, but with difficulty: “Ah, it is you, you, my child!” + </p> + <p> + She took up the lamp and went close to the sick man. He put out his lean + arm to welcome her; but, as her approach brought the light near to him he + covered his eyes, crying out distressfully: “No, no; that hurts. Take away + the lamp.” + </p> + <p> + Katharina set it down on a low chest behind the head of the bed; then she + went up to the sufferer, gave him her mother’s message, and asked him how + he was and why he was left alone. He could only give incoherent answers + which he gasped out with great difficulty, bidding her go close to him for + he could not hear her distinctly. He was very ill, he told her—dying. + It was good of her to have come for she had always been his pet, his dear, + good little girl. + </p> + <p> + “And it was a happy impulse that brought you,” he added, “to receive an + old man’s blessing. I give it you with my whole heart.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he put forth his hand and she, following an instinctive + prompting, fell on her knees by the side of the couch. + </p> + <p> + He laid his burning right hand on her head and murmured some words of + blessing; she, however, scarcely heeded them, for his hand felt like lead + and its heat oppressed and distressed her dreadfully. It was a sincere + grief to her to see this true old friend of her childhood suffering thus—perhaps + indeed dying; at the same time she did not forget what had brought her + here—still, she dared not disturb him in this act of love. He gave + her his blessing—that was kind; but his mutterings did not come to + an end, the weight of the hot hand on her head grew heavier and heavier, + and at last became intolerable. She felt quite dazed, but with an effort + she collected her senses and then perceived that the old man had wandered + off from the usual formulas of blessing and was murmuring disconnected and + inarticulate words. + </p> + <p> + At this she raised the terrible, fevered hand, laid it on the bed, and was + about to ask him whether he had betrayed her to Benjamin, and if he had + mentioned her name, when—Merciful God! there on his cheeks were the + same livid spots that she had noticed on those of the plague stricken man + in Medea’s house. With a cry of horror she sprang up, snatched at the + lamp, held it over the sufferer, heedless of his cries of anguish, looked + into his face, and pulled away the weary hands with which he tried to + screen his eyes from the light. Then, having convinced herself that she + was not mistaken, she fled from room to room out into the hall. + </p> + <p> + Here she was met by the housekeeper, who took the lamp out of her hand and + was about to question her; but Katharina only screamed: + </p> + <p> + “The plague is in the house! Lock the doors!” and then rushed away, past + the leech who was coming in. With one bound she was in the chariot, and as + the horses started she wailed out to the nurse: + </p> + <p> + “The plague—they have the plague. Plotinus has taken the plague!” + </p> + <p> + The terrified woman tried to soothe her, assuring her that she must be + mistaken for such hellish fiends did not dare come near so holy a man. But + the girl vouchsafed no reply, merely desiring her to have a bath made + ready for her as soon as they should reach home. + </p> + <p> + She felt utterly shattered; on the spot where the old man’s + plague-stricken hand had rested she was conscious of a heavy, hateful + pressure, and when the chariot at length drove into their own garden + something warm and heavy-something she could not shake off, still seemed + to weigh on her brain. + </p> + <p> + The windows were all dark excepting one on the ground-floor, where a light + was still visible in the room inhabited by Heliodora. A diabolical thought + flashed through her over-excited and restless mind; without looking to the + right hand or the left she obeyed the impulse and went forward, just as + she was, into her friend’s sitting-room and then, lifting a curtain, on + into the bedroom. Heliodora was lying on her couch, still suffering from a + headache which had prevented her going to visit their neighbors; at first + she did not notice the late visitor who stood by her side and bid her good + evening. + </p> + <p> + A single lamp shed a dim light in the spacious room, and the young girl + had never thought their guest so lovely as she looked in that twilight. A + night wrapper of the thinnest material only half hid her beautiful limbs. + Round her flowing, fair hair, floated the subtle, hardly perceptible + perfume which always pervaded this favorite of fortune. Two heavy plaits + lay like sheeny snakes over her bosom and the white sheet. Her face was + turned upwards and was exquisitely calm and sweet; and as she lay + motionless and smiled up at Katharina, she looked like an angel wearied in + well-doing. + </p> + <p> + No man could resist the charms of this woman, and Orion had succumbed. By + her side was a lute, from which she brought the softest and most soothing + tones, and thus added to the witchery of her appearance. + </p> + <p> + Katharina’s whole being was in wild revolt; she did not know how she was + able to return Heliodora’s greeting, and to ask her how she could possibly + play the lute with a headache. + </p> + <p> + “Just gliding my fingers over the strings calms and refreshes my blood,” + she replied pleasantly. “But you, child, look as if you were suffering far + worse than I.—Did you come home in the chariot that drove up just + now?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Katharina. “I have been to see our dear old bishop. He is + very ill, dying; he will soon be taken from us. Oh, what a fearful day! + First Orion’s mother, then Paula, and now this to crown all! Oh, + Heliodora, Heliodora!” + </p> + <p> + She fell on her knees by the bed and pressed her face against her pitying + friend’s bosom. Heliodora saw the tears which had risen with unaffected + feeling to the girl’s eyes; her tender soul was full of sympathy with the + sorrow of such a gladsome young creature, who had already had so much to + suffer, and she leaned over the child, kissing her affectionately on the + brow, and murmuring words of consolation. Katharina clung to her closely, + and pointing to the top of her head where that burning hand had pressed + it, she said: “There, kiss there: there is where the pain is worst!—Ah, + that is nice, that does me good.” + </p> + <p> + And, as the tender-hearted Heliodora’s fresh lips rested on the + plague-tainted hair, Katharina closed her eyes and felt as a gladiator + might who hitherto has only tried his weapons on the practising ground, + and now for the first time uses them in the arena to pierce his opponent’s + heart. She had a vision of herself as some one else, taller and stronger + than she was; aye, as Death itself, the destroyer, breathing herself into + her victim’s breast. + </p> + <p> + These feelings entirely possessed her as she knelt on the soft carpet, and + she did not notice that another woman was crossing it noiselessly to her + comforter’s bed-side, with a glance of intelligence at Heliodora. Just as + she exclaimed: “Another kiss there-it burns so dreadfully,” she felt two + hands on her temples and two lips, not Heliodora’s, were pressed on her + head. + </p> + <p> + She looked up in astonishment and saw the smiling face of her mother, who + had come after her to ask how the bishop was, and who wished to take her + share in soothing the pain of her darling. + </p> + <p> + How well her little surprise had succeeded! + </p> + <p> + But what came over the child? She started to her feet as if lightning had + struck her, as if an asp had stung her, looked horror-stricken into her + mother’s eyes, and then, as Susannah was on the point of clasping the + little head to her bosom once more to kiss the aching, the cursed spot, + Katharina pushed her away, flew, distracted, through the sitting-room into + the vestibule, and down the narrow steps leading to the bathroom. + </p> + <p> + Her mother looked after her, shaking her head in bewilderment. Then she + turned to Heliodora with a shrug, and said, as the tears filled her eyes: + </p> + <p> + “Poor, poor little thing! Too many troubles have come upon her at once. + Her life till lately was like a long, sunny day, and now the hail is + pelting her from all sides at once. She has bad news of the bishop, I + fear.” + </p> + <p> + “He is dying, she said,” replied the young widow with feeling. + </p> + <p> + “Our best and truest friend,” sobbed Susannah. “It is, it really is too + much. I often think that I must myself succumb, and as for her—hardly + more than a child!—And with what resignation she bears the heaviest + sorrows!—You, Heliodora, are far from knowing what she has gone + through; but you have no doubt seen how her only thought is to seem + bright, so as to cheer my heart. Not a sigh, not a complaint has passed + her lips. She submits like a saint to everything, without a murmur. But, + now that her clear old friend is stricken, she has lost her self-control + for the first time. She knows all that Plotinus has been to me.” And she + broke down into fresh sobbing. When she was a little calmer, she + apologised for her weakness and bid her fair guest good night. + </p> + <p> + Katharina, meanwhile, was taking a bath. + </p> + <p> + A bathroom was an indispensable adjunct to every wealthy Graeco-Egyptian + house, and her father had taken particular pains with its construction. It + consisted of two chambers, one for men and one for women; both fitted with + equal splendor. + </p> + <p> + White marble, yellow alabaster, purple porphyry on all sides; while the + pavement was of fine Byzantine mosaic on a gold ground. There were no + statues, as in the baths of the heathen; the walls were decorated with + bible texts in gold letters, and above the divan, which was covered with a + giraffe skin, there was a crucifix. On the middle panel of the coffered + ceiling was inscribed defiantly, in the Coptic language the first axiom of + the Jacobite creed: “We believe in the single, indivisible nature of + Christ Jesus.” And below this hung silver lamps. + </p> + <p> + The large bath had been filled immediately for Katharina, as the furnace + was heated every evening for the ladies of the house. As she was + undressing, her maid showed her a diseased date. The head gardener, had + brought it to her, for he had that afternoon, discovered that his palms, + too, had been attacked. But the woman soon regretted her loquacity, for + when she went on to say that Anchhor, the worthy shoemaker who, only the + day before yesterday, had brought home her pretty new sandals, had died of + the plague, Katharina scolded her sharply and bid her be silent. But as + the maid knelt before her to unfasten her sandals, Katharina herself took + up the story again, asking her whether the shoemaker’s pretty young wife + had also been attacked. The girl said that she was still alive, but that + the old mother-in-law and all the children had been shut into the house, + and even the shutters barred as soon as the corpse had been brought out. + The authorities had ordered that this should be done in every case, so + that the pestilence might not pervade the streets or be disseminated among + the healthy. Food and drink were handed to the captives through a wicket + in the door. Such regulations, she added, seemed particularly + well-considered and wise. But she would have done better to keep her + opinions to herself, for before she had done speaking Katharina gave her + an angry push with her foot. Then she desired her not to be sparing with + the ‘smegma’,—[A material like soap, but used in a soft state.]—and + to wash her hair as thoroughly as possible. + </p> + <p> + This was done; and Katharina herself rubbed her hands and arms with + passionate diligence. Then she had water poured over her head again and + again, till, when she desired the maid to desist, she had to lean + breathless and almost exhausted against the marble. + </p> + <p> + But in spite of smegma and water she still felt the pressure of the + burning hand on top of her head, and her heart seemed oppressed by some + invisible load of lead. + </p> + <p> + Her mother! oh, her mother! She had kissed her there, where the plague had + actually touched her, and in fancy she could hear her gasping and begging + for a drink of water like the dying wretches to whom her fate had led her. + And then—then came the servants of the senate and shut her into the + pestilential house with the sick; she saw the pest in mortal form, a cruel + and malignant witch; behind her, tall and threatening, stood her + inexorable companion Death, reaching out a bony hand and clutching her + mother, and then all who were in the house with her, and last of all, + herself. + </p> + <p> + Her arms dropped by her side: powerful and terrible as she had felt + herself this morning, she was now crushed by a sense of miserable and + impotent weakness. Her defiance had been addressed to a mortal, a frail, + tender woman; and God and Fate had put her in the front of the battle + instead of Heliodora. She shuddered at the thought. + </p> + <p> + As she went up from the bath-room, her mother met her in the hall and + said: + </p> + <p> + “What, still here, Child? How you startled me! And is it true? Is Plotinus + really ill of a complaint akin to the plague?” + </p> + <p> + “Worse than that, mother,” she replied sadly. “He has the plague; and I + remembered that a bath is the right thing when one has been in a + plague-stricken house; you, too, have kissed and touched me. Pray have the + fire lighted again, late as it is, and take a bath too.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Child,” Susannah began with a laugh; but Katharina gave her no peace + till she yielded, and promised to bathe in the men’s room, which had not + been used at all since the appearance of the epidemic. When Dame Susannah + found herself alone she smiled to herself in silent thankfulness, and in + the bath again she lifted up her heart and hands in prayer for her only + child, the loving daughter who cared for her so tenderly. + </p> + <p> + Katharina went to her own room, after ascertaining that the clothes she + had worn this evening had been sacrificed in the bath-furnace. + </p> + <p> + It was past midnight, but still she bid the maid sit up, and she did not + go to bed. She could not have found rest there. She was tempted to go out + on the balcony, and she sat down there on a rocking chair. The night was + sultry and still. Every house, every tree, every wall seemed to radiate + the heat it had absorbed during the day. Along the quay came a long + procession of pilgrims; this was followed by a funeral train and soon + after came another—both so shrouded in clouds of dust that the + torches of the followers looked like coals glimmering under ashes. Several + who had died of the pestilence, and whom it had been impossible to bury by + day, were being borne to the grave together. One of these funerals, so she + vaguely fancied, was Heliodora’s; the other her own perhaps—or her + mother’s—and she shivered at the thought. The long train wandered on + under its shroud of dust, and stood still when it reached the Necropolis; + then the sledge with the bier came back empty on red hot runners—but + she was not one of the mourners—she was imprisoned in the + pestiferous house. Then, when she was freed again—she saw it all + quite clearly—two heads had been cut off in the courtyard of the + Hall of justice: Orion’s and Paula’s—and she was left alone, quite + alone and forlorn. Her mother was lying by her father’s side under the + sand in the cemetery, and who was there to care for her, to be troubled + about her, to protect her? She was alone in the world like a tree without + roots, like a leaf blown out to sea, like an unfledged bird that has + fallen out of the nest. + </p> + <p> + Then, for the first time since that evening when she had borne false + witness, her memory reverted to all she had been taught at school and in + the church of the torments of hell, and she pictured the abode of the + damned, and the scorching, seething Lake of fire in which murderers, + heretics, false witnesses.... + </p> + <p> + What was that? + </p> + <p> + Had hell indeed yawned, and were the flames soaring up to the sky through + the riven shell of the earth? Had the firmament opened to pour living fire + and black fumes on the northern part of the city? + </p> + <p> + She started up in dismay, her eyes fixed on the terrible sight. The whole + sky seemed to be in flames; a fiery furnace, with dense smoke and myriads + of shooting sparks, filled the whole space between earth and heaven. A + devouring conflagration was apparently about to annihilate the town, the + river, the starry vault itself; the metal heralds which usually called the + faithful to church lifted up their voices; the quiet road at her feet + suddenly swarmed with thousands of people; shrieks, yells and frantic + commands came up from below, and in the confusion of tongues she could + distinguish the words “Governor’s Palace”—“Arabs”—“Mukaukas”—“Orion”—“fire”—“Put + it out”—“Save it.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the old head-gardener called up to her from the lotos-tank: + “The palace is in flames! And in this drought—God All-merciful save + the town!” + </p> + <p> + Her knees gave way; she put out her hands with a faint cry to feel for + some support, and two arms were thrown about her-the arms which she so + lately had pushed away: her mother’s: that mother who had bent over her + only child and inhaled death in a kiss on her plague-tainted hair. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + The governor’s palace, the pride and glory of Memphis, the magnificent + home of the oldest and noblest family of the land—the last house + that had given birth to a race of native Egyptians held worthy, even by + the Greeks, to represent the emperor and uphold the highest dignity in the + world—the very citadel of native life, lay in ashes; and just as a + giant of the woods crushes and destroys in its fall many plants of humbler + growth, so the burning of the great house destroyed hundreds of smaller + dwellings. + </p> + <p> + This night’s work had torn the mast and rudder, and many a plank besides, + from that foundering vessel, the town of Memphis. It seemed indeed a + miracle that had saved the whole from being reduced to cinders; and for + this, next to God’s providence, they might thank the black incendiary + himself and his Arabs. The crime was committed with cool and shrewd + foresight, and carried through to the end. During his visitation + throughout the rambling buildings Obada had looked out for spots that + might suit his purpose, and two hours after sunset he had lighted fire + after fire with his own hand, in secret and undetected. The troops he + intended to employ later were waiting under arms at Fostat, and when the + fire broke out, first in the treasury and afterwards in three other places + in the palace, they were immediately marched across and very judiciously + employed. + </p> + <p> + All that was precious in this ancient home of a wealthy race, was conveyed + to a place of safety, even the numerous fine horses in the stables; and + the title-deeds of the estate, slaves, and so forth were already secured + at Fostat; still, the flames consumed vast quantities of treasures that + could never be replaced. Beautiful works of art, manuscripts and books + such as were only preserved here, old and splendid plants from every zone, + vessels and woven stuffs that had been the delight of connoisseurs—all + perished in heaps. But the incendiary regretted none of them, for all + possibility of proving how much that was precious had fallen into his + hands was buried under their ashes. + </p> + <p> + The worst that could happen to him now was to be deposed from office for + his too audacious proceedings. Of all the towns he had seen in the course + of the triumphant incursions of Islam none had attracted him so greatly as + Damascus, and he now had the means of spending the latter half of his life + there in luxurious enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + At the same time it was desirable to rescue as much as possible from the + flames; for it would have given his enemies a fatal hold upon him, if the + famous old city of Memphis should perish by his neglect. And he was a man + to give battle to the awful element. + </p> + <p> + Not another building fell a prey to it on the Nile quay; but a light + southerly breeze carried burning fragments to the northwest, and several + houses in the poorer quarter on the edge of the desert caught fire. + Thither the larger portion of those who could combat the flames and rescue + the inhabitants were at once directed; and here, as at the palace, he + acted on the principle of sacrificing whatever could not be saved entire. + Thus a whole quarter of the town was destroyed, hundreds of beggared + families lost all they possessed; and yet he, whose ruthless avarice had + cast so many into misery, was admired and lauded; for he was everywhere at + once: now by the river and now by the desert, always where the danger was + greatest, and where the presence of the leader was most needed. Here he + was seen in the very midst of the fire, there he swung the axe with his + own hand; now, mounted on horseback, he rode down the line where the dry + grass was to be torn up by the roots and soaked with water; now, on foot, + he directed the scanty jet from the pipes or, with Herculean strength, + flung back into the flames a beam which had fallen beyond the limits he + had set. His shrill voice sounded, as his huge height towered, above all + others; every eye was fixed on his black face and flashing eyes and teeth, + while his example carried away all his followers to imitate it. His shouts + of command made the scene of the fire like a battle-field; the Moslems, so + ably led, regardless of life as they were and ready to strain and exert + their strength to the utmost, wrought wonders in the name of their God and + His Prophet. + </p> + <p> + The Egyptians, too, did their best; but they felt themselves impotent by + comparison with what these Arabs did, and they hardly felt anything but + the disgrace of being over-mastered by them. + </p> + <p> + The light shone far across the country; even he whose splendid inheritance + was feeding the flames perceived, between midnight and dawn, a glow on the + distant western horizon which he was unable to account for. + </p> + <p> + He had been riding towards it for about half an hour when the caravan + halted at the last station but one, on the high road between Kolzum and + Babylon. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Suez, and the Greek citadel near which Amru founded Fostat and + Cairo subsequently grew up.] +</pre> + <p> + A considerable troop of horse soldiers dismounted at the same time, but + Orion had not summoned these to protect him; on the contrary, he was in + their charge and they were taking him, a prisoner, to Fostat. He had + quitted the chariot in which he had set out and had been made to mount a + dromedary; two horsemen armed to the teeth rode constantly at his side. + His fellow-travellers were allowed to remain in their chariot. + </p> + <p> + At the inn which they had now reached Justinus got out and desired his + companion, a pale-faced man who sat sunk into a heap, to do the same; but + with a weary shake of the head he declined to move. + </p> + <p> + “Are you in pain, Narses?” asked Justinus affectionately, and Narses + briefly replied in a husky voice: “All over,” and settled himself against + the cushion at the back of the chariot. He even refused the refreshments + brought out to him by the Senator’s servant and interpreter. He seemed + sunk in apathy and to crave nothing but peace. + </p> + <p> + This was the senator’s nephew. + </p> + <p> + With Orion’s help, and armed with letters of protection and recommendation + from Amru, the senator had gained his purpose. He had ransomed Narses, but + not before the wretched man had toiled for some time as a prisoner, first + at the canal on the line of the old one constructed by the Pharaohs, which + was being restored under the Khaliff Omar, to secure the speediest way of + transporting grain from Egypt to Arabia and afterwards in the rock-bound + harbor of Aila. On the burning shores of the Red Sea, under the fearful + sun of those latitudes, Narses was condemned to drag blocks of stone; many + days had elapsed before his uncle could trace him—and in what a + state did Justinus find him at last! + </p> + <p> + A week before he could reach him, the ex-officer of cavalry had laid + himself down in the wretched sheds for the sick provided for the laborers; + his back still bore the scars of the blows by which the overseer had + spurred the waning strength of his exhausted and suffering victim. The + fine young soldier was a wreck, broken alike in heart and body and sunk in + melancholy. Justinus had hoped to take him home jubilant to Martina, and + he had only this ruin to show her, doomed to the grave. + </p> + <p> + The senator was glad, nevertheless, to have saved this much at any rate. + The sight of the sufferer touched him deeply, and the less Narses would + take or give, the more thankful was Justinus when he gave the faintest + sign of reviving interest. + </p> + <p> + In the course of this journey by land and water—and latterly as + sharing the senator’s care of his nephew—Orion had become very dear + to his old friend; and at the risk of incurring his displeasure he had + even confessed the reasons that had prompted him to leave Memphis. + </p> + <p> + He never could cease to feel that everything good or lofty in himself was + Paula’s alone; that her love ennobled and strengthened him; that to desert + her was to abandon himself. His trifling with Heliodora could but divert + him from the high aim he had set before himself. This aim he kept + constantly in view; his spirit hungered for peaceful days in which he + might act on the resolution he had formed in church and fulfil the task + set before him by the Arab governor. + </p> + <p> + The knowledge that he had inherited an enormous fortune now afforded him + no joy, for he was forced to confess to himself that but for this + superabundant wealth he might have been a very different man; and more + than once a vehement wish came over him to fling away all his possessions + and wrestle for peace of mind and the esteem of the best men by his own + unaided powers. + </p> + <p> + The senator had taken his confession as it was meant: if Thomas’ daughter + was indeed what Orion described her there could be but small hope for his + beautiful favorite. He and Martina must e’en make their way home again + with two adopted dear ones, and it must be the care of the old folks to + comfort the young ones instead of the young succoring the old as was + natural. And in spite of everything Orion had won on his affections, for + every day, every hour he was struck by some new quality, some greater + trait than he had looked for in the young man. + </p> + <p> + Torches were flaring in the inn-yard where, under a palm-thatched roof + supported on poles and covering a square space in the middle, benches + stood for the guests to rest. Here Justinus and Orion again met for a few + minutes’ conversation. + </p> + <p> + His warders were also seated near them; they did not let Orion out of + their sight even while they ate their meal of mutton, bread, onions, and + dates. The senator’s servants brought some food from the chariot, and just + as Justinus and Orion had begun their attack on it, a tall man came into + the yard and made his way to the benches. This was Philippus, pausing on + his road to Djidda. He had learnt, even before coming in, whom he would + find here, a prisoner; and the Arabs, to whom the leech was known, allowed + him to join the pair, though at the same time they came a little nearer, + and their leader understood Greek. + </p> + <p> + Philippus was anything rather than cordially disposed towards Orion; + still, he knew what peril hung over the youth, and how sad a loss he had + suffered. His conscience bid him do all he could to prove helpful in the + trial that awaited him in the matter of the expedition in which Rufinus + had perished. He was the bearer, too, of sad news which the Arabs must + necessarily hear. Orion was indeed furious when he heard of the seizure + and occupation of the governor’s residence; still, he believed that Amru + would insist on restitution; but on hearing of his mother’s death he broke + down completely. Even the Arabs, seeing the strong man shaken with sobs + and learning the cause of his grief, respectfully withdrew; for the + anguish of a son at the loss of his mother was sacred in their eyes. They + regard the man who mourns for one he loves as stricken by the hand of the + Almighty and hallowed by his touch and treat him with the reverence of + pious awe. + </p> + <p> + Orion had not observed their absence, but Philippus at once took advantage + of it to tell him, as briefly as possible, all that related to the escape + of the nuns. He himself knew not yet of the burning of the palace, or of + Paula’s imprisonment; but he could tell the senator where he would find + his wife and niece. So by the time he was bidden to mount and start once + more Orion was informed of all that had happened. + </p> + <p> + It was with a drooping head, and sunk in melancholy thought that he rode + on his way. + </p> + <p> + As for the residence!—whether the Arabs gave it back to him or not, + what did he care?—but his mother, his mother! All she had been to + him from his earliest years rose before his mind; in the deep woe of this + parting he forgot the imminent danger and the dungeon that awaited him, + and the intolerable insult to his rights; nay, even the image of the woman + he loved paled by the side of that of the beloved dead. Perhaps he might + not even gain permission to bury her! + </p> + <p> + The way lay through a parched tract of rocky desert, and the further they + went the more intense was that wonderful flush in the west, till day broke + behind the travellers and the glory of the sunrise quenched the vividness + of its glow. + </p> + <p> + Another scorching day! The rocks by the wayside still threw long shadows + on the sandy desert-road, when a party of Arab horsemen came from Fostat + to meet the travellers, shouting the latest news to the prisoner’s escort. + It was evidently important; but Orion did not understand a word of what + they said. Evil tidings fly fast, however; while the men were talking + together, the dragoman rode up to him and told him that his home was burnt + to the ground and half Memphis still in flames. Then came other + newsbearers, on horseback and on dromedaries; and they met chariots and + files of camels loaded with corn and Egyptian merchandise; and each and + all shouted to the Arab escort reports of what was going on in Memphis, + hoping to be the first to tell the homeward bound party. + </p> + <p> + How many times did Orion hear the story—and each time that a + traveller began with: “Have you heard?” pointing westward, the wounds the + first news had inflicted bled anew. + </p> + <p> + What lay beneath that mass of ashes? How much had the flames consumed that + never could be replaced! Much that he had silently wished were possible + had in fact been fulfilled—and so soon! Where now was the burthen of + great wealth which had hung about his heels and hindered his running + freely? And yet he did not, even now, feel free; the way was not yet open + before him; he secretly mourned over the ruined house of his fathers and + the wrecked home; a miserable sense of insecurity weighed him down. No + father—no mother-no parental roof! For years he had been, in fact, + perfectly independent, and yet he felt now like a pilot whose boat had + lost its rudder. + </p> + <p> + Before him lay a prison, and the closing act of the great tragedy of which + he himself had been the hero. Fate had fallen on his house, had marked it + for destruction as erewhile that of Tantalus. It lay in ashes, and the + victims were already many: two brothers, father, mother—and, far + away from home, Rufinus too. + </p> + <p> + But whose was the guilt? + </p> + <p> + It was not his ancestors who had sinned; it could only be his own that had + called down this ruin. But was there then such a power as the Destiny of + the ancients—inexorable, iron Fate? Had he not repented and + suffered, been reconciled to his Redeemer, and prepared himself to fight + the hard fight? Perhaps he was indeed to be the hero of a tragedy; then he + would show that it was not the blind Inevitable, but what a man can make + of himself, and what he can do by the aid of the God of might, which + determines his fate. If he must still succumb, it should only be after a + valiant struggle and defense. He would battle fearlessly against every + foe, would press onward in the path he had laid down for himself. His + heart beat high once more; he felt as though he could see his father’s + example as a guiding star in the sky, so that he must be true to that + whether to live or to die. And when he turned his eye earthwards again, + still, even there, he had that which made it seem worth the cost of + enduring the pangs of living and the brunt of the hardest battle: Paula + and her love. + </p> + <p> + The nearer he approached Fostat, the more ardently his heart swelled with + longing. Heaven must grant him to see her once more, once more to clasp + her in his arms, before—the end! + </p> + <p> + It seemed to him that what he had gone through in these few hours must + have removed and set aside everything that could part them. Now, he felt, + he had strength to remain worthy of her; if Heliodora were to come in his + way again he would now certainly, positively, regard and treat her only as + a sister. + </p> + <p> + He was conducted at once to the house of the Kadi; but this official was + at the Divan—the council, which his arch-foe, that black monster + Obada, had called together. + </p> + <p> + After the labors of the past night the Negro had allowed himself only a + few hours rest, and then had met the council, where he had not been slow + to discover that he had as many enemies as there were members present. + </p> + <p> + His most determined opponents were the Kadi Othman, the head of the Courts + of justice and administration, and Khalid the governor of the exchequer. + Neither of them hesitated to express his opinion; and indeed, no one + present at this meeting would have suspected for a moment that most of the + members had, in their peaceful youth, guarded flocks as shepherds on the + mountains, led caravans across the desert, or managed some small trade. In + the contests of tribe against tribe they had found opportunities for + practice in the use of weapons, and for steeling their courage; but where + had they learnt to choose their words with so much care, and emphasize + them with gestures of such natural grace that any Greek orator would have + admired them? It was only when the indignant orator “thundered and + lightened” and was carried away by the heat of passion that he forgot his + dignified moderation, and then how grandly voice, eye, and action helped + each other! And never, even under the highest excitement, was purity of + language overlooked. These men, of whom very few could read and write, had + at their command all the most effective verses of their poets having + thousands of lines stored in their minds. + </p> + <p> + The discussion to-day dealt with the social aspects of an ancient + civilization, unknown but a few years since to the warlike children of the + desert, and yet how ably had the four overseers of public buildings the + comptrollers of the markets, of the irrigation works, and of the mills, + achieved their ends. These bright and untarnished spirits were equal to + the hardest task and capable of carrying it through with energy, acumen, + and success. + </p> + <p> + And the sons of these men who had passed through no school were already + well-fitted and invited to give new splendor to cities in their decline, + and new life to the learning of the countries they had subdued. Everything + in this council revealed talent, vitality, and ardor; and Obada, who had + been a slave, found it by no means easy to uphold his pre-eminence among + these assertive scions of free and respectable families. + </p> + <p> + The Kadi spoke frankly and fearlessly against his recent proceedings, + declaring in the name of every member of the Divan, that they disclaimed + all responsibility for what had been done, and that it rested on the + Vekeel alone. Obada was very ready to accept it; and he announced with + such fiery eloquence his determination to give shelter at Fostat to the + natives whom the conflagration had left roofless, he was so fair-spoken, + and he had shown his great qualities in so clear a light during the past + night, that they agreed to postpone their attainder and await the reply + from Medina to the complaints they had forwarded. Discipline, indeed, + required that they should submit; and many a man who would have flown to + meet death on the field as a bride, quailed before the terrible adventurer + who would not shrink from the most hideous deeds. + </p> + <p> + Obada had won by hard fighting. No one could prove a theft against him of + so much as a single drachma; but he nevertheless had to take many a rough + word, and with one consent the assembly refused him the deference justly + due to the governor’s representative. + </p> + <p> + Bitterly indignant, he remained till the very last in the council-chamber, + no one staying with him, not even his own subalterns, to speak a soothing + word in praise of the power and eloquence of his address, while the same + cursed wretches would, under similar circumstances, have buzzed round Amru + like swarming bees, and have escorted him home like curs wagging their + tails. He ascribed the contumely and opposition he met with to their + prejudice, as haughty, free-born men against his birth, and not to any + fault of his own, and yet he looked down on them all, feeling himself the + superior of each by himself; if the blow in Medina were successful, he + would pick out his victims, and then.... + </p> + <p> + His dreams of vengeance were abruptly broken by a messenger, covered with + dust from head to foot; he brought good news: Orion was taken and safely + bestowed in the Kadi’s house. + </p> + <p> + “And why not in mine?” asked Obada in peremptory tones. “Who is the + governor’s representative here. Othman or I? Take the prisoner to my + house.” + </p> + <p> + And he forthwith went home. But instead of the prisoner there presently + appeared before him an official of the Kadi’s household, who informed him, + from his master, that as the Khaliff had constituted Othman supreme judge + in Egypt this matter was in his hands; if Obada wished to see the prisoner + he might go to the Kadi’s residence, or visit him later in the town prison + of Memphis, whither Orion would presently be transferred. + </p> + <p> + He rushed off, raging, to his enemy’s house, but his stormy fury was met + by the placidity of a calm and judicial mind. Othman was a man between + forty and fifty years old, but his soft, black beard was already turning + grey; his noble dark face bore the stamp of a lofty, high-bred soul, and a + keen but temperate spirit shone in his eyes. There was something serene + and clear in his whole person; he was a man to bear the burthen of life’s + vicissitudes with dignity, while he had set himself the task of saving + others from them so far as in him lay. + </p> + <p> + The patriarch’s complaints had come also to the Kadi’s knowledge, and he, + too, was minded to exact retribution for the massacre of the Moslem + soldiers; but the punishment should fall on none but the guilty. He would + have been sorry to believe that Orion was one of them, for he had esteemed + his father as a brave man and a just judge, and had taken many a word of + good advice from the experienced Egyptian. + </p> + <p> + The scene between him and the infuriated Vekeel was a painful one even for + the attendants who stood round; and Orion, who heard Obada’s raging from + the adjoining room, could gather from it some idea of the relentless + hatred with which his negro enemy would persecute him. + </p> + <p> + However, as after the wildest storm the sea ebbs in ripples so even this + tempest came to a more peaceful conclusion. The Kadi represented to the + Vekeel what an unheard-of thing it would be, and in what a disgraceful + light it would set Moslem justice if one of the noblest families in the + country—to whose head, too, the cause of Islam owed so much—were + robbed of its possessions on mere suspicion. To this the Vekeel replied + that there were definite accusations brought by the head of the native + Church, and that nothing had been robbed, but merely confiscated and + placed in security. As to what Allah had thought fit to destroy by fire, + no one could be held answerable for that. There was no “mere suspicion” in + the case, for he himself had in his possession a document which amply + proved that Paula, Orion’s beloved, had been the instigator of the crime + which had cost the lives of twelve of the true believers.—The girl + herself had been taken into custody yesterday. He would cross-examine her + himself, too, in spite of all the Kadis in the world; for though Othman + might choose to let any number of Moslems be murdered by these dogs of + Christians he, Obada, would not overlook it; and if he did, by tomorrow + morning the thousand Egyptians who were digging the canal would have + killed with their shovels the three Moslems who kept guard over them. + </p> + <p> + At this, Othman assured the Vekeel that he was no less anxious to punish + the miscreants, but that he must first make sure of their identity, and + that, in accordance with the law, justly and without fear of man or blind + hatred, with due caution and justice. He, as judge, was no less averse to + letting off the guilty than he was to punishing the innocent; so the + enquiry must be allowed to proceed quietly. If Obada wished to examine + Paula he, the Kadi, had no objection; to preside over the court and to + direct the trial was his business, and that he would not abdicate even for + the Khaliff himself so long as Omar thought him worthy to hold his office. + </p> + <p> + To all this Obada had no choice but to agree, though with an ill-grace; + and as the Vekeel wished to see Orion, the young man was called in. The + huge negro looked at him from head to foot like a slave he proposed to + buy; and, when Othman went to the door and so could not see him, he could + not resist the malicious impulse: he glanced significantly at the + prisoner, and drew his forefinger sharply and quickly across his black + throat as though to divide the head from the trunk. Then he contemptuously + turned his back on the youth. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + In the course of the afternoon the Vekeel rode across to the prison in + Memphis. He expected to find the bishop there, but instead he was met with + the news that Plotinus was dead of the pestilence. + </p> + <p> + This was a malignant stroke of fate; for with the bishop perished the + witness who could have betrayed to him the scheme plotted for the rescue + of the nuns.—But no! The patriarch, too, no doubt, knew all. + </p> + <p> + Still, of what use was that at this moment? He had no time to lose, and + Benjamin could hardly be expected to return within three weeks. + </p> + <p> + Obada had met Paula’s father in the battle-field by Damascus, and it had + often roused his ire to know that this hero’s name was held famous even + among the Moslems. His envious soul grudged even to the greatest that pure + honor which friend and foe alike are ready to pay; he did not believe in + it, and regarded the man to whom it was given as a time-serving hypocrite. + </p> + <p> + And as he hated the father so he did the daughter, though he had never + seen her. Orion’s fate was sealed in his mind; and before his death he + should suffer more acutely through the execution of Paula, whether she + denied or owned her guilt. He might perhaps succeed in making her confess, + so he desired that she should at once be brought into the judge’s + council-room; but he failed completely in his attempt, though he promised + her, through the interpreter, the greatest leniency if she admitted her + guilt and threatened her with an agonizing death if she refused to do so. + His prisoner, indeed, was not at all what he had expected, and the calm + pride with which she denied every accusation greatly impressed the upstart + slave. At first he tried to supplement the interpreter by shouting words + of broken Greek, or intimidating her by glaring looks whose efficacy he + had often proved on his subordinates but without the least success; and + then he had her informed that he possessed a document which placed her + guilt beyond doubt. Even this did not shake her; she only begged to see + it. He replied that she would know all about it soon enough, and he + accompanied the interpreter’s repetition of the answer with threatening + gestures. + </p> + <p> + He had met with shrewd and influential women among his own people; he had + seen brave ones go forth to battle, and share the perils of a religious + war, with even wilder and more blood-thirsty defiance of death than the + soldiers themselves; but these had all been wives and mothers, and + whenever he had seen them break out of the domestic circle, beyond which + no maiden could ever venture, it was because they were under the dominion + of some passionate impulse and a burning partisanship for husband or son, + family or tribe. The women of his nation lived for the most part in modest + retirement, and none but those who were carried away by some violent + emotion infringed the custom. + </p> + <p> + But this girl! There she stood, immovably calm, like a warrior at the head + of his tribe. There was something in her mien that quelled him, and at the + same time roused to the utmost his desire to make her feel his power and + to crush her pride. She was as much taller than the women of his nation as + he was taller than any other captain in the Moslem army; prompted by + curiosity, he went close up to her to measure her height by his own, and + passed his hand through the air from his swarthy throat to touch the crown + of her head; and the depth of loathing with which she shrank from him did + not escape his notice. The blood mounted to his head; he desired the + interpreter to inform her that she was to hope for no mercy, and inwardly + devoted her to a cruel death. + </p> + <p> + Pale, but prepared to meet the worst, Paula returned to the squalid room + she occupied with her faithful Betta. + </p> + <p> + Her arrival at the prison had been terrible. The guards had seemed + disposed to place her in a room filled with a number of male and female + criminals, whence the rattle of their chains and a frantic uproar of + coarse voices met her ear; however, the interpreter and the captain of the + town-watch had taken charge of her, prompted by Martina’s promise of a + handsome reward if they could go to her next morning with a report that + Paula had been decently accommodated. + </p> + <p> + The warder’s mother-in-law, too, had taken her under her protection. This + woman was the inn-keeper’s wife from the riverside inn of Nesptah, and she + at once recognized Paula as the handsome damsel who had refreshed herself + there after the evening on the river with Orion, and whom she had supposed + to be his betrothed. She happened to be visiting her daughter, the + keeper’s wife, and induced her to do what she could to be agreeable to + Paula. So she and Betta were lodged in a separate cell, and her gold coin + proved acceptable to the man, who did his utmost to mitigate her lot. + Indeed, Pulcheria had even been allowed to visit her and to bring her the + last roses that the drought had left in the garden. + </p> + <p> + Susannah had carried out her purpose of sending her food and fruit; but + they remained in the outer room, and the messenger was desired to explain + that no more were to be sent, for that she was supplied with all she + needed. + </p> + <p> + Confident in her sense of innocence, she had looked forward calmly to her + fate building her hopes on the much lauded justice of the Arab judges. But + it was not they, it would seem, who were to decide it, but that black + monster Orion’s foe; crushed by the sense of impotence against the + arbitrary despotism of the ruthless villain, whose victim she must be, she + sat sunk in gloomy apathy, and hardly heard the old nurse’s words of + encouragement. + </p> + <p> + She did not fear death; but to die without having seen her father once + more, without saying and proving to Orion that she was his alone, wholly + his and for ever—that was too hard to bear. + </p> + <p> + While she was wringing her hands, in a state verging on despair, the man + who had ruined the happiness, the peace, and the fortunes of so many of + his fellow-creatures was cantering through the streets of Memphis, mounted + on the finest horse in Orion’s stable, and firmly determined to make his + defiant prisoner feel his power. When he reached the great market-place in + the quarter known as Ta-anch he was forced to bring his steed to a quieter + pace, for in front of the Curia—the senatehouse—an immense + gathering of people had collected. The Vekeel forced his way through them + with cruel indifference. He knew what they wanted and paid no heed to + them. The hapless crowd had for some time past met here daily, demanding + from the authorities some succor in their fearful need. Processions and + pilgrimages had had no result yesterday, so to-day they besieged the + Curia. But could the senate make the Nile rise, or stay the pestilence, or + prevent the dates dropping from the palm-trees? Could they help, when + Heaven denied its aid? + </p> + <p> + These were the questions which the authorities had already put at least + ten times to the shrieking multitude from the balcony of the town hall, + and each time the crowd had yelled in reply: “Yes—yes. You must!—it + is your duty; you take the taxes, and you are put there to take care of + us!” + </p> + <p> + Even yesterday the distracted creatures had been wholly unmanageable and + had thrown stones at the building: to-day, after the fearful conflagration + and the death of their bishop, they had assembled in vast numbers, more + furious and more desperate than ever. The senators sat trembling on their + antique seats of gilt ivory, the relics of departed splendor imitated from + those of the Roman senators, looking at each other and shrugging their + shoulders while they listened to a letter which had just reached them from + the hadi. This document required them, in conformity with Obada’s + determination, to make known to the populace, by public proclamation and + declaration, that any citizen whose house had been destroyed by the fire + of the past night would be granted ground and building materials without + payment, at Fostat across the Nile, where he might found a new home + provided he would settle there and embrace Islam. + </p> + <p> + This degrading offer must be announced: no discussion or recalcitrancy + could help that. + </p> + <p> + And what could they, for their part, do for the complaining crowd? + </p> + <p> + The plague was snatching them away; the vegetables, which constituted half + their food at this season, were dried up; the river, their palatable and + refreshing drink, was poisoned; the dates, their chief luxury, ripened + only to be rejected with loathing. Then there was the comet in the sky, no + hope of a harvest—even of a single ear, for months to come. The + bishop dead, all confidence lost in the intercessions of the Church, God’s + mercy extinct as it would seem, withdrawn from the land under infidel + rule! + </p> + <p> + And they on whose help the populace counted,—poor, weak men, + councillors of no counsel, liable from hour to hour to be called to follow + those who had succumbed to the plague, and who had but just quitted their + vacant seats in obedience to the fateful word. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday each one had felt convinced that their necessity and misery had + reached its height, and yet in the course of the night it had redoubled + for many. Their self-dependence was exhausted; but there still was one + sage in the city who might perhaps find some new way, suggest some new + means of saving the people from despair. + </p> + <p> + Stones were again flying down through the open roof, and the members of + the council started up from their ivory seats and sought shelter behind + the marble piers and columns. A wild turmoil came up from the market-place + to the terror-stricken Fathers of the city, and the mob was hammering with + fists and clubs on the heavy doors of the Curia. Happily they were plated + with bronze and fastened with strong iron bolts, but they might fly open + at any moment and then the furious mob would storm into the hall. + </p> + <p> + But what was that? + </p> + <p> + For a moment the roar and yelling ceased, and then began again, but in a + much milder form. Instead of frenzied curses and imprecations shouts now + rose of “Hail, hail!” mixed with appeals: “Help us, save us, give us + council. Long live the sage!” “Help us with your magic, Father!” “You know + the secrets and the wisdom of the ancients!” “Save us, Save us! Show those + money-bags, those cheats in the Curia the way to help us!” + </p> + <p> + At this the president of the town-council ventured forth from his refuge + behind the statue of Trajan—the only image that the priesthood had + spared—and to climb a ladder which was used for lighting the hanging + lamps, so as to peep out of the high window. + </p> + <p> + He saw an old man in shining white linen robes, riding on a fine white ass + through the crowd which reverently made way for him. The lictors of the + town marched before him with their fasces, on to which they had tied palm + branches in token of a friendly embassy. Looking further he could see that + behind the old man came a slave, besides the one who drove his ass, + carrying a quantity of manuscript scrolls. This raised his hopes, for the + scrolls looked very old and yellow, and no doubt contained a store of + wisdom; nay, probably magic formulas and effectual charms. + </p> + <p> + With a loud exclamation of “Here he comes!” the senator descended the + ladder; in a few minutes the door was opened with a rattling of iron + bolts, and it was with a sigh of relief that they saw the old man come in + and none attempt to follow him. + </p> + <p> + When Horapollo entered the council-chamber he found the senators sitting + on their ivory chairs with as much dignified calm as though the meeting + had been uninterrupted; but at a sign from the president they all rose to + receive the old man, and he returned their greeting with reserve, as + homage due to him. He also accepted the raised seat, which the president + quitted in his honor while he himself took one of the ordinary chairs at + his side. + </p> + <p> + The negotiation began at once, and was not disturbed by the crowd, though + still from the market-place there came a ceaseless roar, like the breaking + of distant waves and the buzzing of thousands of swarming bees. + </p> + <p> + The sage began modestly, saying that he, in his simplicity, could not but + despair of finding any help where so many wise men had failed; he was + experienced only in the lore and mysteries of the Fathers, and he had come + thither merely to tell the council what they had considered advisable in + such cases, and to suggest that their example should be followed. + </p> + <p> + He spoke low but fluently, and a murmur of approval followed; then, when + the president went on to speak of the low state of the Nile as the root of + all the evil, the old man interrupted him, begging them to begin by + considering the particular difficulties which they might attack by their + own efforts. + </p> + <p> + The pestilence was in possession of the city; he had just come through the + quarter that had been destroyed by the fire, and had seen above fifty sick + deprived of all care and reduced to destitution. Here something could be + done; here was a way of showing the angry populace that their advisers and + leaders were not sitting with their hands in their laps. + </p> + <p> + A councillor then proposed that the convent of St. Cecilia, or the now + deserted and dilapidated odeum should be given up to them; but Horapollo + objected explaining very clearly that such a crowd of sick in the midst of + the city would be highly dangerous to the healthy citizens. This opinion + was shared by his friend Philippus, who had indeed commended the plan he + had to propose as the only right one. Whither had their forefathers + transported, not merely their beneficent institutions, but their vast + temples and tomb-buildings which covered so much space? Always to the + desert outside the town. Arrianus had even written these verses on the + gigantic sphinx near the Pyramids. + </p> + <p> + “The gods erewhile created these far-shining forms, wisely sparing the + fields and fertile corn-bearing plain.” + </p> + <p> + The moderns had forgotten thus to spare the arable land, and they had also + neglected to make good use of the desert. The dead and plague-stricken + must not be allowed to endanger the living; they must therefore be lodged + away from the town, in the Necropolis in the desert. + </p> + <p> + “But we cannot let them be under the broiling sun,” cried the president. + </p> + <p> + “Still less,” added another, “can we build a house for them in a day.” + </p> + <p> + To this Horapollo replied: + </p> + <p> + “And who would be so foolish as to ask you to do either? But there are + linen and posts to be had in Memphis. Have some large tents pitched in the + Necropolis, and all who fall sick of the pestilence removed there at the + expense of the city and tended under their shade. Appoint three or four of + your number to carry this into execution and there will be a shelter for + the roofless sick in a few hours. How many boatmen and shipwrights are + standing idle on the quays! Call them together and in an hour they will be + at work.” + </p> + <p> + This suggestion was approved. A linen-merchant present exclaimed: “I can + supply what is needed,” and another who dealt in the same wares, and + exported this famous Egyptian manufacture to remote places, also put in a + word, desiring that his house might have the order as he could sell + cheaper. This squabble might have absorbed the attention of the meeting + till it rose, and perhaps have been renewed the next day, if Horapollo’s + proposal that they should divide the commission equally had not been + hastily adopted. + </p> + <p> + The populace hailed the announcement that tents would be erected for the + sick in the desert, with applause from a thousand voices. The deputies + chosen to superintend the task set to work at once, and by night the most + destitute were safe under the first large hospital tent. + </p> + <p> + The old man settled some other important questions in the same way, always + appealing to the lore of the ancients. + </p> + <p> + At length he spoke of the chief subject, and he did so with great caution + and tact. + </p> + <p> + All the events of the last few weeks, he said, pointed to the conclusion + that Heaven was wroth with the hapless land of their fathers. As a sign of + their anger the Immortals had sent the comet, that terrible star whose + ominous splendor was increasing daily. To make the Nile rise was not in + the power of men; but the ancients—and here his audience listened + with bated breath—the ancients had been more intimately familiar + with the mysterious powers that rule the life of Nature than men in the + later times, whether priests or laymen. In those days every servant of the + Most High had been a naturalist and a student, and when Egypt had been + visited by such a calamity as that of this year, a sacrifice had been + offered—a precious victim against which all mankind, nay and all his + own feelings revolted; still, this sacrifice had never failed of its + effect, no, never. Here was the evidence—and he pointed to the + manuscripts in his lap. + </p> + <p> + The councillors had begun to be restless in their seats, and first the + president and then the others, one after another, exclaimed and asked: + </p> + <p> + “But the victim?” + </p> + <p> + “What did they sacrifice?” + </p> + <p> + “What about the victim?” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to say no more about it till another time,” said the old man. + “What good could it do to tell you that now? The first thing is to find + the thing that is acceptable to the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Speak—do not keep us on the rack!” was shouted on all sides; but he + remained inexorable, promising only to call the council together when the + right time should come and desiring that the president would proclaim from + the balcony that Horapollo knew of a sacrifice which would cause the Nile + at last to rise. As soon as the right victim could be found, the people + should be invited to give their consent. In the time of their forefathers + it had never failed of its effect, so men, women, and children might go + home in all confidence, and await the future with new and well-founded + hopes. + </p> + <p> + And this announcement, with which the president mingled his praises of the + venerable Horapollo, had a powerful effect. The crowd hallooed with glee, + as though they had found new life. “Hail, hail!” was shouted again and + again, and it was addressed, not merely to the old man who had promised + them deliverance, but also to the Fathers of the city, who felt as if a + fearful load had fallen from their souls. + </p> + <p> + The old man’s scheme was, to be sure, not pious nor rightly Christian; but + had the power of the Church been in any way effectual? And this having + failed they must of their own accord have had recourse to means held + reprobate by the priesthood. Magic and the black arts were genuinely + Egyptian; and when faith had no power, these asserted themselves and + superstition claimed its own. Though Medea had been taken by surprise and + imprisoned, this had not been done to satisfy the law, but with a view to + secretly utilizing her occult science for the benefit of the community. In + such dire need no means were too base; and though the old man himself was + horrified at those he proposed he was sure of public approbation if only + they had the desired result. If only they could avert the calamity the sin + could be expiated, and the Almighty was so merciful! + </p> + <p> + The bishop had a seat and voice in the council, but Fate itself had saved + them from the dilemma of having to meet his remonstrances. + </p> + <p> + When Horapollo went out into the market-place he was received with + acclamations, and as much gratitude as though he had already achieved the + deliverance of the people and country. + </p> + <p> + What had he done?—Whether the work he had set going were to fail or + to succeed he could not remain in Memphis, for in either case he would + never have peace again. But that did not daunt him; it would certainly be + very good for the two women to be removed from the perilous neighborhood + of the Arab capital, and he was firmly determined to take them away with + him. For his dear Philip, too, nothing could be better than a + transplantation into other soil. + </p> + <p> + At the house of Rufinus he now learnt the fate that had fallen on Paula. + </p> + <p> + She was out the way, at any rate for the present; still, if she should be + released to-morrow or the day after, or even a month hence, she would be + as great a hindrance as ever. His plots against her must therefore be + carried out. His own isolation provoked him, and what a satisfaction it + would be if only he should succeed in stirring up the Egyptian Christians + to the heathen deed to which he was endeavoring to prompt them. + </p> + <p> + If Paula should be condemned to death by the Arabs, the execution of the + scheme would be greatly promoted; and now the first point was to ensure + the favor of the black Vekeel, for everything depended on his consent. + </p> + <p> + Joanna and Pulcheria thought him more good-humored and amiable than they + had ever known him; his proposal that he and Philippus should join their + household was hailed with delight even by little Mary, and the women + conducted him all over the house, supporting his steps with affectionate + care. All he saw there pleased him beyond measure. Such neatness and + comfort could only exist where there was a woman’s eye to direct and watch + over everything. The rooms on the ground floor, which had been the + master’s, should be his, and the corresponding wing on the other side + could be made ready for Philippus. The dining-room, the large + ante-chamber, and the viridarium would be common ground, and the upper + story was large enough for the women and any guests. He would move in as + soon as he had settled some business he had in hand. + </p> + <p> + It must be something of a pleasant nature, for as the old man spoke of it + his sunken lips mumbled with satisfaction, while his sparkling eyes seemed + to say to Pulcheria: “And I have something good in store for you, too, + dear child.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + Paula passed a fearful night in the small, frightfully hot prison-cell in + which she and Betta were shut up. She could not sleep, and when once she + succeeded in closing her eyes she was roused by the yells and clanking + chains of the captives in the common prison and the heavy step of another + sufferer who paced the room overhead, even more restless than herself. + </p> + <p> + Poor fellow-victim! Was it a tortured conscience that drove him hither and + thither, or was he as innocent as she was, and was it longing, love, and + anxiety that bereft him of sleep? + </p> + <p> + He was no vulgar criminal. There was no room for those in this part of the + building; and at midnight, when the noise in the large hall was suddenly + silenced, soft sounds of the lute came down to her from his cell, and only + a master could strike the strings with such skill. + </p> + <p> + She cared nothing for the stranger; but she was grateful for his gift of + music, for it diverted her thoughts from herself, and she listened with + growing interest. Glad of an excuse for rising from her hard, hot bed, she + sprang up and placed herself close to the one window, an opening barred + with iron. But then the music ceased and a conversation began between the + warder and her fellow-prisoner. + </p> + <p> + What voice was that? Did she deceive herself, or hear rightly? + </p> + <p> + Her heart stood still while she listened; and now every doubt was + silenced: It was Orion, and none other, whom she heard speaking in the + room above. Then the warder spoke his name; they were talking of her + deceased uncle; and now, as if in obedience to some sign, they lowered + their voices. She heard whispering but could not distinguish what was + said. At length parting words were uttered in louder tones, the door of + the cell was locked and the prisoner approached his window. + </p> + <p> + At this she pressed her face close to the heated iron bars, looked + upwards, listened a moment and, as nothing was stirring, she said, first + softly, and then rather louder: “Orion, Orion!” + </p> + <p> + And, from above, her name was spoken in reply. She greeted him and asked + how and when he had come hither; but he interrupted her at the first words + with a decisive: “Silence!” adding in a moment, “Look out!” + </p> + <p> + She listened in expectancy; the minutes crept on at a snail’s pace to a + full half hour before he at last said: “Now!” And, in a few moments, she + held in her hand a written scroll that he let down to her by a lutestring + weighted with a scrap of wood. + </p> + <p> + She had neither light nor fire, and the night was moonless. So she called + up “Dark!” and immediately added, as he had done: “Look out.” + </p> + <p> + She then tied to the string the two best roses of those Pulcheria had + brought her, and at her glad “Now!” they floated up. + </p> + <p> + He expressed his thanks in a few low chords overflowing with yearning and + passion; then all was still, for the warder had forbidden him to sing or + play at night and he dared not risk losing the man’s favor. + </p> + <p> + Paula laid down again with Orion’s letter in her hand, and when she felt + slumber stealing upon her, she pushed it under her pillow and ere long was + sleeping on it. When they both woke, soon after sunrise, they had been + dreaming of each other and gladly hailed the return of day. + </p> + <p> + How furious Orion had felt when the prison door closed upon him! He longed + to wrench the iron bars from the window and kick down or force the door; + and there is no more humiliating and enraging feeling for a man than that + of finding himself shut up like a wild beast, cut off from the world to + which he belongs and which he needs, both to give him all that makes life + worth having, and to receive such good as he can do and give. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday their dungeon had seemed a foretaste of hell, they had each been + on the verge of despair; to-day what different feelings animated them! + Orion had been the victim of blow on blow from Fate—Paula had looked + forward to his return with an anxious and aching heart; to-day how calm + were their souls, though both stood in peril of death. + </p> + <p> + The legend tells us that St. Cecilia, who was led away to the rack from + her marriage feast, even in the midst of the torments of martyrdom, + listened in ecstasy to heavenly music and sweet echoes of the organ; and + how many have had the same experience! In the extremity of anguish and + danger they find greater joys than in the midst of splendor, ease and the + intoxicating pleasures of life; for what we call happiness is the constant + guest of those who have within reach that for which their souls most + ardently long, irrespective of place and outward circumstances. + </p> + <p> + So these two in their prison were what they had not been for a long time: + full of heartfelt bliss; Paula with his letter, which he had begun at the + Kadi’s house, and in which he poured out his whole soul to her; Orion in + the possession of her roses, on which he feasted his eyes and heart, and + which lay before him while he wrote the following lines, which the + kindhearted warder willingly transmitted to her: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Lo! As night in its gloom and horror fell on my prison, + Methought the sun sank black, dark forever in death. + + I drew thy roses up, and behold! from their crimson petals + Beamed a glory of light, a glow as of sunshine and day! + + Love! Love is the star that rose with those fragrant flowers; + Rose, as Phoebus’ car comes up from the tossing waves. + + Is not the ardent flame of a heart that burns with passion + Like the sparkling glow-worm hid in the heart of the rose? + + While it yet was day, and we breathed in freedom and gladness, + While the sun still shone, that light seemed small and dim; + + But now, when night has fallen, sinister, dark, portentous, + Its kindly ray beams forth to raise our drooping souls. + + As seeds in the womb of earth break from the brooding darkness, + Or as the soul soars free, heaven-seeking from the grave, + + So the hopeless soil of a dungeon blossoms to rapture, + Blooms with roses of Love, more sweet than the wildling rose! +</pre> + <p> + And when had Paula ever felt happier than at the moment when this offering + from her lover, this humble prison-flower, first reached her. + </p> + <p> + Old Betta could not hear the verses too often, and cried with joy, not at + the poem, but at the wonderful change it had produced in her darling. + Paula was now the radiant being that she had been at home on the Lebanon; + and when she appeared before the assembled judges in the hall of justice + they gazed at her in amazement, for never had a woman on her trial for + life or death stood in their presence with eyes so full of happiness. And + yet she was in evil straits. The just and clement Kadi, himself the loving + father of daughters, felt a pang at his heart as he noted the delusive + confidence which so evidently filled the soul of this noble maiden. + </p> + <p> + Yes, she was in evil straits: a crushing piece of evidence was in their + hands, and the constitution of the court—which was in strict + conformity with the law must in itself be unfavorable to her. Her case was + to be tried by an equal number of Egyptians and of Arabs. The Moslems were + included because by her co-operation, Arabs had been slain; while Paula, + as a Christian and a resident in Memphis, came under the jurisdiction of + the Egyptians. + </p> + <p> + The Kadi presided, and experience had taught him that the Jacobite members + of the bench of judges kept the sentence of death in their sleeves when + the accused was of the Melchite confession. What had especially prejudiced + them against this beautiful creature he knew not; but he easily discovered + that they were hostile to the accused, and if they should utter the + verdict “guilty”, and only two Arabs should echo it, the girl’s fate was + sealed. + </p> + <p> + And what was the declaration which that whiterobed old man among the + witnesses desired to make—the venerable and learned Horapollo? The + glances he cast at Paula augured her no good. + </p> + <p> + It was so oppressively, so insufferably hot in the hall! Each one felt the + crushing influence, and in spite of the importance of the occasion, the + proceedings every now and then came to a stand-still and then were hurried + on again with unseemly haste. + </p> + <p> + The prisoner herself seemed happily to be quite fresh and not affected by + the sultriness of the day. It had cost her small effort to adhere to her + statement that she had had no share in the escape of the sisters, when + catechised by the ruffianly negro; but she found it hard to defy Othman’s + benevolent questioning. However, there was no choice, and she succeeded in + proving that she had never quitted Memphis nor the house of Rufinus at the + time when the Arab warriors met their death between Athribis and Doomiat. + The Kadi endeavored to turn this to account for her advantage and Obada, + who had found much to whisper over with his grey-headed neighbor on the + bench reserved for witnesses, let him talk; but no sooner had he ended + than the Vekeel rose and laid before the judges the note he had found in + Orion’s room. + </p> + <p> + It was undoubtedly in the young man’s handwriting and addressed to Paula, + and the final words: “But do not misunderstand me. Your noble, and only + too well-founded desire to lend succor to your fellow-believers would have + sufficed....” could not fail to make a deep impression. When the Kadi + questioned Paula, however, she replied with perfect truth that this + document was absolutely unknown to her; at the same time she did not deny + that the sisters of St. Cecilia, who were of her own confession, had + always had her warmest wishes, and that she had hoped they might succeed + in asserting their rights in opposition to the patriarch. + </p> + <p> + The deceased Mukaukas, and the Jacobite members of the town-council even, + had shared these feelings and the Arabs had never interfered with the + pious sicknurses. + </p> + <p> + The calm conciseness with which she made these statements had a favorable + effect, on her Moslem judges especially, and the Kadi began to have some + hopes for her; he desired that Orion should be called as being best able + to account for the meaning of the letter he had written but never sent. + </p> + <p> + On this the young man appeared, and though he and Paula did their utmost + to preserve a suitable demeanor, every one could see the violent agitation + they felt at meeting each other in such a situation. Horapollo never took + his eyes off Orion, whom he now saw for the first time, and his features + put on a darkening and menacing expression. + </p> + <p> + The young man acknowledged that he had written the letter in question, but + he and Paula alike referred it to the danger with which the sisterhood had + long been threatened from the patriarch’s hostility. The assistance which, + in that document, he had refused he would have afforded readily and + zealously at a later and fit season, and he could have counted on the aid + of the Arab governor Amru, who, as he would himself confirm, shared the + views of the Mukaukas George as to the nuns’ rights. + </p> + <p> + At this the old sage murmured loud enough to be heard: “Clever, very + clever!” and the Vekeel laughed aloud, exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “I call that a cunning way of lengthening your days! Be on your guard, my + lords. These two are partners in the game and are intimately allied. I + have proof of that in my own hands. That youngster takes as good care of + the damsel’s fortune as though it were his own already, and what is + more....” + </p> + <p> + Here Paula broke in. She did not know what the malicious man was going to + say, but it was something insulting beyond a doubt. And there stood Orion, + just as she had pictured him in moments of tender remembrance; she felt + his eye resting on her in ecstasy. To go up to him, to tell him all she + was feeling in this critical struggle for life or death, seemed + impossible; but as the Vekeel began to disclose to their judges matters + which concerned only herself and her lover, every impulse prompted her to + interpose and, in this fateful hour, to do her friend such service as she + once, like a coward, had shrank from. So with eager emotion, her eyes + flashing, she interrupted the negro “Stop!” she cried, “you are wasting + words and trouble. What you are trying to prove by subtlety I am proud and + glad to declare. Hear it, all of you. The son of the Mukaukas is my + betrothed!” + </p> + <p> + At the same time her eye sought to meet Orion’s. And thus, in the very + extremity of danger, they enjoyed a solemn moment of the purest, deepest + happiness. Paula’s eyes were moist with grateful tenderness, when Orion + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “You have heard from her own lips what makes the greatest bliss of my + life. The noble daughter of Thomas is my promised bride!” + </p> + <p> + There was a murmur among the Jacobite judges. ‘Till this moment several of + them, oppressed by the heat, had sat dreaming with their heads sunk on + their breasts, but now they were suddenly as wide-awake and alert as + though a jet of cold water had been turned on to them, and one cried out: + “And your father, young man? You have forgotten him in a hurry! What would + he have said to such a disgrace to his blood as your marriage to a + Melchite, the daughter of those who caused your two brothers to be + murdered? Oh! if the dead could....” + </p> + <p> + “He blessed our union on his death-bed,” Orion put in. + </p> + <p> + “Did he, indeed?” asked another Jacobite with sarcastic scorn. “Then the + patriarch was in the right when he refused to let the priests follow his + corpse. That I should live to be witness to such crimes!” + </p> + <p> + But such words fell on the ears of the enraptured pair like the chirping + of crickets. They felt, they cared for nothing but what this blissful + moment had brought them, and never suspected that Paula’s glad avowal had + sealed her death-warrant. + </p> + <p> + The wrath of the Jacobite faction now hastened the end. The prosecutor, an + Arab, now represented how many Moslems had lost their lives in the affair + of the nuns, and once more read Orion’s letter. His Christian colleagues + tried to prove that this document could only refer to the flight, so + ingeniously plotted, of the sisters; and now something quite new and + unlooked-for occurred, which gave a fresh turn to the proceedings: the old + man interrupted the Kadi to make a statement. At this Paula’s confidence + rose again for the last speaker had somewhat shaken it. She felt sure that + the tried friend and adoptive father of her faithful Philippus would take + her part. + </p> + <p> + But what was this? + </p> + <p> + The old man seemed to measure her height in a glance which struck to her + heart with its fierce enmity, and then he said deliberately: + </p> + <p> + “On the morning of the nuns’ flight the accused, Paula, went to the + convent and there tolled the bell. Contradict me if you can, proud + prefect’s daughter; but I warn you beforehand, that in that case, I shall + be compelled to bring forward fresh charges.” + </p> + <p> + At this the horror-stricken girl pictured to herself the widow and + daughter of Rufinus at her side on the condemned bench before the judges, + and felt that denial would drag her friends to destruction with her; with + quivering lips she confirmed the old man’s statement. + </p> + <p> + “And why did you toll the bell?” asked the Kadi. + </p> + <p> + “To help them,” replied Paula. “They are my fellow-believers, and I love + them.” + </p> + <p> + “She was the originator of the treasonable and bloody scheme,” cried the + Vekeel, “and did it for no other purpose than to cheat us, the rulers of + this country.” + </p> + <p> + The Kadi however signed to him to be silent and bid the Jacobite counsel + for the accused speak next. He had seen her early in the day, and came + forward in the Egyptian manner with a written defence in his hand; but it + was a dull formal performance and produced no effect; though the Kadi did + his utmost to give prominence to every point that might help to justify + her, she was pronounced guilty. + </p> + <p> + Still, could her crime be held worthy of death? It was amply proved that + she had had a hand in the rescue of the nuns; but it was no less clear + that she had been far enough away from the sisters and their defenders + when the struggle with the Arabs took place. And she was a woman, and how + pardonable it seemed in a pious maiden that she should help the + fellow-believers whom she loved to evade persecution. + </p> + <p> + All this Othman pointed out in eloquent words, repeatedly and sternly + silencing the Vekeel when he sought to argue in favor of the sentence of + death; and the humane persuasiveness of the lenient judge won the hearts + of most of the Moslems. + </p> + <p> + Paula’s appearance had a powerful effect, too, and not less the + circumstance that their noblest and bravest foe had been the father of the + accused. + </p> + <p> + When at length it was put to the vote the extraordinary result was that + all her fellow Christians—the Jacobites—without exception + demanded her death, while of the infidels on the judges’ bench only one + supported this severe meed of punishment. + </p> + <p> + Sentence was pronounced, and as the Vekeel Obada passed close to Orion—who + was led back to his cell pale and hardly master of himself—he said, + mocking him in broken Greek: “It will be your turn to-morrow, Son of the + Mukaukas!” + </p> + <p> + Orion’s lips framed the retort: “And yours, too, some day, Son of a + Slave!”—but Paula was standing opposite, and to avoid infuriating + her foe he was able to do what he never could have done else: to let the + Vekeel and Horapollo pass on without a word in reply. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the door was closed on this couple, Othman nodded approvingly + at Orion and said: + </p> + <p> + “Rightly and wisely done, my friend! The eagle should never forget that he + must not use his pinions in a cage as he does between the desert and the + sky.” + </p> + <p> + He signed to the guards to lead him away, and stood apart while the young + man looked and waived an adieu to his betrothed. + </p> + <p> + Finally the Kadi went up to Paula, whose heroic composure as she heard the + sentence of death had filled him with admiration. + </p> + <p> + “The court has decided against you, noble maiden,” he said. “But its + verdict can he overruled by the clemency of our Sovereign Lord the Khaliff + and the mercy of God the compassionate. Do you pray to Him—I and a + few friends will appeal to the Khaliff.” + </p> + <p> + He disclaimed her gratitude, and when she, too, had been led away he + added, in the figurative language of his nation, to the friends who were + waiting for him: + </p> + <p> + “My heart aches! To have to pronounce such a verdict oppressed me like a + load; but to have an Obada for a fellow Moslem and be bound to obey him—there + is no heavier lot on earth!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + The mysterious old sage had no sooner left the judgment-hall with the + Vekeel than he begged for a private interview. Obada did not hesitate to + turn the keeper of the prison, with his wife and infant, out of his room, + and there he listened while Horapollo informed him of the fate to which he + destined the condemned girl. The old man’s scheme certainly found favor + with the Negro; still, it seemed to him in many respects so daring that, + but for an equivalent service which Horapollo was in a position to offer + Obada, he would scarcely have succeeded in obtaining his consent. + </p> + <p> + All the Vekeel aimed at was to make it very certain that Orion had had a + hand in the flight of the nuns, and chance had placed a document in the + old man’s hands which seemed to set this beyond a doubt. + </p> + <p> + He had effected his removal to the widow’s dwelling in the cool hours of + early morning. He had taken with him, in the first instance, only the most + valuable and important of his manuscripts, and as he was placing these in + a small desk—the very same which Rufinus had left for Paula’s use—Horapollo + found in it the note which the youth had hastily written when, after + waiting in vain for Paula as she sat with little Mary, he had at last been + obliged to depart and take leave of Amru. This wax-tablet, on which the + writing was much defaced and partly illegible, could not fail to convince + the judges of Orion’s guilt, and the production of this piece of evidence + enabled the old man to extort Obada’s consent to his proposal as to the + mode of Paula’s death. When they finally left the warder’s room, the Negro + once more turned to the keeper of the prison and told him with a snort, as + he pointed to his pretty wife and the child at her breast, that they + should all three die if he allowed Orion to quit his cell for so much as + an instant. + </p> + <p> + He then swung himself on to his horse, while Horapollo rode off to the + Curia to desire the president of the council to call a meeting for that + evening; then he betook himself to his new quarters. + </p> + <p> + There he found his room carefully shaded, and as cool as was possible in + such heat. The floor had been sprinkled with water, flowers stood wherever + there was room for them, and all his properties in scrolls and other + matters had found places in chests or on shelves. There was not a speck of + dust to be seen, and a sweet pervading perfume greeted his sensitive + nostrils. + </p> + <p> + What a good exchange he had made! He rubbed his withered hands with + satisfaction as he seated himself in his accustomed chair, and when Mary + came to call him to dinner, it was a pleasure to him to jest with her. + </p> + <p> + Pulcheria must lead him through the viridarium into the dining-room; he + enjoyed his meal, and his cross, wrinkled old face lighted up amazingly as + he glanced round at his feminine associates; only Eudoxia was absent, + confined to her room by some slight ailment. He had something pleasant to + say to each; he frankly compared his former circumstances with his present + position, without disguising his heartfelt thankfulness; then, with a + merry glance at Pulcheria, he described how delightful it would be when + Philippus should come home to make the party complete—a true and + perfect star: for every Egyptian star must have five rays. The ancients + had never painted one otherwise nor graven it in stone; nay, they had used + it as the symbol for the number five. + </p> + <p> + At this Mary exclaimed: “But then I hope—I hope we shall make a + six-rayed star; for by that time poor Paula may be with us again!” + </p> + <p> + “God grant it!” sighed Dame Joanna. Pulcheria, however, asked the old man + what was wrong with him, for his face had suddenly clouded. His + cheerfulness had vanished, his tufted eyebrows were raised, and his + pinched lips seemed unwilling to part, when at length he reluctantly said: + </p> + <p> + “Nothing—nothing is wrong.... At the same time; once for all—I + loathe that name.” + </p> + <p> + “Paula?” cried the child in astonishment. “Oh! but if you knew...” + </p> + <p> + “I know more than enough,” interrupted the old man. “I love you all—all; + my old heart expands as I sit in your midst; I am comfortable here, I feel + kindly towards you, I am grateful to you; every little attention you show + me does me good; for it comes from your hearts: if I could repay you soon + and abundantly—I should grow young again with joy. You may believe + me, as I can see indeed that you do. And yet,” and again his brows went + up, “and yet, when I hear that name, and when you try to win me over to + that woman, or if you should even go so far as to assail my ears with her + praises—then, much as it would grieve me, I would go back again to + the place where I came from.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Horapollo, what are you saying?” cried Joanna, much distressed. + </p> + <p> + “I say,” the old man went on, “I say that in her everything is + concentrated which I most hate and contemn in her class. I say that she + bears in her bosom a cold and treacherous heart; that she blights my days + and my nights; in short, that I would rather be condemned to live under + the same roof with clammy reptiles and cold-blooded snakes than...” + </p> + <p> + “Than with her, with Paula?” Mary broke in. The eager little thing sprang + to her feet, her eyes flashed lightnings and her voice quivered with rage, + as she exclaimed: “And you not only say it but mean it? Is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + “Not only possible, but positive, sweetheart,” replied the old man, + putting out his hand to take hers, but she shrank back, exclaiming + vehemently: + </p> + <p> + “I will not be your sweetheart, if you speak so of her! A man as old as + you are ought to be just. You do not know her at all, and what you say + about her heart...” + </p> + <p> + “Gently, gently, child,” the widow put in; and Horapollo answered with + peculiar emphasis. + </p> + <p> + “That heart, my little whirlwind!—it would be well for us all if we + could forget it, forget it for good or for evil. She has been tried + to-day, and that heart is sentenced to cease beating.” + </p> + <p> + “Sentenced! Merciful Heaven!” shrieked Pulcheria, and as she started up + her mother cried out: + </p> + <p> + “For God’s sake do not jest about such things, it is a sin.—Is it + true?—Is it possible? Those wretches, those... I see in your face it + is true; they have condemned Paula.” + </p> + <p> + “As you say,” replied Horapollo calmly. “The girl is to be executed.” + </p> + <p> + “And you only tell us now?” wept Pulcheria, while Mary broke out: + </p> + <p> + “And yet you have been able to jest and laugh, and you—I hate you! + And if you were not such a helpless, old, old man...” But here Joanna + again silenced the child, and she asked between her sobs: + </p> + <p> + “Executed?—Will they cut off her head? And is there no mercy for her + who was as far away from that luckless fight as we were—for her, a + girl, and the daughter of Thomas?” + </p> + <p> + To which the old man replied: + </p> + <p> + “Wait a while, only wait! Heaven has perhaps chosen her for great ends. + She may be destined to save a whole country and nation from destruction by + her death. It is even possible...” + </p> + <p> + “Speak out plainly; you make me shudder with your oracular hints,” cried + the widow; but he only shrugged his shoulders and said coolly: + </p> + <p> + “What we foresee is not yet known. Heaven alone can decide in such a case. + It will be well for us all—for me, for her, for Pulcheria, and even + our absent Philip, if the divinity selects her as its instrument. But who + can see into darkness? If it is any comfort to you, Joanna, I can inform + you that the soft-hearted Kadi and his Arab colleagues, out of sheer + hatred of the Vekeel, who is immeasurably their superior in talent and + strength of will, will do everything in their power....” “To save her?” + exclaimed the widow. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow they will hold council and decide whether to send a messenger + to Medina to implore pardon for her,” Horapollo went on with a horrible + smile. “The day after they will discuss who the messenger is to be, and + before he can reach Arabia fate will have overtaken the prisoner. The + Vekeel Obada moves faster than they do, and the power lies in his hands so + long as Amru is absent from Egypt. He, they say, perfectly dotes on the + Mukaukas’ son, and for his sake—who knows? Paula as his betrothed.” + </p> + <p> + “His betrothed?” + </p> + <p> + “He called her by that name before the judges, and congratulated himself + on his promised bride.” + </p> + <p> + “Paula and Orion!” cried Pulcheria, jubilant in the midst of her tears, + and clapping her hands for joy. + </p> + <p> + “A pair indeed!” said the old man. “You may well rejoice, my girl! Feeble + hearts as you all are, respect the experience of the aged, and bless Fate + if it should lame the horse of the Kadi’s messenger!—However, you + will not listen to anything oracular, so it will be better to talk of + something else.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” cried Joanna. “What can we think of but her and her fate? Oh, + Horapollo, I do not know you in this mood. What has that poor soul done to + you, persecuted as she is by the hardest fate—that noble creature + who is so dear to us all? And do you forget that the judges who have + sentenced her will now proceed to enquire what Rufinus, and we all of + us...” + </p> + <p> + “What you had to do with that mad scheme of rescue?” interrupted + Horapollo. “I will make it my business to prevent that. So long as this + old brain is able to think, and this mouth to speak, not a hair of your + heads shall be hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “We are grateful to you,” said Joanna. “But, if you have such power, set + to work—you know how dear Paula is to us all, how highly your friend + Philip esteems her—use your power to save her.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no power, and refuse to have any,” retorted the old man harshly. + </p> + <p> + “But Horapollo, Horapollo!—Come here, children!—We were to + find in you a second father—so you promised. Then prove that those + were no empty words, and be entreated by us.” + </p> + <p> + The old man drew a deep breath; he rose to his feet with such vigor as he + could command, a bright, sharply-defined patch of color tinged each pale + cheek, and he exclaimed in husky tones: + </p> + <p> + “Not another word! No attempt to move me, not a cry of lamentation! + Enough, and a thousand times too much, of that already. You have heard me, + and I now say again—me or Paula, Paula or me. Come what may in the + future, if you cannot so far control yourselves as never to mention her in + my presence, I—no, I do not swear, but when I have said a thing I + keep to it—I will go back to my old den and drag out life the richer + by a disappointment—or die, as my ruling goddess shall please.” + </p> + <p> + With this he left the room, and little Mary raised her clenched right fist + and shook it after him, exclaiming: “Then let him go, hard-hearted, + unjust, old scarecrow! Oh, if only I were a man!” And she burst out crying + aloud. Heedless of the widow’s reproof, she went on quite beside herself: + “Oh, there is no one more wicked than he is, Dame Joanna! He wants to see + her die, he wishes her to be dead; I know it, he even wishes it! Did you + hear him, Pul, he would be glad if the messenger’s horse went lame before + he could save her? And now she is my Orion’s betrothed—I always + meant them for each other—and they want to kill him, too, but they + shall not, if there is still a God of justice in heaven! Oh if I—if + I...” Her voice failed her, choked with sobs. When she had somewhat + recovered she implored Pulcheria and her mother to take her to see Paula, + and as they shared her wish they prepared to start for the prison before + it should grow dark. + </p> + <p> + The nearer they went to the market-place, which they must cross, the more + crowded were the streets. Every one was going the same way; the throng + almost carried the women with it; yet, from the market came, as it were, a + contrary torrent of shouts and shrieks from a myriad of human throats. + Dame Joanna was terrified in the press by the uproarious doings in the + market, and she would gladly have turned back with the girls, or have made + her way through by-streets, but the tide bore her on, and it would have + been easier to swim against a swollen mountain stream than to return home. + Thus they soon reached the square, but there they were brought to a + standstill in the crush. + </p> + <p> + The widow’s terrors now increased. It was dreadful to be kept fast with + the young people in such a mob. Pulcheria clung closely to her, and when + she bid Mary take her hand the child, who thoroughly enjoyed the + adventure, exclaimed: “Only look, Mother Joanna, there is our Rustem. He + is taller than any one.” + </p> + <p> + “If only he were by our side!” sighed the widow. At this the little girl + snatched away her hand, made her way with the nimbleness of a squirrel + through the mass of men, and soon had reached the Masdakite. Rustem had + not yet quitted Memphis, for the first caravan, which he and his little + wife were to join, was not to start for a few days. The worthy Persian and + Mary were very good friends; as soon as he heard that his benefactress was + alarmed he pushed his way to her, with the child, and the widow breathed + more freely when he offered to remain near her and protect her. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the yelling and shouting were louder than ever. Every face, + every eye was turned to the Curia, in the evident expectation of something + great and strange taking place there. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked Mary, pulling at Rustem’s coat. The giant said + nothing, but he stooped, and to her delight, a moment later she had her + feet on his arms, which he folded across his chest, and was settling + herself on his broad shoulder whence she could survey men and things as + from a tower. Joanna laid her hand in some tremor on the child’s little + feet, but Mary called down to her: “Mother—Pulcheria—I am + quite sure our old Horapollo’s white ass is standing in front of the + Curia, and they are putting a garland round the beast’s neck—a + garland of olive.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the blare of a tuba rang out from the Senate-house across + the square, through the suffocatingly hot, quivering air; a sudden silence + fell and spread till, when a man opened his mouth to shout or to speak, a + neighbor gave him a shove and bid him hold his tongue. At this the widow + held Mary’s ankles more tightly, asking, while she wiped the drops from + her brow: + </p> + <p> + “What is going on?” and the child answered quickly, never taking her eyes + off the scene: + </p> + <p> + “Look, look up at the balcony of the Curia; there stands the chief of the + Senate—Alexander the dyer of purple—he often used to come to + see my grandfather, and grandmother could not bear his wife. And by his + side—do you not see who the man is close by him? + </p> + <p> + “It is old Horapollo. He is taking the laurel-crown off his wig!—Alexander + is going to speak.” + </p> + <p> + She was interrupted by another trumpet call, and immediately after a loud, + manly voice was heard from the Curia, while the silence was so profound + that even the widow and her daughter lost very little of the speech which + followed: + </p> + <p> + “Fellow-citizens, Memphites, and comrades in misfortune,” the president + began in slow, ringing tones, “you know what the sufferings are which we + all share. There is not a woe that has not befallen us, and even worse + loom before us.” + </p> + <p> + The crowd expressed their agreement by a fearful outcry, but they were + reduced to silence by the sound of the tuba, and the speaker went on: + </p> + <p> + “We, the Senate, the fathers of the city, whom you have entrusted with the + care of your persons and your welfare...” + </p> + <p> + At this point he was interrupted by wild yells, and cries could be + distinguished of: “Then take care of us—do your duty!” + </p> + <p> + “Money bags!” + </p> + <p> + “Keep your pledge!” + </p> + <p> + “Save us from destruction!” + </p> + <p> + The trumpet call, however, again silenced them, and the speaker went on, + almost beside himself with vehement excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Hearken! Do not interrupt me! The dearth and misery fall on our heads as + much as on yours. My own wife and son died of the plague last night!” + </p> + <p> + At this only a low murmur ran through the crowd, and it died away of its + own accord as the dignified old man on the balcony wiped his eyes and went + on: + </p> + <p> + “If there is a single man among you who can prove us guilty of neglect—a + man, woman, or child—let him accuse us before God, before our new + ruler the Khaliff, and yourselves, the citizens of Memphis; but not now, + my fellow-sufferers, not now! At this time cease your cries and + lamentations; now when rescue is in sight. Listen to me, and let us know + what you feel with regard to the last and uttermost means of deliverance + which I now come to propose to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Silence! Hear him! Down with the noisy ones!” was heard on all sides, and + the orator went on: + </p> + <p> + “We, as Christians, in the first instance addressed ourselves to our + Father in Heaven, to our one and only divine Redeemer, and to His Holy + Church to aid us; and I ask you: Has there been any lack of prayers, + processions, pilgrimages, and pious gifts? No, no, my beloved + fellow-citizens! Each one be my witness—certainly not! But Heaven + has remained blind and deaf and dumb in sight of our need, yea as though + paralyzed. And yet no; not indeed paralyzed, for it has been powerful and + swift to move only to heap new woes upon us. Not a thing that human + foresight and prudence could devise or execute has remained untried. + </p> + <p> + “The time-honored arts of the magicians, sorcerers, and diviners, which + aforetime have often availed to break the powers of evil spirits, have + proved no less delusive and ineffectual. So then we remembered our + glorious forefathers and ancestors, and we recollected that a man lives in + our midst who knew many things which we others have lost sight of in the + lapse of years. He has made the wisdom of our forefathers his own in the + course of a long life of laborious days and nights. He has the key to the + writing and the secrets of the ancients, and he has communicated to us the + means of deliverance to which they resorted, when they suffered from such + afflictions as have befallen us in these dreadful days; and this venerable + man at my side, the wise and truthful Horapollo, will acquaint us with it. + You see the antique scrolls in his hand: They teach us the wonders it + wrought in times past.” + </p> + <p> + Here the speaker was interrupted by a cry of: “Hail Horapollo, the + Deliverer!” and thousands took it up and expressed their satisfaction and + gratitude by loud shouting. + </p> + <p> + The old man bowed modestly, pointed to his narrow chest and toothless + mouth and then to the head of the Council as the man who had undertaken to + transmit his opinion to the populace; so Alexander went on: + </p> + <p> + “Great favors, my friends and fellow-citizens, must be purchased by great + gifts. The ancients knew this, and when the river—on which, as we + know only too well, the weal or woe of this land solely depends—refused + to rise, and its low ebb brought evils of many kinds upon its banks, they + offered in sacrifice the thing they deemed most noble of all the earth has + to show a pure and beautiful maiden. + </p> + <p> + “It is just as we expected: you are horrified! I hear your murmur, I see + your horror-stricken faces; how can a Christian fail to be shocked at the + thought of such a victim? But is it indeed so extraordinary? Have we ever + wholly given up everything of the kind? Which of us does not entreat Saint + Orion, either at home or under the guidance of the priests in church, + whenever he craves a gift from our splendid river; and this very year as + usual, on the Night of Dropping, did we not cast into the waters a little + box containing a human finger. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [So late as in the XIV. century after Christ the Egyptian Christians + still threw a small casket containing a human finger into the Nile + to induce it to rise. This is confirmed by the trustworthy + Makrizi.] +</pre> + <p> + “This lesser offering takes the place of the greater and more precious + sacrifice of the heathen; it has been offered, and its necessity has never + at any time been questioned; even the severest and holiest luminaries of + the Church—Antonius and Athanasius, Theophilus and Cyrillus had + nothing to say against it, and year after year it has been thrown into the + waters under their very eyes. + </p> + <p> + “A finger in a box! What a miserable exchange for the fairest and purest + that God has allowed to move on earth among men. Can we wonder if the + Almighty has at last disdained and rejected the wretched substitute, and + claims once more for His Nile that which was formerly given? But where is + the mother, where is the father, you will ask, who, in our selfish days, + is so penetrated with love for his country, his province, his native town, + that he will dedicate his virgin daughter to perish in the waters for the + common good? What daughter of our nation is ready of her own free will to + die for the salvation of others? + </p> + <p> + “But be not afraid. Have no fears for the growing maiden, the very apple + of your eye, in your women’s rooms. Fear not for your granddaughters, + sisters, playfellows and betrothed: From the earliest ages a stringent law + forbade the sacrifice of Egyptian blood; strangers were to perish, or + those who worshipped other gods than those in Egypt. + </p> + <p> + “The same law, citizens and fellow-believers, is incumbent on us. And mark + me well, all of you! Would it not seem as though Fate desired to help us + to bring to our blessed Nile the offering which for so many centuries has + been withheld? The river claims it; and, as if by a miracle, it has been + brought to our hand. For a crime which does not taint her purity our + judges have to-day condemned to death a beautiful and spotless maiden—a + stranger, and at the same time a Greek and a heretic Melchite. + </p> + <p> + “This stirs you, this fills your souls with joyful thankfulness; I see it! + Then make ready for thy bridal, noble stream, Benefactor of our land and + nation! The virgin, the bride that thou hast longed for, we deck for thee, + we lead to thine embrace—she shall be Thine! + </p> + <p> + “And you, Memphites, citizens and fellow-sufferers,” and the orator leaned + far over the parapet towards the crowd, “when I ask you for your + suffrages, when I appeal to you in the name of the senate, and of this + venerable sage....” + </p> + <p> + But here he was interrupted by the triumphant shout of the assembled + multitude; a thousand voices went up in a mighty, heaven-rending cry: + </p> + <p> + “To the Nile with her—the maiden to the Nile!” + </p> + <p> + “Marry the Melchite to the river! Bring wreaths for the bride of the Nile, + bring flowers for her marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us abide by the teaching of our fathers!” + </p> + <p> + “Hail to the councillor! Hail to the sage, Horapollo! Hail to our chief + Senator!” + </p> + <p> + These were the glad and enthusiastic shouts that rose in loud confusion; + and it was only on the north side, where the money-changers’ tables now + stood deserted-for gold and silver had long since been placed in safety—that + a sinister murmur of dissent was heard. The little girl in the Persian’s + arms had long since been breathing hard and deep. She thought she knew + whom that fiend up there had his eye upon for his cursed heathen + sacrifice; and as Mary bent down to Dame Joanna to see whether she shared + her hideous suspicion, she perceived that her eyes and Pulcheria’s were + full of tears.—That was enough; she asked no questions, for a new + act in the drama claimed her attention. + </p> + <p> + Close to the money-changer’s stalls a hand was lifted on high, holding a + crucifix, and the child could see it steadily progressing through the + crowd towards the Curia. Every one made way for the sacred symbol and the + bearer of it; and to Mary’s fancy the throng parted on each side of the + advancing image of the Redeemer, as the waters of the Red Sea had parted + at the approach of the people of God. The murmurs in that part of the + square grew louder; the acclamations of the populace waxed fainter; every + voice seemed to fail, and presently a frail figure in bishop’s robes, + small but rigidly dignified, was seen to mount the steps and finally + disappear within the portals of the Curia. + </p> + <p> + The turmoil sank like an ebbing wave to a low, enquiring mutter, and even + this died away when the diminutive personage, who looked the taller, + however, for the crucifix which he still held, came out on the balcony, + approached the parapet, and stretched forth the arm that held the image + above the heads of the foremost rows of the people. + </p> + <p> + At this Horapollo stepped up to Alexander, his eyes flashing with rage, + and demanded that the intruder should be forbidden to speak; but the + commanding eye of the new-comer rested on the dyer, who bowed his head and + allowed him to proceed. Nor did one of the senators dare to hinder him, + for every one recognized him as the zealous, learned, and determined + priest who had, since yesterday, filled the place of the deceased bishop. + </p> + <p> + Their new pastor began, addressing his flock in as loud a voice as he + could command: + </p> + <p> + “Look on this Cross and hearken to its minister! You languish for the + blessing of Christ, and you follow after heathen abominations. The + superstitious triumph, through which I have struggled to reach you, will + be turned to howls of anguish if you stop your ears and are deaf to the + words of salvation. + </p> + <p> + “Yea, you may murmur! You will not reduce me to silence, for Truth speaks + in me and can never be dumb. I say to each of you that knows it not: The + staff of the departed Plotinus has been placed in my hands. I would fain + bear it with gentleness and mercy; but, if I must, I will wield it as a + sword and a scourge till your wounds bleed and your bruises ache. + </p> + <p> + “Behold in my right hand the image of your Redeemer! I hold it up as a + wall between you and the heathen abomination which you hail with joy in + your blindness. + </p> + <p> + “Ye are accursed and apostate. Lift up your hearts, and look at Him who + died on the cross to save you. Verily He will not let him perish who + believeth in Him; but you! where is your faith? Because it is night ye + lament and cry: The Light is dead!’ Because ye are sick ye say: ‘The + physician cannot heal!’ + </p> + <p> + “What are these blasphemies that I hear: ‘The Lord and His Church are + powerless! Magic, enchantments, and heathen abominations may save us.’—But, + inasmuch as ye trust not in the true Saviour and Redeemer, but in heathen + wickedness, magic, and enchantments, punishment shall be heaped on + punishment; and so it will be,—I see it coming—till ye are + choked in the mud and seek with groans the only Hand that is able to save. + </p> + <p> + “That whereby the blinded sons of men hope to escape from the evil, that, + and that only, is the source of their sufferings and I stand here to stay + that spring and dig a channel for its overflow. + </p> + <p> + “Children of Moloch ye try to be and I hope to make you Christians again. + But the maiden whom your fury would cast into the abyss of the river is + under the merciful protection of the supreme Church, for the death of her + body will bring death to your souls. Saint Orion turns from you with + horror! Away from the hapless victim! Away, I say, with your accursed + desires and sacrilegious hands!” + </p> + <p> + “And sit with them in our laps and wring them in prayer till they ache, + while want and the plague snatch away those that are left!” interrupted + the old man’s voice, thin and feeble, but audible at a considerable + distance, and from the market-place thousands proclaimed their approval by + loud shouts. + </p> + <p> + The president of the senate had listened with a penitent mien and bowed + head, but now he recovered his presence of mind and exclaimed indignantly: + </p> + <p> + “The people die, the town and country are going to ruin, plague and + horrors rise up from the river. Show us some other way of escape, or let + us trust to our forefathers and try this last means.” + </p> + <p> + But the little man drew himself up more stiffly, pointed with his left + hand to the crucifix, and cried with unmoved composure: + </p> + <p> + “Believe, hope, and pray!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you think that no evil is come upon us!” cried Alexander. “You, + to be sure, have seen no wife with glazing eyes, no child struggling for + breath....” And a fresh tumult came up from below, wilder and louder than + ever. Each one whose home or beasts had been blighted by death, whose + gardens and fields had perished of drought, whose dates had dropped one by + one from the trees, lifted up his voice and shrieked: + </p> + <p> + “The victim, the victim!” + </p> + <p> + “To the river with the maiden!” + </p> + <p> + “All hail to our deliverer, the wise Horapollo!” But others shouted + against them: + </p> + <p> + “Let us remain Christians! Hail to Bishop John!” + </p> + <p> + “Think of our souls!” + </p> + <p> + The prelate made an effort once more to rivet the attention of the + populace, and failing in this he turned to the senators and the + trumpeters, whom at length he succeeded in persuading to blow again and + again, and more loudly through their brazen tuba. But the call produced no + effect, for in the market square groups had formed on opposite sides, and + blows and wrestling threatened to end in a sanguinary street-riot. + </p> + <p> + The women succeeded in getting away from the scene of action under the + protection of the Masdakite, before the Arab cavalry rode across to + separate the combatants; but in the Curia Bishop John explained to the + Fathers that he would make every effort to prevent this inhuman and + unchristian sacrifice of a young girl, even though she was a Melchite and + under sentence of death. This very day a carrier pigeon should be + dispatched to the patriarch in Upper Egypt, and bring back his decision. + </p> + <p> + When, on this, Horapollo replied that the Khaliff’s representative here + had signified his consent to the proceedings, and that even against the + will of the clergy the misery of the people must be put an end to, the + Bishop broke out vehemently and threatened all who had first suggested + this hideous scheme with the anathema of the Church. But Horapollo + retorted again with flaming eloquence, the desperate Senators took his + part, and the Bishop left the Curia in the highest wrath. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> + <p> + Few things could be more intolerable to the gentle and retiring widow than + such a riot of the people. The unchained passion, the tumult, and all the + vulgar accessories that surrounded her there grieved her tender nature; + all through the old man’s speech she had felt nothing but the desire to + escape, but as soon as she had acquired the certainty that Paula was the + hapless being whom her terrible house-mate was preparing to hand over to + the superstition of the mob, she thought no more of getting home, but + waited in the crush till at length she and the two children could be + conducted by Rustem to the prison, though the way thither was through the + most crowded streets. + </p> + <p> + Had the nameless horrors that hung over Paula already found their way to + her ears through the prisonwalls, or might it yet be her privilege to be + able to prepare the girl for the worst, and to comfort the victim who must + already have been driven to the verge of desperation by the sentence of + death? + </p> + <p> + On the previous day the chief warder had acceded without demur to her wish + to see Paula, for the Kadi had enjoined him to show her and Orion all + possible courtesy, but the Vekeel’s threats made him now refuse to admit + Dame Joanna. However, while he was talking with her, his infant son + stretched out his arms to Pulcheria, who had played with him the day + before in her sweet way, and she now took him up and kissed him, thus + bringing a kindly feeling to three hearts at once; and most of all to that + of the child’s mother who immediately interested herself for them, and + persuaded her husband to oblige them once more. + </p> + <p> + Pretty Emau had always waited on the mirthful Orion, under the palms by + her father’s inn, more gladly than on most other guests; and her husband + who, after the manner of the Egyptians, was docile to his better half + though till now he had not been quite free from jealousy, was even more + ready to serve his benefactor’s son since hearing that he was betrothed to + the fair Paula. + </p> + <p> + There was a great uproar in the large common prison to-day, as usual when + the judges had passed sentence of death on any criminal, and the women + shuddered as the miserable wretches hallooed and bellowed. Many a shriek + came up, of which it was hard to say whether it was the expression of wild + defiance or of bitter jesting, and no more suitable accompaniment could be + conceived to this terrific riot than the clank of chains. + </p> + <p> + When the women reached Paula’s cell their hearts throbbed painfully, for + within the door which the warder unlocked anguish and despair must dwell. + </p> + <p> + The prisoner was standing at the window, pressing her brow against the + iron bars and listening to the lute played by her lover, which sounded, + amid the turmoil of the other prisoners, like a bell above the roar of + thunder and the storm. By the bed sat Betta on a low stool, asleep with + the distaff in her lap; and neither she nor her mistress heeded the + entrance of the visitors. A miserable lamp lighted the squalid room. + </p> + <p> + Mary would have flown to her friend, but Joanna held her back and called + Paula tenderly by name in a low voice. But Paula did not hear; her soul + was no doubt absorbed in anguish and the terror of death. The widow now + raised her voice, and the ill-fated girl turned round; then, with a little + cry of joy, she hastened to meet the faithful creatures who could find her + even in prison, and clasped first the widow, then Pulcheria, then the + child in a tender embrace. Joanna put her hands fondly round her face to + kiss it, and to see how far fear and affliction had altered her lovely + features, and a faint cry of astonishment escaped her, for she was + looking, not at a grief and terror-stricken face, but a glad and calm one, + and a pair of large eyes looked brightly and gratefully into hers. + </p> + <p> + Had she not been told then what was hanging over her? Nay—for she at + once asked whether they had heard that she was condemned to die. And she + went on to tell them how things had gone with her at her trial, and how + her good Philip’s friend and foster-father had suddenly and inexplicably + become her bitterest foe. + </p> + <p> + At this the others could not check their tears; it was Paula who had to + comfort and soothe them, by telling them that she had found a paternal + friend in the Kadi who had promised to intercede for her with the Khaliff. + </p> + <p> + Dame Joanna could scarcely take it all in. This girl and her heroic + demeanor, in the face of such disaster, seemed to her miraculous. Her + trust was beautiful; but how easily might it be deceived! how insecure was + the ground in which she had cast the anchor of hope. + </p> + <p> + Even little Mary seemed more troubled than her friend, and threw herself + sobbing on her bosom. And Paula returned her fondness, and tried to + mollify Pulcheria as to the disgraceful conduct of their old housemate, + and smiled kindly at the widow when she asked where she had found such + composure in the face of so much misfortune, saying that it was from her + example that she had learnt resignation to the worst that could befall + her. Even in this dark hour she found more to be thankful for than to + lament over; indeed, it had brought her a glorious joy. And this for the + first time reminded Joanna and the girls that she was now betrothed, and + again she was clasped in their loving arms. + </p> + <p> + Just then the warder rapped; Paula rose thoughtfully, and exclaimed in a + low voice: “I have something to send to Orion that I dare not entrust to a + stranger: but now, now I have you, my Mary, and you shall take it to him.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she took out the emerald, gave it to the little girl, and + charged her to deliver it to her uncle as soon as they should be alone + together. In the little note which she had wrapped around it she implored + her lover to regard it as his own property, and to use it to satisfy the + claims of the Church. + </p> + <p> + The man was easily induced to take Mary to her uncle; and how happily she + ran on before him up to Orion’s cell, how great was his joy at seeing her + again, how gratefully he pressed the emerald to his lips! But when she + exclaimed that her prophecy had been fulfilled, and that Paula, was now + his, his brow was knit as he replied, with gloomy regret, that though he + had won the woman he loved, it was only to lose her again. + </p> + <p> + “But the Kadi is your friend and will gain pardon from the Khaliff!” cried + the child. + </p> + <p> + “But then another enemy suddenly starts up: Horapollo!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, our old man!” and the child ground her teeth. “If you did but know, + Orion!—And to think that I must live under the same roof with him!” + </p> + <p> + “You!” asked the young man. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I. And Pulcheria, and Mother Joanna,” and Mary went on to tell him + how the old man had come to live with them and Orion could guess from + various indications that she was concealing some important fact; so he + pressed her to keep nothing from him, till the child could not at last + evade telling him all she had seen and heard. + </p> + <p> + At this he lost all caution and self-control. Quite beside himself he + called aloud the name of his beloved, invoking in passionate tones the + return of the Governor Amru, the only man who could help them in this + crisis. His sole hope was in him. He had shown himself a real father to + him, and had set him a difficult but a noble task. + </p> + <p> + “Into which you have plunged over head and ears!” cried the child. + </p> + <p> + “I thought it all out while on my journey,” replied Orion. “I tried + yesterday to write out a first sketch of it, but I lacked what I most + wanted: maps and lists. Nilus had put them all up together; I was to have + taken them with me on the voyage with the nuns, and I ordered that they + should be carried to the house of Rufinus....” + </p> + <p> + “That they should come to us?” interrupted the child with sparkling eyes. + “Oh, they are all there! I saw the documents myself, when the chest was + cleared out for old Horapollo, and to-morrow, quite early to-morrow, you + shall have them.” Orion kissed her brow with glad haste; then, striking + the wall of his cell with his fist, he waited till something had been + withdrawn with a grating sound on the other side, and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Good news, Nilus! The plans and lists are found: I shall have them + to-morrow!” + </p> + <p> + “That is well!” replied the treasurer’s thin voice from the adjoining + room. “We shall need something to comfort us! A prisoner has just been + brought in for having attacked an Arab horseman in a riot in the market + square. He tells me some dreadful news.” + </p> + <p> + “Concerning my betrothed?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! yes, my lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I know it already,” replied the young man; and after exchanging a + few words with his master with reference to the old man’s atrocious + proposal, Nilus went on: + </p> + <p> + “My prison-mate tells me, too, that while he was in custody in the + guard-house the Arabs were speaking of a messenger from the governor + announcing his arrival at Medina, and also that he intended making only a + short stay there. So we may expect his return before long.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he will have started long before the Kadi’s messenger can have + arrived and laid the petition for pardon before the Khaliff!—We have + no hope but in Amru; if only we could send information to him on his + way....” + </p> + <p> + “He would certainly not tarry in Upper Egypt, but hasten his journey, or + send on a plenipotentiary,” said the voice on the other side of the wall. + “If we had but a trusty man to despatch! Our people are scattered to the + four winds, and to hunt them up now....” + </p> + <p> + At this Mary’s childish tones broke in with: “I can find a messenger.” + </p> + <p> + “You? What are you thinking of, child?” said Orion. She did not heed his + remonstrance, but went on eagerly, quite sure of her own meaning: + </p> + <p> + “He shall be told everything, everything! Ought he to know what I heard + about your share in the flight of the sisters?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; on no account!” cried Nilus and his master both at once; and Mary + understood that her proposition was accepted. She clapped her hands, and + exclaimed full of enterprise and with glowing cheeks: + </p> + <p> + “The messenger shall start to-morrow; rely on me. I can do it as well as + the greatest. And now tell me exactly the road he is to take. To make + sure, write the names of the stages on my little tablet.—But wait, I + must rub it smooth.” + </p> + <p> + “What is this on the wax?” asked Orion. “A large heart with squares all + over it.—And that means?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! mere nonsense,” said the child somewhat abashed. “It was only to show + how my heart was divided among the persons I love. A whole half of it + belongs to Paula, this quarter is yours; but there, there, there,” and at + each word she prodded the wax with the stylus, “that is where I had kept a + little corner for old Horapollo. He had better not come in my way again!” + </p> + <p> + Her nimble fingers smoothed the wax, and over the effaced heart—a + child’s whim—Orion wrote things on which the lives of two human + beings depended. He did so with sincere confidence in his little ally’s + adroitness and fidelity. Early next morning she was to receive a letter to + be conveyed to Amru by the messengers. + </p> + <p> + “But a rapid journey costs money, and Amru always chooses the road by the + mountains and Berenice,” observed the treasurer. “If we put together our + last gold pieces they will hardly suffice.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep them, you will want them here,” said the little girl. “And yet—there + are my pearls, to be sure, and my mother’s jewels—at the same + time....” + </p> + <p> + “You ought never to part from such things, you heart of gold!” cried + Orion. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, yes! What do I want with them? But Dame Joanna has my mother’s + things in her keeping.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are afraid to ask her for them?” asked the young man. He appealed + to Nilus, and when the treasurer had calculated the cost, Orion took off a + costly sapphire ring, which he gave to Mary, charging her to hand it to + Joanna. Gamaliel, the Jew, would lend her as much as she would require on + this gem. Mary joyfully took possession of the ring; but presently, when + the warder appeared to fetch her, her satisfaction suddenly turned to no + less vehement grief, and she took leave of Orion as if they were parting + for ever. + </p> + <p> + In the passage leading to Paula’s cell the man suddenly stood still: some + one was approaching up the stairs.—If it should be the black Vekeel, + and he should find visitors in the prison at so late an hour! + </p> + <p> + But no. Two lamps were borne in front of the new-comers, and by their + light the warder recognized John, the new Bishop of Memphis, who had often + been here before now to console prisoners. + </p> + <p> + He had come to-night prompted by his desire to see the condemned Melchite. + Mary’s dress and demeanor betrayed at once that she could not belong to + any official employed here; and, as soon as he had learnt who she was, he + whispered to his companion, an aged deacon who always accompanied him when + he visited a female prisoner: “We find her here!” And when he had + ascertained with whom the child had come hither at so late an hour, he + turned again to his colleague and added in a low voice: + </p> + <p> + “The wife and daughter of Rufinus! Just so: I have long had my eye on + these Greeks. In church once or twice every year!—Melchites in + disguise! Allied with this Melchite! And this is the school in which the + Mukaukas’ granddaughter is growing up! An abominable trick! Benjamin + judged rightly, as he always did!” Then, in a subdued voice, he asked: + </p> + <p> + “Shall we take her away with us at once?” But, as the deacon made + objections, he hastily replied: “You are right; for the present it is + enough that we know where she is to be found.” + </p> + <p> + The warder meanwhile had opened Paula’s cell; before the bishop went in he + spoke a few kind words to the child, asking her whether she did not long + to see her mother; and when Mary replied: “Very often!” he stroked her + hair with his bony hand and said: + </p> + <p> + “So I thought.—You have a pretty name, child, and you, like your + mother, will perhaps ere long dedicate your life to the Blessed among + women, whose name you bear.” And, holding the little girl by the hand, he + entered the cell. While Paula looked in amazement at the prelate who came + so late a visitor, Joanna and Pulcheria recognized him as the brave + ecclesiastic who had so valiantly opposed the old sage and the misled + populace, and they bowed with deep reverence. This the bishop observed, + and came to the conclusion that these Greeks perhaps after all belonged to + his Church. At any rate, the child might safely be left in their care a + few days longer. + </p> + <p> + After he had exchanged a few cordial words with them the widow prepared to + withdraw, and was about to take leave when he went up to her and announced + that he would pay her a visit the next day or the day after; that he + wished to speak with her of matters involving the happiness of one who was + dear to them both, and Dame Joanna, believing that he referred to Paula, + whispered: + </p> + <p> + “She has no idea as yet of the terrible fate the people have in store for + her. If possible, spare her the fearful truth before she sleeps this + night.” + </p> + <p> + “If possible,” repeated the prelate. Then, as Mary kissed his hand before + leaving, he drew her to him and said: “Like the Infant Christ, every + Christian child is the Mother’s. You, Mary, are chosen before thousands! + The Lord took your father to himself as a martyr; your mother has + dedicated herself to Heaven. Your road is marked out for you, child, + reflect on this. To-morrow-no, the day after, I will see you and guide you + in the new path.” + </p> + <p> + At these words Joanna turned pale. She now understood what the bishop’s + purpose was in calling on her. At the bottom of the stairs, she threw her + arms round the child and asked her in—a low voice: “Do you pine for + the cloister—do you wish to go away from us like your mother, to + think of nothing but saving your soul, to live a nun in the holy seclusion + which Pulcheria has described to you so often?” + </p> + <p> + But this the child positively denied; and as Joanna’s head drooped + anxiously and sadly, Mary looked up brightly and exclaimed: “Never fear, + Mother dear! Things will have altered greatly by the day after tomorrow. + Let the bishop come! I shall be a match for him!—Oh! you do not know + me yet. I have been like a lamb among you through all this misfortune and + serious trouble; but there is something more in me than that. You will be + quite astonished!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay. Remain what you are,” the widow said. + </p> + <p> + “Always and ever full of love for you and Pul. But I am a grand and + trusted person now! I have something very important to do for Orion + to-morrow. Something—Rustem will go with me.—Important, very + important, Mother Joanna. But what it is I must not tell—not even + you!” + </p> + <p> + Here she was interrupted, for the heavy prison door opened for their exit. + </p> + <p> + It was many hours before it was again unlocked to let out the bishop, so + long was he detained talking to Paula in her cell. + </p> + <p> + To his enquiry as to whether she was an orthodox Greek, or as the common + people called it, a Melchite, she replied that she was the latter; adding + that, if he had come with a view to perverting her from the confession of + her forefathers, his visit was thrown away; at the same time she + reverenced him as a Christian and a priest; as a learned man, and the + friend whom her deceased uncle had esteemed above every other minister of + his confession; she was gladly ready to disclose to him all that lay on + her soul in the face of death. He looked into the pure, calm face; and + though, at her first declaration, he had felt prompted to threaten her + with the hideous end which he had but just done his utmost to avert, he + now remembered the Greek widow’s request and bound himself to keep + silence. + </p> + <p> + He allowed her to talk till midnight, giving him the whole history of all + she had known of joy and sorrow in the course of her young life; his keen + insight searched her soul, his pious heart rose to meet the strength and + courage of hers; and when he quitted her, as he walked home with the + deacon, the first words with which he broke a long silence were: + </p> + <p> + “While you were asleep, God vouchsafed me an edifying hour through that + heretic child of earth.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> + <p> + When the door in the tall prison-wall was closed behind the women, Joanna + made her way through streets still sultry under the silence of the night, + Rustem following with the child. + </p> + <p> + The giant’s good heart was devoted to Mary, and he often passed his huge + hand over his eyes while she told him all that the scene they had + witnessed meant, and the fearful end that threatened Paula. He broke in + now and again, giving utterance to his grief and wrath in strange, natural + sounds; for he looked up to his beautiful sick nurse as to a superior + being, and Mandane, too, had often remarked that they could never forget + all that the noble maiden had done for them. + </p> + <p> + “If only,” Rustem cried at length, clenching his powerful fist, “If only I + could—they should see...” and the child looked up with shrewd, + imploring eyes, exclaiming eagerly: + </p> + <p> + “But you could, Rustem, you could!” + </p> + <p> + “I?” asked Rustem in surprise, and he shook his head doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you, Rustem; you of all men. We were talking over something in the + prison, and if only you were ready and willing to help us in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Willing!” laughed the worthy fellow striking his heart; and he went on in + his strangely-broken Greek, which was, however, quite intelligible: “I + would give hair and skin for the noble lady. You have only to speak out.” + </p> + <p> + The child clung to the big man with both hands and drew him to her saying: + “We knew you had a grate ful heart. But you see...” and she interrupted + herself to ask in an altered voice: + </p> + <p> + “Do you believe in a God? or stay—do you know what a sacred oath is? + Can you swear solemnly? Yes, yes...” and drawing herself up as tall as + possible she went on very seriously: “Swear by your bride Mandane—as + truly as you believe that she loves you....” + </p> + <p> + “But, sweet soul....” + </p> + <p> + “Swear that you will never betray to a living soul what I am going to say—not + even to Mother Joanna and Pulcheria; no, nor even to your Mandane, unless + you find you cannot help it and she gives her sacred word....” + </p> + <p> + “What is it? You quite frighten me! What am I to swear?” + </p> + <p> + “Not to reveal what I am now going to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, little Mistress; I can promise you that.” Mary sighed, a + long-drawn “Ah...!” and told him that a trustworthy messenger must be + found to go forth to meet Amru, so as to be in time to save Paula. Then + came the question whether he knew the road over the hills from Babylon to + the ancient town of Berenice; and when he replied that he had lately + travelled that way, and that it was the shortest road to the sea for + Djidda and Medina, she repeated her satisfied “Ah!” took his hand, and + went on with coaxing but emphatic entreaty while she played with his big + fingers: “And now, best and kindest Rustem, in all Memphis there is but + one really trusty messenger; but he, you see, is betrothed, and so he + would rather get married and go home with his bride than help us to save + the life of poor Paula.” + </p> + <p> + “The cur!” growled the Persian. + </p> + <p> + At this Mary laughed out: “Yes, the cur!” and went on gaily: “But you are + abusing yourself, you stupid Rustem. You, you are the messenger I mean, + the only faithful and trustworthy one far or near. You, you must meet the + governor....” + </p> + <p> + “I!” said the man, and he stood still with amazement; but Mary pulled him + onward, saying: “But come on, or the others will notice something.—Yes, + you, you must....” + </p> + <p> + “But child, child,” interrupted Rustem lamentably, + </p> + <p> + “I must go back to my master; and you see, common right and justice....” + </p> + <p> + “You do not choose to leave your sweetheart; not even if the kind creature + who watched over you day and night should die for it—die the most + cruel and horrible death! You were ready enough to call that other, as you + supposed, a cur—that other whom no one nursed till he was well + again; but as for yourself....” + </p> + <p> + “Have patience then! Hear me, little Mistress!” Rustem broke in again, and + pulled away his hand. “I am quite willing to wait and Mandane must just + submit. But one man is not good for all tasks. To ride, or guide a train + of merchandise, to keep the cameldrivers in order, to pitch a camp—-all + that I can do; but to parley with grand folks, to go straight up to such a + man as the great chief Amru with prayers and supplications—all that, + you see, sweetheart—even if it were to save my own father, that + would be....” + </p> + <p> + “But who asks you to do all that?” said the child. “You may stand as mute + as a fish: it will be your companion’s business to do the talking.” + </p> + <p> + “There is to be another one then? But, great Masdak! I hope that will be + enough at any rate!” + </p> + <p> + “Why will you constantly interrupt me?” the little girl put in. “Listen + first and raise objections after wards. The second messenger—now + open your ears wide—it is I, I myself;—but if you stand still + again, you will really betray me. The long and short of it is, that as + surely as I mean to save Paula, I mean to go forth to meet Amru, and if + you refuse to go with me I will set out alone and try whether Gibbus the + hunchback....” + </p> + <p> + Rustem had needed some time to collect his senses after this stupendous + surprise, but now he exclaimed: “You—you—to Berenice, and over + the mountains....” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, over the mountains,” she repeated, “and if need be, through the + clouds.” + </p> + <p> + “But such a thing was never heard of, never heard of on this earth!” the + Persian remonstrated. “A girl, a little lady like you—a messenger, + and all alone with a clumsy fellow like me. No, no, no!” + </p> + <p> + “And again no, and a hundred times over no!” cried the child merrily. “The + little lady will stop at home and you will take a boy with you—a boy + called Marius, not Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “A boy! But I thought.—It is enough to puzzle one....” + </p> + <p> + “A boy who is a girl and a boy in one,” laughed Mary. “But if you must + have it in plain words: I shall dress up as a boy to go with you; + to-morrow when we set out you will see, you will take me for my own + brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Your own brother! With a little face like yours! Then the most impossible + things will become possible,” cried Rustem laughing, and he looked down + good humoredly at the little girl. But suddenly the preposterousness of + her scheme rose again before his mind, and he exclaimed half-frantically: + “But then my master!—It will not do—It will never do!” + </p> + <p> + “It is for his sake that you will do us this service,” said Mary + confidently. “He is Paula’s friend and protector; and when he hears what + you have done for her he will praise you, while if you leave us in the + lurch I am quite sure...” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “That he will say: ‘I thought Rustem was a shrewder man and had a better + heart.’” + </p> + <p> + “You really think he will say that?” + </p> + <p> + “As surely as our house stands before us!—Well, we have no time for + any more discussion, so it is settled: we start together. Let me find you + in the garden early to-morrow morning. You must tell your Mandane that you + are called away by important business.” + </p> + <p> + “And Dame Joanna?” asked the Persian, and his voice was grave and anxious + as he went on: “The thing I like least, child, is that you should not ask + her, and take her into your confidence.” + </p> + <p> + “But she will hear all about it, only not immediately,” replied Mary. “And + the day after to-morrow, when she knows what I have gone off for and that + you are with me, she will praise us and bless us; yes, she will, as surely + as I hope that the Almighty will succor us in our journey!” + </p> + <p> + At these words, which evidently came from the very depths of her heart, + the Masdakite’s resistance altogether gave way—just in time, for + their walk was at an end, and they both felt as though the long distance + had been covered by quite a few steps. They had passed close to several + groups of noisy and quarrelsome citizens, and many a funeral train had + borne the plague-stricken dead to the grave by torchlight under their very + eyes, but they had heeded none of these things. + </p> + <p> + It was not till they reached the garden-gate that they observed what was + going on around them. There they found the gardener and all the household, + anxiously watching for the return of their belated mistress. Eudoxia too + was waiting for them with some alarm. In the house they were met by + Horapollo, but Joanna and Pulcheria returned his greeting with a cold bow, + while Mary purposely turned her back on him. The old man shrugged his + shoulders with regretful annoyance, and in the solitude of his own room he + muttered to himself: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that woman! She will be the ruin even of the peaceful days I hoped to + enjoy during the short remainder of my life!” + </p> + <p> + The widow and her daughter for some time sat talking of Mary. She had bid + them good-night as devotedly and tenderly as though they were parting for + life. Poor child! She had forebodings of the terrible fate to which the + bishop, and perhaps her own mother had predestined her. + </p> + <p> + But Mary did not look as if she were going to meet misfortune; Eudoxia, + who slept by her side, was rejoiced on the contrary at seeing her so gay; + only she was surprised to see the child, who usually fell asleep as soon + as her little head was on the pillow, lying awake so long this evening. + The elderly Greek, who suffered from a variety of little ailments and + always went to sleep late, could not help watching the little girl’s + movements. + </p> + <p> + What was that? Between midnight and dawn Mary sprang from her bed, threw + on her clothes, and stole into the next room with the night-lamp in her + hand. Presently a brighter light shone through the door-way. She must have + lighted a lamp,-and presently, hearing the door of the sitting-room + opened, Eudoxia rose and noiselessly watched her. Mary immediately + returned, carrying a boy’s clothes—a suit, in point of fact, which + Pulcheria and Eudoxia had lately been making as a Sunday garb—for + the lame gardener’s boy. The child smilingly tried on the little blue + tunic; then, after tossing the clothes into a chest, she sat down at the + table to write. But she seemed to have set herself some hard task; for now + she looked down at the papyrus and rubbed her forehead, and now she gazed + thoughtfully into vacancy. She had written a few sentences when she + started up, called Eudoxia by name, and went towards the sleeping-room. + </p> + <p> + Eudoxia went forward to meet her; Mary threw herself into her arms, and + before her governess could ask any questions she told her that she had + been chosen to accomplish a great and important action. She had been + intending to wake her, to make her her confidant and to ask her advice. + </p> + <p> + How sweet and genuine it all sounded, and how charmingly confused she + seemed in spite of the ardent zeal that inspired her! + </p> + <p> + Eudoxia’s heart went forth to her; the words of reproof died on her lips, + and for the first time she felt as though the orphaned child were her own; + as though their joy and grief were one; as though she, who all her life + long had thought only of herself and her own advantage, and who had + regarded her care of Mary as a mere return in kind for a salary and home, + were ready and willing to sacrifice herself and her last coin for this + child. So, when the little girl now threw her arms round Eudoxia’s neck, + imploring her not to betray her, but, on the contrary, to help her in the + good work which aimed at nothing less than the rescue of Paula and + Orion-the imperilled victims of Fate, her dry eyes sparkled through tears; + she kissed Mary’s burning cheeks once more and called her her own dear, + dear little daughter. This gave the child courage; with tragical dignity, + which brought a smile to the governess’ lips, she took Eudoxia’s bible + from the desk, and said, fixing her beseeching gaze on the Greek’s face: + </p> + <p> + “Swear!—nay, you must be quite grave, for nothing can be more solemn—swear + not to tell a soul, not even Mother Joanna, what I want to confess to + you.” + </p> + <p> + Eudoxia promised, but she would take no oath. “Yea, yea, and nay, nay,” + was the oath of the Christian by the law of the Lord; but Mary clung to + her, stroked her thin cheeks, and at last declared she could not say a + word unless Eudoxia yielded. In such an hour the Greek could not resist + this tender coaxing; she allowed Mary to take possession of her hand and + lay it on the Bible; and when once this was done Eudoxia gave way, and + with much head shaking repeated the oath that her pupil dictated, though + much against her will. + </p> + <p> + After this the governess threw herself on the divan, as if exhausted and + shocked at her own weakness; and the little girl took advantage of her + victory, seating herself at her feet, and telling her all she knew about + Paula and the perils that threatened her and Orion; and she was artful + enough to give special prominence to Orion’s danger, having long since + observed how high he stood in Eudoxia’s good graces. So far Eudoxia had + not ceased stroking her hair, while she assented to everything that was + said; but when she heard that Mary proposed to undertake the embassy to + Amru herself, she started to her feet in horror, and declared most + positively that she would never, never consent to such rashness, to such + fatal folly. + </p> + <p> + Mary now brought to bear her utmost resources of persuasion and flattery. + There was no other fit messenger to be found, and the lives of Orion and + Paula were at stake. Was a ride across the mountains such a tremendous + matter after all? How well she knew how to manage a beast, and how little + she suffered from the heat! Had she not ridden more than once from Memphis + to their estates by the seaboard? And faithful Rustem would be always with + her, and the road over the mountains was the safest in all the country, + with frequent stations for the accommodation of travellers. Then, if they + found Amru, she could give a more complete report than any other living + soul. + </p> + <p> + But Eudoxia was not to be shaken; though she admitted that Mary’s project + was not so entirely crazy as it had at first appeared. + </p> + <p> + At this the little girl began again; after reminding Eudoxia once more of + her oath, she went on to tell her of the doom she herself hoped to escape + by setting out on her errand. She told Eudoxia of her meeting with the + bishop, and that even Joanna was uneasy as to her future fate. Ah! that + life within walls under lock and key seemed to her so frightful—and + she pictured her terrors, her love of freedom and of a busy, useful, + active life among men and her friends, and her hope that the great + general, Amru, would defend her against every one if once she could place + herself under his protection—painting it all so vividly, so + passionately, and so pathetically, that the governess was softened. + </p> + <p> + She clasped her hands over her eyes, which were streaming with tears, and + exclaimed: “It is horrible, unheard-of—still, perhaps it is the best + thing to do. Well, go to meet the governor,—ride off, ride off!” + </p> + <p> + And when the sweet, warm-hearted, joyous creature clang round her neck she + was glad of her own weakness: this fair, fresh, and blooming bud of + humanity should not pine in confinement and seclusion; she should find and + give happiness, to her own joy and that of all good souls, and unfold to a + full and perfect flower. And Eudoxia knew the widow well; she knew that + Joanna would by-and-bye understand why she helped the child to escape the + greatest peril that can hang over a human soul: that of living in + perpetual conflict with itself in the effort to become something totally + different from what, by natural gifts and inclinations, it is intended to + be. + </p> + <p> + With a sigh of anguish Eudoxia reflected what she herself, forced by cruel + fate and lacking freedom and pleasurable ease, had become, from an ardent + and generous young creature; and she, the narrow-hearted teacher, could + make allowances for the strange, adventurous yearning of a child, where a + larger souled woman might have derided, and blamed and repressed it. + </p> + <p> + When it was daylight Eudoxia fulfilled the offices she commonly left to + the maid: she arranged Mary’s hair, talking to her and listening the + while, as though in this night the child had developed into a woman. Then + she went into the garden with her, and hardly let her out of her sight. + </p> + <p> + At breakfast Joanna and Pulcheria wondered at her singular behavior, but + it did not displease them, and Marv was radiant with contentment. + </p> + <p> + The widow made no objection to allowing the child to go into the city to + execute her uncle’s mysterious commission. Rustem was with her; and + whatever it was that made the child so happy must certainly be right and + unobjectionable. Orion’s maps and lists were sent to the prison early in + the day, and before the child set out with her stalwart escort Gibbus had + returned with the prisoner’s letter to the Arab governor. + </p> + <p> + On their way it was agreed that Mary should join Rustem at dusk at the + riverside inn of Nesptah. In these clays of famine and death beasts of + burthen of every description were easily procurable, as well as attendants + and guides; and the Masdakite, who was experienced in such matters, + thought it best to purchase none but swift dromedaries and to carry only a + light tent for the “little mistress!” + </p> + <p> + At the door of Gamaliel’s shop Mary bid him wait; the jovial goldsmith + welcomed her with genuine pleasure.... + </p> + <p> + What had befallen the house of the Mukaukas! Fire had destroyed the + dwelling-place of justice, like the Egyptian cities to whom the prophet + had announced a similar fate a thousand years since. + </p> + <p> + Gamaliel knew in what peril Orion stood, and the fate that hung over the + noble maiden who had once given him the costliest of gems, and afterwards + entrusted to him a portion of her fortune. + </p> + <p> + To see any member of his patron’s family alive and well rejoiced his + heart. He asked Mary one sympathizing question after another, and his wife + wanted to give her some of her good apricot tarts; but the little girl + begged Gamaliel to grant her at once a private interview, so the jeweller + led her into his little work-shop, bidding her trust him entirely, for + whatever a grandchild of Mukaukas George might ask of him it was granted + beforehand. + </p> + <p> + Blushing with confusion she took Orion’s ring out of its wrapper, offered + it to the Jew, and desired him to give her whatever was right. + </p> + <p> + She looked enquiringly into his face with her bright eyes, in full + confidence that the kind-hearted man would at once pay her down gold coins + and to spare; but he did not even take the ring out of her hand. He merely + glanced at it, and said gravely: + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my little maid, we do not do business with children.” + </p> + <p> + “But I want the money, Gamaliel,” she urged. “I must have it.” + </p> + <p> + “Must?” he repeated with a smile. “Well, must is a nail that drives + through wood, no doubt; but if it hits iron it is apt to bend. Not that I + am so hard as that; but money, money, money! And whose money do you mean, + little maid? If you want money of mine to spend in bread, or in cakes, + which is more likely, I will shut my eyes and put my hand boldly into my + wallet; but, if I am not mistaken, you are well provided for by Rufinus + the Greek, in whose house there is no lack of anything; and I have a nice + round sum in my own keeping which your grandfather placed in my hands at + interest two years since, with a remark that it was a legacy to you from + your godmother, and the papers stand in your name; so your necessity looks + very like what other folks would call ease.” + </p> + <p> + “Necessity! I am in no necessity,” Mary broke in. “But I want the money + all the same; and if I have some of my own, and you perhaps have it there + in your box, give me as much of it as I want.” + </p> + <p> + “As much as you want?” laughed the jeweller. “Not so fast, little maid. + Before such matters can be settled here in Egypt we must have plenty of + time, and papyrus and ink, a grand law court, sixteen witnesses, a + Kyrios...” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, buy the ring! You are such a good, kind man Gamaliel. Just to + please me. Why, you yourself do not really think that I want to buy + cakes!” + </p> + <p> + “No. But in these hard times, when so many are starving, a soft heart may + be moved to other follies.” + </p> + <p> + “No indeed! Do buy the ring; and if you will do me this favor...” + </p> + <p> + “Old Gamaliel will be both a rogue and a simpleton!—Have you + forgotten the emerald? I bought that, and a pretty piece of business that + was! I can have nothing to say to the ring, my little maid.” Mary withdrew + her hand, and the grief and disappointment expressed by her large, tearful + eyes were so bitter and touching, that the Jew paused, and then went on + seriously and heartily: + </p> + <p> + “I would sooner give my own old head to be an anvil than distress you, + sweet child; and Adonai! I do not mean to say—why should I—that + you should ever leave old Gamaliel without money. He has plenty, and + though he is always ready to take, he is ready to give, too, when it is + meet and fitting. I cannot buy the ring, to be sure, but do not be + down-hearted and look me well in the face, little maid. It is much to ask, + and I have handsomer things in my stores, but if you see anything in it + that gives you confidence, speak out and whisper to the man of whom even + your grandfather had some good opinion: ‘I want so much, and what is more—how + did you put it?—what is more, I must have it.’” + </p> + <p> + Mary did see something in the Jew’s merry round face that inspired her + with trust, and in her childlike belief in the sanctity of an oath she + made a third person—a believer too, in a third form of religion—swear + not to betray her secret, only marvelling that the administering of the + oath, in which she had now had some practice, should be so easy. Even + grown-up people will sometimes buy another’s dearest secret for a light + asseveration. And when she had thus ensured the Israelite’s silence, she + confided to him that she was charged by Orion to send out a messenger to + meet Amru, that he and Paula might be reprieved in time. The goldsmith + listened attentively, and even before she had ended he was busying himself + with an iron chest built into the wall, and interrupted her to ask! “How + much?” + </p> + <p> + She named the sum that Nilus had suggested, and hardly had she finished + her story when the Jew, who kept the trick by which he opened the chest a + secret even from his wife, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Now, go and look out of the window, you wonder among envoys and + money-borrowers, and if you see nothing in the courtyard, then fancy to + yourself that a man is standing there who looks like old Gamaliel, and who + puts his hand on your head and gives you a good kiss. And you may fancy + him, too, as saying to himself: ‘God in Heaven! if only my little + daughter, my Ruth may be such another as little Mary, grandchild of the + just Mukaukas!’” + </p> + <p> + And as he spoke, the vivacious but stout man, who had dropped on his + knees, rose panting, left the lid of his strong box open, hurried up to + the child, who had been standing at the window all the while, and bending + over her from behind pressed a kiss on her curly head, saying with a + laugh: “There, little pickpocket, that is my interest. But look out still, + till I call you again.” He nimbly trotted back on his short little legs, + wiping his eyes; took from the strong box a little bag of gold, which + contained rather more than the desired sum, locked the chest again, + looking at Mary with a mixture of suspicion and hearty approbation; then + at last he called her to him. He emptied the money-bag before her, counted + out the sum she needed, put the remainder of the coins into his girdle, + and handed the bag to the little girl requesting her to count his + “advance”, back into it, while he, with a cunning smile, quitted the room. + </p> + <p> + He presently returned and she had finished her task, but she timidly + observed: “One gold piece is wanting.” At this he clasped his hands over + his breast and raised his eyes to Heaven exclaiming: “My God! what a + child. There is the solidus, child; and you may take my word for it as a + man of experience: whatever you undertake will prosper. You know what you + are about; and when you are grown up and a suitor comes he will go to a + good market. And now sign your name here. You are not of age, to be sure, + and the receipt is worth no more than any other note scribbled with ink—however, + it is according to rule.” + </p> + <p> + Mary took the pen, but she first hastily glanced through what Gamaliel had + written; the Jew broke out in fresh enthusiasm: + </p> + <p> + “A girl—a mere child! And she reads, and considers, and makes all + sure before she will sign! God bless thee, Child!—And here come the + tarts, and you can taste them before.... Just Heaven! a mere child, and + such important business!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> + <p> + While Rustem, to whom Mary had entrusted the jeweller’s gold, was making + his preparations for their journey with all the care of a practised guide, + and while Mary was comforting her governess and Mandane, to whom she + explained that Rustem’s journey was to save Paula’s life, a fresh trial + was going forward in the Court of Justice. + </p> + <p> + This time Orion was the accused. He had scarcely begun to study the maps + and lists he required for his undertaking when he was bidden to appear + before his judges. + </p> + <p> + The members composing the Court were the same as yesterday. Among the + witnesses were Paula and the new bishop, as well as Gamaliel, who had been + sent for soon after Mary had left him. + </p> + <p> + The prosecutor accused the son of the Mukaukas of having made away, in + defiance of the patriarch’s injunction, with a costly emerald bequeathed + to the Church by his father. + </p> + <p> + Orion had determined to conduct his own defence; he recapitulated + everything that he had told the prelate in self-justification in his + father’s private room, and then added, that to put a speedy end to this + odious affair he was now prepared to restore the stone, and he placed it + at the disposal of his judges. He handed Paula’s emerald to the Kadi who + presented it to the bishop. John, however, did not seem satisfied; he + referred to the written testimony of the widow Susannah, who had been + present when the deceased Mukaukas had designated all the jewels in the + Persian hanging as included in his gift to the Church. This was in Orion’s + presence so he was still under suspicion of a fraud; and it was difficult + to determine whether the fine gem now lying on the table before them were + indeed the same to which the Church laid claim. + </p> + <p> + All this was urged with excessive vehemence and bore the stamp of a + hostile purpose. + </p> + <p> + Obedience and conviction alike prompted the zealous prelate to this + demeanor, for the same carrier-pigeon which had brought from the patriarch + his appointment to the bishopric required him to insist on Orion’s + punishment, for he was a thorn in the flesh of the Jacobite church, a + tainted sheep who might infect the rest of the flock. If the young man + should offer an emerald it was therefore to be closely examined, to see + whether it were the original stone or a substitute. + </p> + <p> + On these grounds the bishop had expressed his doubts, and though they gave + rise to an indignant murmur among the judges, the Kadi so far admitted the + prelate’s suspicions as to explain that last evening a letter had reached + him from his uncle at Djidda, Haschim the merchant, in which mention was + made of the emerald. His son happened to have weighed that stone, without + his knowledge, before he started for Egypt, and Othman had here a note of + its exact weight. The Jew Gamaliel had been desired to attend with his + balances, and could at once use them to satisfy the bishop. + </p> + <p> + The jeweller immediately proceeded to do so, and old Horapollo, who was an + expert in such matters, went close up to him, and watched him narrowly. + </p> + <p> + It was in feverish anxiety, and more eagerly than any other bystander, + that Paula and Orion kept their eyes fixed on the Jew’s hands and lips; + after weighing it once, he did so a second time. Old Horapollo himself + weighed it a third time, with a keen eye though his hands trembled a + little; all three experiments gave the same result: this gem was heavier + by a few grains of doura than that which the merchant’s son had weighed, + and yet the Jew declared that there was no purer, clearer, or finer + emerald in the world than this. + </p> + <p> + Orion breathed more freely, and the question arose among the judges as to + whether the young Arab might have failed in precision, or an exchange had + in fact been effected. This was difficult to imagine, since in that case + the accused would have given himself the loss, and the Church the + advantage. + </p> + <p> + The bishop, an honest man, now said that the patriarch’s suspicions had + certainly led him too far in this instance, and after this he spoke no + more. + </p> + <p> + All through this enquiry the Vekeel had kept silence, but the defiant + gaze, assured of triumph, which he fixed on Paula and Orion alternately, + augured the worst. + </p> + <p> + When the prosecutor next accused the young man of complicity in the much + discussed escape of the nuns Orion again asserted his innocence, pointing + out that during the fatal contest between the Arabs and the champions of + the sisters, he had been with the Arab governor, as Amru himself could + testify. By an act of unparalleled despotism, he had been deprived of his + estates and his freedom on mere false suspicion, and he put his trust in + the first instance in a just sentence from his judges and, failing that, + he threw himself on the protection and satisfaction of his sovereign lord + the Khaliff. + </p> + <p> + As he spoke his eyes flashed flames at the Vekeel; but the negro still + preserved his self-control, and this doubled the alarm of those who wished + the youth well. + </p> + <p> + It was clear from all this that Obada felt sure that he had the noose well + around his victim’s neck, and why he thought so, soon became evident; for + Orion had hardly finished his defence when he rose, and with a malicious + grin, handed to the Kadi the little tablet given him yesterday by old + Horapollo, describing it as a document addressed to Paula and desiring the + Kadi to examine it. The heat had effaced much of what had been written on + the wax, but most of the words could still be deciphered. The venerable + Horapollo had already made them out, and was quite ready to read to the + judges all that the accused—who by his own account, was a spotless + dove—had written in his innocence and truthfulness for his fair one. + He signed to the old man and helped him as he rose with difficulty, but + the Kadi begged him to wait, made himself acquainted with the contents of + the letter by the help of the interpreter, and when the man had, with much + pains, fulfilled his task, he turned, not to Horapollo, but to Obada, and + asked whence this document had come. + </p> + <p> + “From Paula’s desk,” replied the Vekeel. “My old friend found it there.” + He pointed to Horapollo, who confirmed his statement by a nod of assent. + </p> + <p> + The Kadi rose, went up to the girl, whose cheeks were pale with + indignation, and asked whether she recognized the tablets as her property; + Paula, after convincing herself, replied with a flaming glance of scorn + and aversion at Horapollo: “Yes, my lord. It is mine. That base old man + has taken it with atrocious meanness from among my things.” For an instant + her voice failed her; then, turning to the judges, she exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “If there is one among you to whom helplessness and innocence are sacred + and malice and cunning odious, I beg him to go to Rufinus’ wife, over + whose threshold this man has crept like a ferret into a dovecote, for no + other end but to tread hospitable kindness in the dust, to rifle her home + and make use of whatever might serve his vile purpose—to go, I say, + and warn the lonely woman against this treacherous spy and thief.” + </p> + <p> + At this the old man, gasping and inarticulate, raised his withered arm; + the Christian judges whispered together, but at cross-purposes, while the + Jew fidgeted his round little person on the bench, drumming incessantly + with his fingers on his breast, and trying to meet Orion’s or Paula’s eye + and to make her understand that he was the man who would warn Joanna. But + a thump from the Vekeel’s fist, that came down on his shoulder unawares, + reduced him to sitting still; and while he sat rubbing the place with + subdued sounds of pain, not daring to reproach the all-powerful negro for + his violence, the Kadi gave the tablets to Horapollo and bid him read the + letter. + </p> + <p> + But the terrible accusation cast at him by the hated Patrician maiden, + ascribing his removal to Rufinus house to a motive which, in truth, had + been far from his, had so enraged and agitated him that his old lungs, at + all times feeble, refused their office. This woman had done him a fresh + wrong, for he had gone to live with the widow from the kindest impulse; + only an accident had thrown this document in his way. And yet it would not + fail to be reported to Joanna in the course of the day that he had gone to + her house as a spy, and there would be an end to the pleasant life of + which he had dreamed—nay, even Philippus might perhaps quarrel with + him. + </p> + <p> + And all, all through this woman. + </p> + <p> + He could not utter a word but, as he sank back on the seat, a glance so + full of hatred, so dark with malignant fury, fell on Paula that she + shuddered, and told herself that this man was ready to die himself if only + he could drag her down too. + </p> + <p> + The interpreter now began to read Orion’s letter and to translate it for + the Arabs; and while he blundered through it, declaring that not a letter + could be plainly made out, she recovered her self-control and, before the + interpreter had done his task, a gleam as of sunshine lighted up her pure + features. Some great, lofty, and rapturous thought must have flashed + through her brain, and it was evident that she had seized it and was + feeding on it. + </p> + <p> + Orion, sitting opposite to her, noticed this; still, he did not understand + what her beseeching gaze had to say to him, what it asked of him as she + pressed her hand on her breast, and looked into his eyes with such urgent + entreaty that it went to his very heart. + </p> + <p> + The interpreter ceased; but what he had read had had a great effect on the + judges. The Kadi’s benevolent face expressed extreme apprehension, and the + contents of the letter were indeed such as to cause it. It ran as follows: + </p> + <p> + “After waiting for you a long time in vain, I must at last make up my mind + to go; and how much I still had to say to you. A written farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Here a few lines were effaced, and then came the—fatal and quite + legible conclusion: + </p> + <p> + “How far otherwise I had dreamed of ending this day, which has been for + the most part spent in preparations for the flight of the Sisters; and I + have found a pleasure in doing all that lay in my power for those kind and + innocent, unjustly persecuted nuns. We must hope for the best for them; + and for ourselves we must look to-morrow for an undisturbed interview and + a parting which may leave us memories on which we can live for a long + time. The noble governor Amru is, among the Arabs, such another as he whom + we mourn was among the Egyptians...” Here the letter ended; not quite + three lines were wanting to conclude it. + </p> + <p> + The Kadi held the tablets for a few minutes in his hand; then looking up + again at the assembly, who were waiting in great suspense, he began: “Even + if the accused was not one of those who raised their hands in mutiny + against our armed troops, it is nevertheless indisputable, after what has + just been read, that he not only knew of the escape of the nuns, but aided + them to the utmost.—When did you receive this communication, noble + maiden?” + </p> + <p> + At this Paula clasped her hands tightly and replied with a slightly bent + head and her eyes fixed on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “When did I receive it?—Never; for I wrote it myself. The writing is + mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Yours?” said the Kadi in amazement. “It is from me to Orion,” replied + Paula. + </p> + <p> + “From you to him? How then comes it in your desk?” + </p> + <p> + “In a very simple way,” she explained, still looking down. “After writing + the letter to my betrothed I threw it in with the other tablets as soon as + I had no need for it; for he himself came, and there was no necessity for + his reading what could be better said by word of mouth.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke a peculiar smile passed over her lips and a loud murmur ran + through the room. Orion looked first at the girl and then at the Kadi in + growing bewilderment; but the Negro started up, struck his fist on the + table, making it shake, and roared out: + </p> + <p> + “An atrocious fabrication! Which of you can allow yourself to be taken in + by a woman’s guile?” Horapollo, who had recovered himself by this time, + laughed hoarsely and maliciously; the judges looked at each other much + puzzled; but when the Vekeel went on raging the Kadi interrupted him, and + desired that Orion might speak, for he had twice tried to make himself + heard. Now, with scarlet cheeks and a choking utterance, he said: + </p> + <p> + “No, Othman—no, no indeed, my lords. Do not believe her. Not she, + but I—I wrote the letter that....” + </p> + <p> + But Paula broke in: + </p> + <p> + “He? Do you not feel that all he wants is to save me, and so he takes my + guilt on himself? It is his generosity, his love for me! Do not, do not + believe him! Do not allow yourselves to be deceived by him.” + </p> + <p> + “I? No, it is she, it is she,” Orion again asserted; but, before he could + say more, Paula declared with a flashing glance that it was a poor sort of + love which sacrificed itself out of false generosity. And as, at the same + time, she again pressed her hand to her bosom with pathetic entreaty, he + was suddenly silent, and casting his eyes up to heaven, he sank back on + the prisoners’ bench, deeply affected. + </p> + <p> + Paula joyfully went on: + </p> + <p> + “He has thought better of it, and given up his crazy attempt to take my + guilt on himself. You see, Othman, you all see, worthy men.—Let me + atone for what I did to help the poor nuns.” + </p> + <p> + “Have your way!” shrieked the old man; but the Negro cried out: + </p> + <p> + “A hellish tissue of lies, an unheard-of deception! But in spite of the + shield a woman holds before you, I have my foot on your neck, treacherous + wretch! Is it credible—I ask you, judges—that a finished + letter should be found, after weeks had elapsed, in the hands of the + writer and not those of the person to whom it was addressed?” + </p> + <p> + The Kadi shrugged his shoulders and replied with calm dignity: + </p> + <p> + “Consider, Obada, that we are condemning this damsel on the evidence of a + letter which was found in possession, not of the person to whom it was + addressed, but of the writer. This document gave rise to no doubts in your + mind. The judge should mete out equal measure to all, Obada.” + </p> + <p> + The aptness of these words, spoken in a dogmatic tone, aroused the + approval of the Arabs, and the Jew could not restrain himself from + exclaiming: “Capital!” but no sooner had it escaped him than he shrank as + quick as lightning out of the Vekeel’s reach; and Obada hardly heard him, + for he did not allow himself to be interrupted by the Kadi but went on to + explain in wrathful words what a disgrace it was to them, as men and + judges, to have dust cast in their eyes by a woman, and allow themselves + to be molified by the arts of a pair of love-stricken fools; and how + desirable it must be in the eyes of every Moslem to guard the security of + life and bring the severest punishment on the instigator of a sanguinary + revolt against the champions of the Khaliff’s power. + </p> + <p> + His eloquent and stormy address was not without effect; still, the + Christians, who ascribed every form of evil to the Melchite girl, would + have been satisfied with her death and have been ready to forgive the son + of the Mukaukas this crime—supposing him to have committed it. And + it was after the judges had agreed that it was impossible to decide by + whom the letter on the tablet had been written, and there had been a great + deal of argument on both sides, that the real discussion began. + </p> + <p> + It was long before the assembly could agree, and all the while Orion sat + now looking as though he had already been condemned to a cruel death, and + now exchanging glances with Paula, while he pressed his hand to his heart + as though to keep it from bursting. He perfectly understood her, and her + magnanimity upheld him. He had indeed persuaded himself to accept her + self-sacrifice, but he was fully determined that if she must die he would + follow her to the grave. “Non dolet,”—[It does not hurt]—Arria + cried to her lover Paetus, as she thrust the knife into her heart that she + might die before him; and the words rang in his ear; but he said to + himself that Paula would very likely be pardoned, and that then he would + be free and have a whole lifetime in which to thank her. + </p> + <p> + At last—at last. The Kadi announced the verdict: It was impossible + to find Orion worthy of death, and equally so to give up all belief in his + guilt; the court therefore declared itself inadequate to pronounce a + sentence, and left it to be decided by the Khaliff or by his + representative in Egypt, Amru. The court only went so far as to rule that + the prisoner was to be kept in close confinement, so that he might be + within reach of the hand of justice, if the supreme decision should be + “guilty!” + </p> + <p> + When the Kadi said that the matter was to be referred to the Khaliff or + his representative, the Vekeel cried out: + </p> + <p> + “I—I am Omar’s vicar!” but a disapproving murmur from the judges, as + with one voice, rejected his pretensions, and at a proposal of the Kadi it + was resolved that the young man should be protected against any arbitrary + attack on the part of the Vekeel by a double guard; for many grave + accusations against Obada were already on their way to Medina. The negro + quitted the court, mad with rage, and concocting fresh indictments against + Paula with the old man. + </p> + <p> + When Paula returned to her cell old Betta thought that she must have been + pardoned; for how glad, how proud, how full of spirit she entered it! The + worst peril was diverted from her lover, and she and her love had saved + him! + </p> + <p> + She gave herself up for lost; but whatever fate might have in store for + her, life lay open before him; he would have time to prove his splendid + powers, and that he would do so, as she would have him do it, she felt + certain. + </p> + <p> + She had not ended telling her nurse of the judges’ decision, when the + warder announced the Kadi. In a minute or two he made his appearance; she + expressed her thanks, and he warmly assured her that he regarded the + disgrace of being perhaps a beguiled judge as a favor of Fortune; then he + turned the conversation on the real object of his visit. + </p> + <p> + In the letter, he began, which he had received the evening before from his + uncle Haschim, there was a great deal about her. She had quite won the old + merchant’s heart, and the enquiries for her father which he had set on + foot.... + </p> + <p> + Here she interrupted him saying: “Oh, my lord; is the wish, the prayer of + my life to be granted?” + </p> + <p> + “Your father, the noble Thomas, before whom even the Moslem bows, has + been...” and then Othman went on to tell her that the hero of Damascus had + in fact retired to Sinai and had been living there as a hermit. But she + must not indulge in premature rejoicing, for the messengers had found him + ill, consumed by disease arising from his wounded lungs, and almost at + death’s door. His days were numbered.... + </p> + <p> + “And I, I am a prisoner,” groaned the girl. “Held fast, helpless, robbed + of all means of flying to his arms!” + </p> + <p> + He again bid her be calm, and went on to tell her: in his soft, composed + manner, that two days since a Nabathaean had come to him and had asked + him, as the chief administrator of justice in Egypt, whether an old foe of + the Moslems, a general who had fought in the service of the emperor and + the cross against the Khaliff and the crescent, and who was now sick, + weary, and broken, might venture on Egyptian soil without fear of being + seized by the Arab authorities; and when he, Othman, had learnt that this + man was no other than Thomas, the hero of Damascus, he had promised him + his life and freedom, promised them gladly, as he felt assured his + sovereign the Khaliff would desire. + </p> + <p> + So this very day her father had reached Fostat, and the Kadi had received + him as a guest into his house. Thomas, indeed, stood on the brink of the + grave; but he was inspirited and sustained by the hope of seeing his + daughter. It had been falsely reported to him that she had perished in the + massacre at Abyla and he had already mourned her fate. + </p> + <p> + It was now his duty to fulfil the wish of a dying man, and he had ordered + the prison servants to prepare the room adjoining Paula’s cell with + furniture which was on the way from his house. The door between the two + would be opened for her. + </p> + <p> + “And I shall see him again, have him again to live with—to close his + eyes, perhaps to die with him!” cried Paula; and, seizing the good man’s + hand, she kissed it gratefully. + </p> + <p> + The Moslem’s eyes filled with tears as he bid her not to thank him, but + God the All-merciful; and before the sun went down the head of the doomed + daughter was resting on the breast of the weary hero who was so near his + end, though his unimpaired mind and tender heart rejoiced in their reunion + as fully and deeply as did his beloved and only child. A new and + unutterable joy came to Paula in the gloom of her prison; and that same + day the warder carried a letter from her to Orion, conveying her father’s + greetings; and, as he read the fervent blessing, he felt as though an + invisible hand had released him for ever from the curse his own father had + laid upon him. A wonderful glad sense of peace came over him with power + and pleasure in work, and he gave his brains and pen no rest till morning + was growing grey. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> + <p> + Horapollo made his way home to his new quarters from the court of justice + with knit and gloomy brows. As he passed Susannah’s garden hedge he saw a + knot of people gathered together and pointing out furtively to the + handsome residence beyond. + </p> + <p> + They, like a hundred other groups he had passed, hailed him with words of + welcome, thanks, and encouragement and, as he bowed to them slightly, his + eyes followed the direction of their terrified gaze and he started; above + the great garden gates hung the black tablet; a warning that looked like a + mark of disgrace, crying out to the passer-by: “Avoid this threshold! Here + rages the destroying pestilence!” + </p> + <p> + The old man had a horror of everything that might remind him of death, and + a cold shiver ran through him. To live so near to a focus of the disease + was most alarming and dangerous! How had it invaded this, the healthiest + part of the town, which the last raging epidemic had spared? + </p> + <p> + An officer of the town-council, whom he called to him, told him that two + slaves, father and son, whose duty it was to take charge of the baths in + the widow’s house, had been first attacked, but they had been carried + quietly away in the night to the new tents for the sick; to-day, however, + the widow herself had fallen ill. To prevent the spread of the infection, + the plot of ground was now guarded on all sides. + </p> + <p> + “Be strict, be sharp; not a rat must creep out!” cried the old man as he + rode on. + </p> + <p> + He was later than he had been yesterday; supper must be ready. After a + short rest he was preparing to join the family at their meal, washing and + dressing with the help of his servant, when a lame slave-girl came into + his room and placed a tray covered with steaming dishes on the low table + by the divan. + </p> + <p> + What was the meaning of this? Before he could ask, he was informed that + for the future the women wished to eat by themselves; he would be served + in his own room. + </p> + <p> + At this a bright patch of red colored his cheeks; after brief reflection + he cried to his servant. “My ass!” and added to the girl: “Where is your + mistress?” + </p> + <p> + “In the viridarium with Gamaliel the goldsmith; but they are going to + supper immediately.” + </p> + <p> + “And without their guest? I understand!” muttered the old man, taking up + his hat and marching past the maid out of the room. In the hall he met + Gamaliel, to whom a slave-girl was handing his stick. Horapollo could + guess that the Jew had come only to warn the women against him and, + without vouchsafing him a glance, he went into the dining-room. There he + found Pulchena and Mary kneeling in tears by the side of Joanna, who was + weeping too. + </p> + <p> + He guessed for whom were these lamentations, and prompted by the wish to + prove the falsity of the accusation that charged him with having entered + the house as a spy, he spoke to the widow. She shuddered as he entered, + and she now pointed to the door with an outstretched finger; when he + nevertheless stood still and was about to make his defence, she + interrupted him loudly and urgently: “No, no, my lord! This house is + henceforth closed against you! You yourself have broken every tie that + bound us! Do not any longer disturb our peace! Go back to the place you + came from.” + </p> + <p> + At this the old man made one more attempt to speak; but the widow rose, + and saying: “Come, my children,” she hastily withdrew with the girls into + the adjoining room, and closed the door. + </p> + <p> + Horapollo was left alone on the threshold. + </p> + <p> + Old as he was, in all his life he had never suffered such an insult; but + he did not lay it to the score of those who had shown him the door, but to + the already long one of the Syrian girl; as he rode back to his own home + on his white ass, he stopped several times to speak to the passers-by. + </p> + <p> + During the following day or two he heeded not the heat of the weather, nor + his own need of rest for his body, and quiet occupation for his mind; + morning, noon and night he was riding about the streets stirring up the + people, and setting forth in insinuating speeches that they must perish + miserably if they rejected the only means of deliverance which he had + pointed out to them. He was present at every meeting of the Senate, and + his inflammatory eloquence kept the town council on his side, and + nullified the efforts of the bishop, while he pressed them to fix the day + of the marriage of the Nile with his bride. + </p> + <p> + He knew the Egyptians and their passion for the intoxicating joys of a + splendid ceremonial. This festival: the wedding of the Bride of the Nile + to her mighty and unresting spouse, on whom the weal or woe of the land + depended, was to be as a flowery oasis in the waste of dearth and + desolation. He recalled every detail of the reminiscences of his childhood + as to the processions in Honor of Isis, and the festivals dedicated to her + and her triad; every record of his own experience and that of former + generations; all he had read in books of the great pilgrimages and dramas + of heathen Egypt—and he described it all in his speeches, painted it + in glowing colors to the Senate and the mob, and counselled the + authorities to reproduce it all with unparalleled splendor on the occasion + of this marriage. + </p> + <p> + Every man in whose veins flowed Egyptian blood listened to him + attentively, took pleasure in his projects, and was quite ready to do his + utmost to enhance the glories of this ceremonial, in which every one was + to take part either active or passive. Thousands were ruined, but there + was yet enough and to spare for this marriage feast, and the Senate did + not hesitate to raise a fresh loan. + </p> + <p> + “Destruction or Deliverance!” was the watch-word Horapollo had given the + Memphites. If everything came to ruin their hoarded talents would be lost + too; if, on the other hand, the sacrifice produced its result, if the Nile + should bless its children with renewed prosperity, what need the town or + country care for a few thousand drachmae more or less? + </p> + <p> + So the day was fixed! + </p> + <p> + Not quite two weeks after Paula’s trial, on the day of Saint Serapis the + miraculous, saving, auspicious ceremonial was to take place. And how + glowing was the picture given of the Bride’s beauty by the old man, and by + the judges and officials who had seen her! How brightly old Horapollo’s + eyes would flash with hate as he described it! The eyes of love could not + be more radiant. + </p> + <p> + All that this patrician hussy had done to aggrieve him—she should + expiate it all, and his triumph meant woe, not only to that one woman, but + to the Christian faith which he hated! + </p> + <p> + Bishop John, however, had not been idle meanwhile. Immediately after his + interference with the popular vote he had despatched a letter by a + carrier-pigeon to the patriarch in Upper Egypt, and Benjamin’s reply would + no doubt give him powers for still more vigorous measures. In church, + before the Senate, and even in the highways, he and his clergy did their + utmost to combat the atrocious project of the authorities and the + populace, but the zeal which was stirred up by old Horapollo soon broke + into brighter flames than the conservatism, orthodoxy and breadth of view + which the ecclesiastics did their utmost to fan. The wind blew with equal + force from both quarters, but on one side it blew on smoldering fuel, and + on the other on overflowing and flaming stores. Famine and despair had + undermined faith, and weakened discipline; even the mightiest weapons of + the Church—Cursing and blessing—were powerless. A floating + beam was held out to sinking men, and they would no longer wait for the + life-boat that was approaching to rescue them, with strong hands at the + oars and a trusty pilot at the helm. + </p> + <p> + Horapollo went no more to the widow’s home. A few hours after she had + shown him the door, his slaves came and fetched away the various things he + had carried there with him. His body servant at the same time brought a + large sealed phial and a letter to Dame Joanna, as follows: + </p> + <p> + “It is wrong to judge a man without hearing his defence. This you have + done; but I owe you no grudge. Philippus, on his return, will perhaps pick + up the ends of the tie and join again what you have this day cut. I send + you a portion of the remedy he left with me at parting to use against the + plague in case of need. Its good effects have been tested within the last + few days. May the sickness which has fallen on your neighbors, spare you + and yours.” + </p> + <p> + Joanna was much pleased with this letter but, when she had read it aloud, + little Mary exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “If any one should fall ill he shall not take a drop of that mixture! I + tell you he only wants to poison us!” + </p> + <p> + Joanna, however, maintained that the old man was not bad hearted in spite + of his unaccountable hatred of Paula; and Pulcheria declared that it must + be so, if only because Philip esteemed him so highly. If only he were + here, everything would have been different and have turned out well. + </p> + <p> + Mary remained with the mother and daughter till it grew dark; her chatter + always led them back to Paula; and when, in the afternoon, the Nabathaean + messenger came to them, and told them from their captive friend that he + had brought her father home to her, the women once more began to hope, and + Mary could allow herself to give free expression to her fond love before + she quitted them, without exciting their suspicions. + </p> + <p> + At length she said she must go to her lessons with Eudoxia; she had a hard + task before her and they must think of her and wish her good success. She + threw her arms first round the widow’s neck and then round Pulcheria’s; + and, as the tears would start to her eyes, she asked them if she were not + indeed a silly childish thing—but they were to think of her all the + same and never to forget her. + </p> + <p> + She met the governess in her own room; Eudoxia cut off the fine, soft + curls, shedding her first tears over them; and those tears flowed faster + as she placed round Mary’s neck a little reliquary containing a lock from + the sheep-skin of St. John the Baptist, which had belonged to her own + mother. It was very dear and sacred to her, and she had never before + parted from it, but now it was to protect the child and bring her + happiness—great happiness. + </p> + <p> + Had it brought her such happiness?—Not much, in truth; and yet she + believed in the saving and beneficent influence of the relic. + </p> + <p> + At last Mary stood before her with short hair and in a boy’s dress; and + what a sweet and lovely little fellow it was; Eudoxia could not weary of + looking at him. But Mary was too pretty, too frail for a boy; and Eudoxia + advised her to pull her broad travelling hat low over her eyes as soon as + she came in sight of men, or else to darken her color. + </p> + <p> + Gamaliel, who had in fact come to warn Dame Joanna against Horapollo, had + kept them informed of the progress of this day’s sitting, and Paula’s + conduct to save her lover had increased Mary’s admiration for her. When + she should confront Amru she could answer him on every head, so she felt + equipped at all points as she stole through the garden with Eudoxia, and + down to the quay. + </p> + <p> + When she had passed the gateway she once more kissed her hand to the house + she loved and its inmates; then, pointing with a sigh to the neighboring + garden, she said: + </p> + <p> + “Poor Katharina! she is a prisoner now.—Do you know, Eudoxia, I am + still very fond of her, and when I think that she may take the plague, and + die but no!—Tell Mother Joanna and Pulcheria to be kind to her. + To-morrow, after breakfast, give them my letter; and this evening, if they + get anxious, you can only quiet them by saying you know all and that it is + of no use to fret about me. You will set it all right and not allow them + to grieve.” + </p> + <p> + As they passed a Jacobite chapel that stood open, she begged Eudoxia to + wait for her and fell on her knees before the crucifix. In a few minutes + she came out again, bright and invigorated and, as they passed the last + houses in the town, she exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Is it not wicked, Eudoxia? I am leaving those I love dearly, very dearly, + and yet I feel as glad as a bird escaping from its cage. Good Heaven! Only + to think of the ride by night through the desert and over the hills, a + swift beast under me, and over my head no ceiling but the blue sky and + countless stars! Onward and still onward to a glorious end, left entirely + to myself and entrusted with an important task like a grownup person! Is + it not splendid? And by God’s help—and if I find the governor and + succeed in touching his heart.... Now, confess, Eudoxia, can there be a + happier girl in the whole wide world?” + </p> + <p> + They found the Masdakite at Nesptah’s inn with some capital dromedaries + and the necessary drivers and attendants. The Greek governess gave her + pupil much good advice, and added her “maternal” blessing with her whole + heart. Rustem lifted the child on to the dromedary, carefully settling her + in the saddle, and the little caravan set out. Mary waved repeated adieux + to her old governess and newly-found friend, and Eudoxia was still gazing + after her long after she had vanished in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + Then she made her way home, at first weeping silently with bowed head, but + afterwards tearless, upright, and with a confident step. She was in + unusually good spirits, her heart beat higher than it had done for years; + she felt uplifted by the sense of relief from a burthensome duty, and of + freedom to act independently on the dictates of her own intelligence. She + would assert herself, she would show the others that she had acted + rightly; and when at supper-time Mary was missing, and had not returned + even at bed-time, there was much to do to soothe and comfort them, and + much misconstruction to endure; but she took it all patiently, and it was + a consolation to her to bear such annoyance for her little favorite. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, when she had delivered Mary’s letter to Dame Joanna, her + love and endurance were put to still severer proof; indeed, the + meek-tempered widow allowed herself to be carried away to such an outbreak + as hitherto would undoubtedly have led Eudoxia to request her dismissal, + with sharp recrimination; but she took it all calmly. + </p> + <p> + It was not till noon-day—when the bishop made his appearance to + carry the child off to the convent, and was highly wrathful at Mary’s + disappearance, threatening the widow, and declaring that he would search + the whole country through for the little girl and find her at last, that + Eudoxia felt that the moment of her triumph had come. She quietly allowed + the bishop to depart, and then only did she send her last and best shaft + at Joanna by informing her that she had in fact encouraged the child in + her exploit on purpose to save her from the cloister. Her newly-found + motherly feeling made her eloquent, and with a result that she had almost + ceased to hope for: the warm-hearted little woman, who had hurt her with + such cruel words, threw her arms round Eudoxia’s tall, meagre figure, put + up her face to kiss her, called her a brave, clever girl, and begged her + forgiveness for all she had said and done the day before. + </p> + <p> + So, when the Greek went to bed, she felt as if her life had turned + backwards and she had grown more like the happy young creature she had + once been with her sisters in her parents’ house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> + <p> + Paula now understood what hung over her. It is Bishop John who had told + her, as gently as he could, and with every assurance that he still clung + to the hope that he could stop the hideous heathen abomination; but even + without this she would certainly have known what was impending, for large + crowds of people gathered every day under the prisonwalls, and loud cries + reached her, demanding to see the “Bride of the Nile.” + </p> + <p> + Now and again shouts of “Hail!” came up to her; but when the demented + creatures had shrieked themselves hoarse, and in vain, they would abuse + her vilely. The cry for the “Bride” never ceased from morning till night, + and the head warder of the prison was glad that the bishop had relieved + him of the task of explaining to Paula the meaning of the fateful word, + whose significance she had repeatedly asked him. + </p> + <p> + At first this fresh and terrible peril had startled and shaken her; but + she did her utmost to cling to the hope held out by the bishop so as to + appear calm, and as far as possible cheerful, in her sick father’s + presence. And in this she succeeded so long as it was day; but at night + she was a prey to agonizing terrors. Then, in fancy she saw herself + surrounded by a raging mob, dragged to the river and cast into a watery + grave before a thousand eyes. Then, prayer was of no avail, nor any + resolve or effort; not the tender messages that constantly reached her + from Orion, nor the songs he would sing for her in the brief moments of + leisure he allowed himself; not the bishop’s words of comfort, nor the + visits of those she loved. The warder would admit her friends as often as + he was able; and among those who found their way to her cell were the + Senator Justinus and his wife. + </p> + <p> + By great good fortune Martina had quitted Susannah’s house as soon as the + two slaves had fallen ill and she had heard that the physician pronounced + them to be sickening of the plague. She had returned to her rooms in the + inn kept by Sostratus, but her nephew Narses had remained with Katharina + and her mother. He was indeed intending to follow her with Heliodora; but, + by the time they were ready to set out, Susannah, too, had fallen a victim + to the pestilence and the authorities had forbidden all egress from her + house. + </p> + <p> + Heliodora might have succeeded in leaving in time, alone; but she would + not abandon her unfortunate brother-in-law; for he never felt easy but in + her presence, would allow no one else to wait on him, and would take + neither food nor drink unless they were offered him by her. Besides this, + the cavalry officer, once so stalwart, had in his weakness become + pathetically like her lost husband, and she knew that Narses had been the + first to love her, and that it was only for his brother’s sake that he had + concealed his passion. Her motherly instincts found an outlet in the care + of the half-crushed, but not hopelessly lost man; and the desire to drag + him back to life kept her busy day and night, and made her regard + everything else as trivial and of secondary importance. Her life had once + more found a purpose; her efforts were for an attainable end, and she + devoted herself to him body and soul. + </p> + <p> + Her uncle had told her that Orion was bound to Paula by a supreme passion.—This + had been a painful blow, but the Syrian girl had impressed her; she looked + up to her, and it soothed her wounded self-esteem to reflect that she had + lost her lover to no inferior woman. Though her longing for him still + surged up in many a silent hour, she felt it an injustice, a stint of love + to her invalid charge. + </p> + <p> + So far as Katharina was concerned, next to her mother, Heliodora was the + object of her deepest anxiety. The least word of complaint from either + terrified her; and if Susannah sank on the divan exhausted by the heat, or + Heliodora had a headache after watching through the night by the sick man, + the girl would turn pale, her heart would beat painfully, she would paint + them in fancy stricken by the plague, with burning brows and the horrible, + fatal spots on their foreheads and cheeks; and whenever these alarms + pressed on the young criminal she felt the ominous weight on the top of + her head where the dead bishop’s hand had rested. + </p> + <p> + The senator’s wife had so completely changed in her demeanor to the + water-wagtail, since Paula’s imprisonment, that to Katharina she was as a + living reproach, so she had no regret at seeing the worthy pair depart. + But scarcely had they left when misfortune took their place as an unbidden + guest. + </p> + <p> + The slave whose duty it was to heat the baths had reserved a portion of + the infected garments that had been given to him to burn; his son had + helped him, and Katharina’s nurse, the mother of her foster-brother + Anubis, had come into direct contact with her immediately after her return + from the soothsayer’s and from the bishop’s. All three had caught the + disease. They had all three been removed to the hospital tents—the + slave and the nurse as corpses. + </p> + <p> + But had the fearful infection been taken away with them? If not, it would + be the turn next of those whom she herself had pushed into the arms of the + fell monster: First Heliodora, and then her mother! And she, rightfully, + ought to have fallen before them; and if the pestilence should seize her + and death should drag her down into the grave it would be showing her + mercy. She was still so young, and yet she hated life. It had nothing in + store for her but humiliation and disappointment, arrows which, sent from + the prison, pierced her to the heart, and a torturing fear which never + gave her any peace, day or night. + </p> + <p> + When the physician came to transport the sick to the hospital in the + desert, he mentioned incidentally that the judges had condemned Paula to + death, and that the populace and senate, in spite of the new bishop’s + prohibition, had determined to cast her into the river in accordance with + an ancient custom. Orion’s fate was not to be decided till the following + day; but it would hardly be to his advantage in the eyes of his Jacobite + judges, that his betrothed was this Syrian Melchite. + </p> + <p> + At this Katharina was forced to support herself against her mother’s + arm-chair to save herself from sinking on her knees; with tingling cheeks + she questioned the leech till he lost all patience and turned away much + annoyed at such excessive feminine curiosity. + </p> + <p> + Yes! “The other” was his betrothed before all the world; but only to die! + The blood rushed through her veins in a hot tide at the thought; she could + have laughed aloud and fallen on the neck of every one she met. What she + felt was hideous; malignant spite possessed her; but it gave her rapture—delicious + rapture—a flower of hell, but with splendid petals and intoxicating + perfume. But its splendor dazzled her and its fragrance presently sickened + her. Sheer horror of herself came over her, and yet she could have shouted + with joy each time that the thought flashed through her brain: “The other + must die!” + </p> + <p> + Her mother feared that her daughter, too, was about to fall ill, her eyes + glowed so strangely and she was so restless and nervously excitable. + </p> + <p> + Since Heliodora had taken the overwhelming news of Orion’s betrothal to + Paula with astonishing though sorrowful calmness, to the hot-blooded girl + she was nothing, nobody, utterly unworthy of her notice. + </p> + <p> + To spite her she had committed a crime as like murder as one snake is like + another, and imperilled her own mother’s life! It was enough to drive her + to despair, to make her scourge herself with rods! + </p> + <p> + When Susannah kissed her at parting for the night she complained of a + slight sore throat and of her lips, which she fancied must be swollen. + Katharina detained her, questioned her with a trembling voice, put the + lamp close to her, and held her breath while she examined her face, her + neck, and her arms for the dreadful spots. But none were to be seen and + her mother laughed at her terrors, called her a dutiful, anxious child, + and warned her not to be too full of fears, as they were supposed to + invite the disease. + </p> + <p> + All night the girl could not sleep. Her malicious triumph was past; + nothing but painful thoughts and grewsome images haunted her while awake, + and pursued her more persistently when she dozed. By dawn of day her alarm + for her mother was so great that she sprang out of bed and went to her + room; Susannah was sleeping so soundly that she did not even hear her. + Much relieved Katharina crept back to bed; but in the morning the worst + had happened: Susannah could no longer leave her bed; she was feverish, + and on her lips, the very lips which had kissed her child’s infected hair, + there were indeed, between her nose and mouth, the first terrible, + unmistakable spots. + </p> + <p> + The leech came and confirmed the fact.—The house was closed and + barred. + </p> + <p> + The physician and Susannah, who was still in full possession of her + senses, wished and insisted that Katharina should withdraw to the + gardener’s house, but she refused with defiant obstinacy, saying she would + rather die with her mother than leave her. + </p> + <p> + Quite beside herself she threw herself on the sick woman, and kissed the + spots on her mouth to divert the poison into her own blood; but the + physician angrily pulled her away, and the sufferer reproved her with + tears in her eyes which spoke her fervent affection. + </p> + <p> + She was now allowed to nurse her mother. Two nuns came to her assistance, + and said, not only to the rich widow but behind her back, that they had + never seen so devoted and loving a daughter. Even Bishop John, who did not + shrink from entering the houses of the sick to give them spiritual + consolation, praised Katharina’s conduct; and he, who had hitherto + regarded the water-wagtail as no more than a bright, restless child, + treated her with respect, talked to her as to a grown-up person, and + answered her questions—which for the most part referred to Paula—gravely + and fully. + </p> + <p> + The prelate, who was full of admiration for Thomas’ daughter, told + Katharina how, to save her lover, she had taken a crime upon herself which + deprived her of every claim to mercy. The Syrian girl was only a Melchite, + but to take another’s guilt, out of love, was treading indeed in the + footsteps of Christ, if ever anything was. At this Katharina shrugged her + shoulders, as though to say: “Do you think so much of that? Could not I + gladly have done the same?” + </p> + <p> + The priest saw this and admonished her kindly to be on her guard against + spiritual pride, though she had indeed earned the right to believe herself + capable of the sternest devotion, and did not cease to set an example of + filial and Christian love. + </p> + <p> + He departed; and Katharina, to whom every word in praise of her behavior + to her mother, whom her sin had brought to her death-bed, was a torturing + mockery, felt that she had deceived one more worthy soul. She did not, to + be sure, deserve to be charged with spiritual pride; for in this silent + chamber, where death stood on the threshold, she thought over all the + horrible things she had done, and told herself repeatedly that she was the + chief and most vile of sinners. + </p> + <p> + Many times she felt impelled to confide in another soul, to invite a + pitying eye to behold and share her inward suffering. + </p> + <p> + To the bishop above all, the most venerable priest she knew, she would + most readily have confessed everything and have submitted to any penance, + however severe, at his hands, but shame held her back; and even more did + another more urgent consideration. The prelate, she knew, would demand of + her that she should forsake her old life, root out from her soul the old + feelings and desires, and begin a new existence; but for this the time had + not yet come: her love was still an indispensable condition of life, and + her hatred was even more dear to her. When Paula’s terrible doom should + indeed have overtaken her, and Katharina, her heart full of those old + feelings, had gloated over it; when she should have been able to prove to + Orion that her love was no less great and strong and self-sacrificing than + that of Thomas’ daughter; when she should have compelled him—as she + would and must—to acknowledge that he had cruelly misprized her and + sinned against her; then, and not till then, would she make peace with + herself, with the Church, and with her Saviour. Nay, if need be, she would + take the veil and mourn away the rest of her young life as a penitent, in + a convent or a solitary rock-cell. But now—when Paula, his + betrothed, had done this great thing for him—to perish now, with her + love unseen, unknown, uncared for, perhaps forgotten by him, to retire + into herself and vanish from his ken—that was too much for human + nature! Sooner would she be lost forever; body and soul in everlasting + perdition, a prey to Satan and hell—in which she believed as firmly + as in her own existence. + </p> + <p> + So she went on nursing her mother, saw the red spots spread over the sick + woman’s whole body—watched the fever that increased from day to day, + from hour to hour; listened with a mixture of horror and gladness—at + which she herself shuddered, though she fed her heart on it—to the + reports of the preparations for the sacrifice of the Bride of the Nile, + and to all the bishop could tell her of Paula, and her dying father, and + Orion. She trembled for little Mary, who had disappeared from the + neighboring garden, till she heard that the child had fled to escape the + cloister; each day she learnt that Heliodora, who had moved to the + gardener’s house with her invalid, had as yet escaped the pestilence; + while in the prayers, which even now she never failed to offer up morning + and evening, she implored the Almighty and her patron saints to rescue the + young widow, to save her from causing the death of her own mother, and to + forgive her for having indirectly caused that of worthy old Rufinus, who + had always been so good to her, and of so many innocent creatures by her + treachery. + </p> + <p> + Thus the terrible days and nights of anguish passed by; and the captives + whom the girl’s sins had brought to prison were happier than she, in spite + of the doom that threatened them. + </p> + <p> + The fate of his betrothed tortured Orion more than a hundred aching + wounds. Paula’s terrible end was fast approaching, and his brain burned at + the mere thought. Now, as he was told by the warder, by the bishop, and by + Justinus, the day after to-morrow was fixed for the bridal of his + betrothed. In two days the bride, decked by base and mocking hands for an + atrocious and accursed farce, would be wreathed and wedded, not to him, + the bridegroom whom she loved, but to the Nile—the insensible, + death-dealing element. He rushed up and down his cell like a madman, and + tore his lute-strings when he tried to soothe his soul with music; but + then a calm, well-intentioned voice would come from the adjoining room, + exhorting him not to lose hope, to trust in God, not to forget his duty + and the task before him. And Orion would control himself resolutely, pull + himself together, and throw himself into his work again. + </p> + <p> + Day and night were alike to him. The senator had provided him with a lamp + and oil. When he was wearied out, he allowed himself no longer sleep on + his hard couch than human nature imperatively demanded; and as soon as he + had shaken it off he again became absorbed in maps and lists, plied his + pen, thought, sketched, calculated, and reflected. Then, if a doubt arose + in his mind or he could not trust his own memory and judgment, he knocked + at the wall, and his shrewd and experienced friend was at all times ready + to help him to the best of his knowledge and opinion. The senator went to + Arsinoe for him, to gain information as to the seaboard from the archives + preserved there; and so the work went forward, approaching its end, + strengthening and raising his sinking spirit, bringing him the pleasures + of success, and enabling him not unfrequently to forget for hours that + which otherwise might have brought the bravest to despair. + </p> + <p> + The warder, the senator or his worthy wife, Dame Joanna or Eudoxia—who + twice had the pleasure of accompanying her—each time they visited + him had some message or note to carry to Paula, telling her how far his + work had progressed; and to her it was a consolation and heartfelt joy to + be able to follow him in his labors. And many a token of his love, esteem, + and admiration gave her courage, when even her brave heart began to quail. + </p> + <p> + Ah! It was not alone her terror of a horrible death that tortured her + soul. Her father, whom she considered it her greatest joy in life to have + found again, was fading beyond all hope under her loving hands. His poor + wounded lungs refused its service. It was with great difficulty that he + could swallow a few drops of wine and mouthfuls of food; and in these last + days his clear mind had lain as it were under a shroud—perhaps it + was happier so, as she told herself and as her friends said to comfort + her. + </p> + <p> + He, too, had heard the cries of: “Hail to the Bride of the Nile!” + </p> + <p> + “Bring out the Bride!” + </p> + <p> + “Away with the Bride of the Nile!” Though he had no suspicion of their + meaning, they had haunted his thoughts incessantly during the last few + days; and the terrible, strange words had seemed to charm his fancy, for + to Paula’s distress he would murmur them to himself tenderly or + thoughtfully as the case might be. + </p> + <p> + Many times the idea occurred to her that she might put an end to her life + before the worst should befall, before she became a spectacle for a whole + nation, to be jeered at and made a delightful and exciting show to rouse + their cruelty or their compassion. But dared she do it? Dared she defy the + Most High, the Lord in whom she put her trust, into whose hand she + commended herself in a thousand dumb but fervent prayers. + </p> + <p> + No. To the very last she would trust and hope. And wonderful to say! Each + time she had reached the very limits of her powers of endurance, feeling + she could certainly bear no more and must succumb, something came to her + to revive her faith or her courage: a message would be brought her from + Orion, or Dame Joanna or Pulcheria came to see her; the bishop sought an + interview, or her father’s mind rallied and he could speak to her in + beautiful and stimulating words. Often the warder would announce the + senator and his wife, and their vigorous and healthy minds always hit on + the very thing she needed. Martina, particularly, with her subtle motherly + instinct, always understood whatever was agitating her; and once she + showed her a letter from Heliodora, in which she spoke of the calmness she + had won through nursing their dear invalid, and said how thankful she was + to see the reward of her care and toil. Narses was already quite another + man, and she could know no higher task than that of reconciling the + hapless man to life, nay, of making it dear to him again. She no longer + thought of Orion but as she might of a beautiful song she once had heard + in a delightful hour. + </p> + <p> + Thus time passed, even for the imprisoned maiden, till only two nights + remained before St. Serapis’ day when the fearful marriage was to be + solemnized. + </p> + <p> + It was evening when the bishop came to visit Paula. He regarded it as his + duty to tell her that the execution of her sentence was fixed for the day + after to-morrow. He should hope and believe till the last, but his own + power over the misguided mob was gone from him. In any case, and if the + worst should befall, he would be at her side to protect her by the dignity + of his office. He had come now, so as to give her time to prepare her self + in every respect. The care of her noble father till his last hour on earth + he would take upon himself as a dear and sacred duty. + </p> + <p> + Though she had believed herself surely prepared long since for the worst, + this news fell on her like a thunderbolt. What lay before her seemed so + monstrous, so unexampled, that it was impossible that she ever could look + forward to it firmly and calmly. + </p> + <p> + For a long time she could not help clinging desperately to her faithful + Betta, and it was only by degrees that she so far recovered herself as to + be able to speak to the bishop, and thank him. He, however, could only + lament his inability to earn her fullest gratitude, for the patriarch’s + reply to his complaint of those who promised rescue to the people by the + instrumentality of a heathen abomination—a document on which he had + founded his highest hopes for her—had had a different result from + that which he had expected. The patriarch, to be sure, condemned the + abominable sacrifice, but he did it in a way which lacked the force + necessary to terrify and discourage the misled mob. However, he would try + what effect it might have on the people, and a number of scribes were at + work to make copies of it in the course of the night. These would be sent + to the Senators next morning, posted up in the market-place and public + buildings, and distributed to the people; but he feared all this would + have no effect. + </p> + <p> + “Then help me to prepare for death,” said Paula gloomily. “You are not a + priest of my confession, but no church has a more worthy minister. If you + can absolve me in the name of your Redeemer, mine will pardon me. We look + at Him, it is true, with different eyes, but He is the Saviour of us both, + nevertheless.” A contradictory reply struggled for utterance in the strict + Jacobite’s mind, but at such a moment he felt he must repress it; he only + answered: + </p> + <p> + “Speak, daughter, I am listening.” + </p> + <p> + And she poured forth all her soul, as though he had been a priest of her + own creed, and his eyes grew moist as he heard this confession of a pure + and loving heart, yearning for all that was highest and best. He promised + her the mercy of the Redeemer, and when he had ended with “Amen,” and + blessed her, he looked down at the ground for some minutes and presently + said, “Follow me, Child.” + </p> + <p> + “Whither?” she asked in surprise; for she thought that her last hour had + already come, and that he was about to lead her away to the place of + execution, or to her watery, ever-flowing tomb; but he smiled as he + replied: “No, child. To-day I have only the pleasing duty of blessing your + betrothal before God; if only you will promise not to estrange your + husband from the faith of his fathers—for what will not a man + sacrifice to win the love of a woman.—You promise? Then I will take + you to your Orion.” + </p> + <p> + He rapped on the door of the cell, and when the warder had opened it he + whispered his orders; Paula followed him silently and with blushing + cheeks, and in a few minutes she was clasped to her lover’s breast while, + for the first time—and perhaps the last—their lips met in a + kiss. + </p> + <p> + The prelate gave them a few minutes together; when he had blessed them + both and solemnized their betrothal, he led her back to her cell. However, + she had hardly time to thank him out of the fulness of her overflowing + heart, when a town-watchman came to fetch him to see Susannah; her last + hour was at hand, if not already past. John at once went with the + messenger, and Paula drew a deep breath as she saw him depart. Then she + threw herself on to her nurse’s shoulders, crying: + </p> + <p> + “Now, come what may! Nothing can divide us; not even death!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> + <p> + The bishop was too late. He found the widow Susannah a corpse; standing at + the head of the bed was little Katharina, as pale as death, speechless, + tearless, utterly annihilated. He kindly tried to cheer her, and to speak + words of comfort; but she pushed him away, tore herself from him, and + before he could stop her, she had fled out of the room. + </p> + <p> + Poor child! He had seen many a loving daughter mourning for her mother, + but never such grief as this. Here, thought he, were two human souls all + in all to each other, and hence this overwhelming sorrow. + </p> + <p> + Katharina had escaped to her own room, had thrown herself on the couch—cowering + so close that no one entering the room would have taken the + undistinguishable heap for a human being, a grown up, passionately + suffering girl. + </p> + <p> + It was very hot, and yet a cold shiver ran through her slender frame. Was + she now attacked by the pestilence? No; it would be too merciful of Fate + to take such pity on her woes. + </p> + <p> + The mother was dead, dragged to the grave by her own daughter. The disease + had first shown itself on her lips; and how many times had the physician + expressed his surprise at the plague having broken out in this healthy + quarter of the town, and in a house kept so scrupulously clean. She knew + at whose bidding the avenging angel had entered there, and whose criminal + guile had trifled with him. The words “murdered your mother” haunted her, + and she remembered the law of the ancients which refused to prescribe a + punishment for the killing of parents, because they considered such a + monstrous deed impossible. + </p> + <p> + A scornful smile curled her lip. Laws! Principles! Was there one that she + had not defied? She had contemned God, meddled with magic, borne false + witness, committed murder—and as to the one law with promise, which, + if Philippus was right, was exactly the same in the code of her + forefathers as on the tables of Moses, how had she kept that? Her own + mother was no more, and by her act! + </p> + <p> + All through this frightful retrospect she had never ceased to shiver and, + as this was becoming unendurable, she took to walking up and down and + seeking excuses for her sinful doings: It was not her mother, but + Heliodora whom she had wished to kill; why had malicious Fate...? + </p> + <p> + Here she was interrupted, for the young widow, who had heard the sad news, + sought her out to comfort her and offer her services. She spoke to the + girl with real affection; but her sweet, low tones reminded Katharina of + that evening after the old bishop’s death; and when Heliodora put out her + arm to draw her to her, she shrank from her, begging her in a dry, hoarse + voice, not to touch her for her clothes were infected. She wanted no + comfort; all she asked was to be left alone—quite alone—nothing + more. The words were hard and unkind, and as the door closed on the young + woman Katharina’s eyes glared after her. + </p> + <p> + Why had this doom passed over Heliodora’s head and demanded the sacrifice + of one whose loss she could never cease to mourn? + </p> + <p> + This brought her mother vividly to her mind. She flew back to her + death-bed and fell on her knees—but even there she could not bear to + stay long, so she wandered into the garden and visited every spot where + she and her mother had been together. But there were such strange + crackings in the shrubs, and the trees and bushes cast such uncanny + shadows that she hailed daybreak as a deliverance. + </p> + <p> + She was on her way back to the house when her foster-brother Anubis came + limping to meet her. Poor fellow! She had made a cripple of him, too, and + his mother had died through her fault. + </p> + <p> + The lad spoke to her, giving expression to his sympathy, and she accepted + it; but she said such strange things, and answered him so utterly at + random, that he began to fear that grief had turned her brain. She went on + to ask him point-blank how much money she now had, and as he happened to + know approximately, he could tell her; she clasped her hands, for how + could any one human being who was not a king possess such enormous wealth! + Finally she enquired whether he knew how a will should be drawn up, and + that, too, he answered affirmatively. + </p> + <p> + She made him describe it all, and then he added that the signature must be + made valid by those of two witnesses; but she, he added, was too young to + be thinking of making her will. + </p> + <p> + “Why?” said she. “Is Paula much older than I am?” + </p> + <p> + “And the day after to-morrow,” the boy went on, “she is to be cast into + the Nile. All the people call her the Bride of the Nile.” + </p> + <p> + At this that hideous, malignant smile again curled her lips, but she + hastily suppressed it and walked straight on into the house. At the door + he timidly asked her whether he might once more look on his mistress; but + she was obliged to forbid it for fear of infection. However, he proudly + replied: “What you do not fear, has no terrors for me,” and he followed + her to the side of the bed where the corpse now lay washed and in fine + array; and when he saw Katharina kiss the dead woman’s hand he, too, as + soon as she looked away, pressed his lips on the place hers had touched. + Then he sat down by the bed and remained there till she sent him away. + </p> + <p> + Before noon the bishop arrived to perform the last rites. He found the + body surrounded by beautiful flowers. Katharina had been out in the garden + again and had cut all the rarest and finest; and though she had allowed + the gardener to carry the basket for her, she would not have him help her + in gathering them. The feeling that she was doing something for her mother + had been a comfort to her; still, by day everything about her seemed even + more intolerable than by night. Everything looked so large, so coarse, so + insistent, so menacing, and reminded her at every step of some injustice + or some deed of which she was ashamed. Every eye, she fancied, must see + through her; and now and then it seemed as though the pillars of the great + banqueting-hall, where her mother still lay, were tottering, and the + ceiling about to fall in and crush her. + </p> + <p> + She answered the bishop’s questions absently and often quite at random, + and the old man supposed that she was stunned by her great sorrow; so to + give her thoughts a new direction he began telling her about Paula, and + believing that Katharina was fond of her, he confided to her that he had + taken Paula, the day before, to Orion’s cell, and consecrated their + betrothal. + </p> + <p> + At this her face was convulsed in a manner that alarmed the bishop; a + fearful tumult raged in her soul, her bosom rose and fell spasmodically, + and all she could utter was the question: “But they will sacrifice her all + the same?” + </p> + <p> + The bishop thought he understood. She was horror stricken by the idea of + the sudden, cruel end that hung over the young bride, and he replied + sadly; “I shall not be able to restrain the wretches; still, no means + shall remain untried. The patriarch’s rescript, condemning this mad crime, + shall be made public to-day, and I will read and expound it at the Curia, + and try to give it keener emphasis.—Would you like to read it?” + </p> + <p> + As she eagerly assented, the prelate signed to the acolyte who had waited + on him with the holy vessels, and he produced from a packet a written + sheet which he handed to Katharina. As soon as she was alone she read the + patriarch’s epistle; at first superficially, then more carefully, and at + last in deep attention and growing interest, stirred by it to strange + thoughts, till at length her eyes flashed and her breath came fast, as + though this paper referred to herself, and could seal her fate for life. + </p> + <p> + When the bearers came in to fetch away the body she was still sitting + there, gazing as if spell-bound at the papyrus; but she sprang up, shook + herself, and then bid farewell to the cold rigid form of the mother on + whose warm heart she had so often rested, and to whom she had been the + dearest thing on earth—and even then the solace of tears was denied + her. + </p> + <p> + She no longer suffered the deep remorse that had tormented her; for she + felt now that her intercourse with her last mother had not been put an end + to by death; that after a short parting they would meet again—soon + perhaps, perhaps even to-morrow—meet for a fulness of speech, an + outpouring of the heart, a revelation of all the past more open and + unreserved than could ever be between mortal beings, even between mother + and daughter. And when she who was sleeping there, blind, deaf, and + senseless, should awake again, up there, with eyes clearer than those of + men below, and the ears and senses of a spiritual being to see and hear + and judge all she had known and done, all she had felt and made others + feel—then, she told herself, her mother might perhaps blame her and + punish her more than she had ever done on earth, but she would also clasp + her more closely to her heart and comfort her more earnestly. + </p> + <p> + She whispered gently in her ear as if she were still alive: “Wait awhile, + only wait: I shall come soon and tell you everything!” + </p> + <p> + And then she kissed her so passionately and recklessly that the nuns were + shocked and dragged her away, ordering the bearers to close the coffin. + They obeyed, and when the wooden lid fell over the sleeping form, shutting + it in with a slam, and hiding it from the girl’s sight, the barrier gave + way which had hitherto restrained her tears and she began to weep + bitterly; now, too, the feeling that she had indeed lost her mother took + complete possession of her—the sense of being an orphan and alone, + quite alone in the wide world. + </p> + <p> + She saw and heard no more of what took place round the beloved dead; for + when she took her hands from her face streaming with tears, the house of + the rich widow no longer sheltered its mistress; her remains had been + borne away to the nearest mortuary. The law forbade its being any longer + kept within doors, but did not allow of its being buried till night fell. + The child might not follow her own mother to the cemetery. + </p> + <p> + With a drooping head Katharina withdrew to her room and there stood + looking out into the garden. It all was hers now; she was mistress of it + all and of much besides, as free and unfettered to command as hitherto she + had been over the birds, her little dog, or the jewels that lay on her + toilet-table. She could make hundreds happy with a word, a wave of the + hand—but not herself. She had never felt so grown-up, independent, + womanly, nay powerful, and at the same time so unutterably wretched and + helpless as she felt in this hour. + </p> + <p> + What did she care for all these vanities? They could not suffice to check + one sigh of disappointed yearning. + </p> + <p> + She had parted from her mother with a promise; the fervent longing that + filled her soul was never still; and now the patriarch’s letter had given + her a hint as to how she might fulfil the one and silence the other. She + hastily took the document up again, and read it through once more. + </p> + <p> + Its instructions were precise to stop the proceedings of the misguided + Memphites with stern promptitude. It explained that the death of the + Christ Jesus, who shed His blood to redeem the world, had satisfied the + need for a human victim. Throughout the wide realms which the Cross + overshadowed with blessing human sacrifice must therefore be accounted a + useless and accursed abomination. It went on to point out how the heathen + had devised their gods in the image of weak, sinful, earthly beings, and + chosen victims in accordance with this idea. “But our God,” it said, “is + as high above men as the Spirit is above the flesh, and the sacrifice He + demands is not of the flesh, but of the spirit. Will He not turn away in + wrath and sorrow from the blinded Christians of Memphis who, in their + straits, feel and are about to act like the cruel and foolish heathen? + They take for their victim a heretic and a stranger, deeming that that + will diminish the abomination in the eyes of the Lord; but it moves Him to + loathing all the same, for no human blood may stain the pure and sacred + altars of our mild faith, which gives life and not death. + </p> + <p> + “Ask your blind and misguided flock, my brother: Can the Father of Love + feel joy at the sight of one of His children, even an erring one, + suffocated in the waters to the honor of the Most High, while struggling, + and cursing her executioners? + </p> + <p> + “If, indeed, there were a pure maiden, possessed with the blessed + intoxication of the love of God, who was ready to follow the example of + Him who redeemed man by His death, to fling herself into the waters while + she cried to Heaven with her dying breath: ‘Take me and my innocence as an + offering, O Lord! Release my people from their extremity!’—that + would be a victim indeed; and perchance, the Lord might say: ‘I will + accept it; but the will alone is enough. No child of mine may cast away + the life that I have lent her as the most sacred and precious of gifts.’” + </p> + <p> + The letter ended with pious exhortations to the community. + </p> + <p> + Then a maiden who should voluntarily sacrifice herself in the river to + save the people in their need would be a victim pleasing in the sight of + the Lord—so said the Man of God, through whose mouth the Most High + spoke. And this opinion, this hint, was to Katharina like a distaff from + which she spun a lengthening thread to warp to the loom and weave from it + a tangible tissue. + </p> + <p> + She would be the maiden whom the patriarch had imagined—the real, + true Bride of the Nile, inspired to cast off her young life to save her + people in their need. In this there was expiation such as Heaven might + accept; this would release her from the burthen of life that weighed upon + her, and would reunite her to her mother; in this way she could show her + lover and the bishop and all the world the immensity of her + self-sacrifice, which was in nothing behind that of “the other”—the + much-vaunted daughter of Thomas! She would do the great deed before + Paula’s eyes, in sight of all the people. But Orion must know whose image + she bore in her heart and for whose sake she made that leap from blooming + life into a watery grave. + </p> + <p> + Oh! it was wonderful, splendid! Would she not thus compel him inevitably + to remember her whenever he should think of Paula? Yes, she would force + him to allow her image to dwell in his soul, inseparable from that + “other;” and would not such an unparalleled act add such height to her + figure, that it would be equal to that of her Syrian rival in the + estimation of all men—even in his? + </p> + <p> + She now began to long for the supreme moment. Her vain little heart + laughed in anticipation of the delight of being seen, praised and admired + by all. Tomorrow she, her little self, would tower above all the world; + and the more she felt the oppressive heat of the scorching day, the more + delicious it seemed to look forward to finding rest from the torments of + life in the cool element. + </p> + <p> + She saw no difficulties in the way of her achievement; she was mistress + now, and her slaves and servants must obey her orders. At the same time + she remembered, too, to protect her large possessions from falling into + the hands of relations for whom she did not care; with a firm hand she + drew up a will in which she bequeathed part of her fortune to her uncle + Chrysippus, small portions to her foster-brother Anubis, and to Rufinus’ + widow, to whom she owed reparation for great wrong; then the larger half, + and she owned many millions, she bequeathed to her dear friend Orion, whom + she freely forgave, and who, she hoped, would see that even in the little + “water-wagtail” there had been room for some greatness. She begged him + also to take her house, since she had not been altogether guiltless of the + destruction of the home of his fathers. + </p> + <p> + The condition she attached to this bequest showed the same keen, alert + spirit that had guided her through life. + </p> + <p> + She knew that the patriarch’s indignation might be fatal to the young man, + so to serve as a mediator, and at the same time to ensure for herself the + prayers of the Church, which she desired, she enjoined Orion to bestow the + greater part of his inheritance on the patriarch for the Church and for + benevolent purposes. But not at once, not for ten years, and in + instalments of which Orion himself was to determine the proportion. In the + event of his dying within the next three years all his claims were to be + transferred to her uncle Chrysippus. She added a request to the Church, to + which she belonged with her whole heart, that every year on her saint’s + day and her mother’s they should be prayed for in every church in the + land. A chapel was to be erected on the scene of her self-immolation, and + if the patriarch thought her worthy of the honor, it was to bear the name + of the Chapel of Susannah and Katharina. + </p> + <p> + She gave all her slaves their freedom and devised legacies to all the + officials of her household. + </p> + <p> + As she sat for long hours of serious meditation, drawing up this last + will, she smiled frequently with satisfaction. Then she copied it out + fair, and finally called the physician and all the free servants in the + house to witness her signature. + </p> + <p> + Though no one had suspected the “water-wagtail” of such forethought, it + was no matter of surprise that the young heiress, shut up in the + plague-stricken house, should dispose of her estates, and before + night-fall the physician brought Alexander, the chief of the Senate, to + the garden gate by her desire, and there they spoke to each other without + opening it. He was an old friend of her father’s, and since the death of + the Mukaukas, had been her guardian; he now agreed to stand as her Kyrios, + and as such he ratified her will and the signature, though she would not + allow him to read the document. + </p> + <p> + Finally she went to the slaves quarters, from whence a few more sufferers + had been removed to the Necropolis, and desired her boatman to get the + holiday barge in readiness early in the morning, as she purposed seeing + the ceremonial from the river. She gave particular orders to the gardener + as to how it was to be decorated, and what flowers he was to cut for her + personal adornment. + </p> + <p> + She went to bed far less excited than she had been the night before, and + before she had ended her evening prayer, slumber overtook her weary brain. + </p> + <p> + When she awoke at sunrise, the large and splendid boat, which her father + had had built at great cost in Alexandria, was manned and ready to put + out. No one interfered to prevent her embarking with Anubis and a few + female servants, for all the guards who had surrounded the house till + yesterday had been withdrawn to do duty at the great ceremonial of the + marriage and sacrifice, since a popular tumult was not unlikely to arise. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> + <p> + A great number of persons had collected during the night on the quay near + Nesptah’s inn. The crowd was increasing every minute, and in spite of the + intense heat, not a Memphite could bear to stop within doors, Men, women + and children were flocking to the scene of the festival; they came in + thousands from the neighboring towns, hamlets and villages, to witness the + unprecedented sacrifice which was to put an end to the misery of the land. + Who had ever heard of such a marriage? What a privilege, what a happiness, + to be so fortunate as to see it! + </p> + <p> + The senate had not been idle and had done all in their power to surround + it with magnificence and to enable as many as possible to enjoy the + pageant, which had been planned with a lavish hand and liberal + munificence. + </p> + <p> + Round the cove by Nesptah’s inn a semi-circular wooden stand had been + constructed, on which thousands found seats or standing-room. Stalls + furnished with hangings were erected in the middle of the tribune for the + authorities and their families as well as for the leading Arab officials, + and arm-chairs were placed in them for the Vekeel, for the Kadi, for the + head of the senate, for old Horapollo and also for the Christian + priesthood, though it was well known that they would not be present at the + ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The lower classes, who could not afford to pay for admission to these + seats, had established themselves on the banks of the river; wandering + dealers had followed them, and wherever the crowd was densest they had + displayed their wares—light refreshments or solid food—on + two-wheeled trucks, or on little carpets spread on the ground. In the + tribune itself the cries of the water-sellers were incessant as they + offered filtered Nile water and fruit syrups for sale. + </p> + <p> + The parched tops of the palms, where turtle doves, lapwings and + sparrow-hawks were wont to perch, were crowded with the vagabond boys of + the town, who whiled away the time by pulling the withered and diseased + dates from the great clumps and flinging them down on the bystanders + below, till the guard took aim at them with their arrows and stopped the + game. + </p> + <p> + The centre of attraction to all eyes was a wooden platform or pontoon, + built far out into the stream; from thence the bride was to be flung into + the watery embrace of the expectant bridegroom. Here the masters of the + ceremonies had put forth their best efforts, and it was magnificently + decorated with hangings and handkerchiefs, palm-leaves and flags; with + heavy garlands of tamarisk and willow, mingled with bright blossoms of the + lotos and mallow, lilies and roses; with devices emblematic of the + province, and other gilt ornaments. Only the furthest end of it was + unadorned and without even a railing, that there might be nothing to + intercept the view of the “marriage.” + </p> + <p> + Three hours before noon none were absent but those whose places were + secured, and ere long curiosity brought them also to the spot. The + town-watch found it required all their efforts to keep the front ranks of + the people from being pushed into the river by those behind; indeed, this + accident could not be everywhere guarded against; but, thanks to the + shallow state of the water, no one was the worse. But the cries of those + who were in danger nevertheless drowned the music of the bands performing + on raised platforms and the shouts of applause which rose on all sides to + hail Horapollo—who was here, there, everywhere on his white ass as + brisk as a lad—or to greet some leading official. + </p> + <p> + And now and again loud cries of anguish were heard, or the closely-packed + throng parted with exclamations of horror. A citizen had had a sunstroke, + or had been seized by the plague. Then the fugitives dragged others away + with them; screaming mothers trying to save their little ones from the + crush on one hand and the contagion on the other, oversetting one dealer’s + truck, smashing the eggs and cakes of another. A whole party were pushed + into a deep but half-dried up water-course; the guardians of the peace + flourished their staves, yelling and making their victims yell in their + efforts to restore order—but all this hardly affected the vast body + of spectators, and suddenly peace reigned, the confusion subsided, the + shrieks were silenced. Those who were doomed might fall or die, be crushed + or plague-stricken. Trumpet calls and singing were heard approaching from + the town: the procession, the Bridal procession was coming! Not a man but + would have perished rather than be deprived of seeing a single act of this + stupendous drama. + </p> + <p> + Those Arabs—what fools they were! Besides the Vekeel only three of + their magnates were present, and those men whom no one knew. Even the Kadi + was nowhere to be seen; and he must have forbidden the Moslem women to + come, for not a single veiled beauty of the harem was visible. Not one + Egyptian woman would have failed to appear if the plague had not kept so + many imprisoned in their houses. Such a thing would never be seen again; + this day’s doings would be a tale to tell to future great-grandchildren! + </p> + <p> + The music and singing came nearer and nearer; and it did not indeed sound + as if it were escorting a hapless creature to a fearful end. Blast after + blast rang out from the trumpets, filling the air with festive defiance; + cheerful bridal songs came nearer and nearer to the listeners, the shrill + chorus of boys and maidens sounding above the deeper and stronger chant of + youths and men of all ages; flutes piped a gay invitation to gladness; the + dull roar of drums muttered like the distant waves in time to a march, + broken by the clang of cymbals and the tinkle of bells hung around + tambourines held high by girlish hands which struck, rattled and waved + them above their flowing curls; lute players discoursed sweet music on the + strings; and as this vast tide of mingled tones came closer, behind it + there was still more music and more song. + </p> + <p> + To the ear the procession seemed endless, and the eye soon confirmed the + impression. + </p> + <p> + All were listening, gazing, watching to see the Bride and her escort. + Every eye seemed compelled to turn in the same direction; and presently + there came: first the trumpeters on spirited horses, and these ranged + themselves on each side of the road by the shore leading to the scene of + the “marriage.” In front of them the choir of women took their stand to + the left and, on the right, the men who had marched after them. All alike + were arrayed in light sea-green garments, and loaded with lotos-flowers. + The women’s hair, twined with white blossoms, flowed over their shoulders; + the men carried bunches of papyrus and reeds;—they represented river + gods that had risen from the stream. + </p> + <p> + Then came boys and bearded men, in white robes, with panther-skins on + their shoulders, as the heathen priests had been wont to wear them. They + were headed by two old men with long white beards, one holding a silver + cup and the other a golden one, ready to fling them into the waves as a + first offering, according to the practise of their forefathers, as + Horapollo had described and ordered it. These went on to the pontoon, to + its farthest end, and took their place on one side of the platform whence + the Bride was to be cast into the river. Behind them came a large troop of + flute-players and drummers, followed by fifty maidens holding tambourines, + and fifty men all dressed and carrying emblems as followers of Dionysus, + or Osiris-Bacchus, who had been worshipped here in the time of the Romans; + with these came the drunken Silenus, goathoofed Satyrs and Pan, with his + reed-pipes, all riding grey asses strangely bedaubed with yellow. + </p> + <p> + Then followed giraffes, elephants, ostriches, antelopes, gazelles; even + some tamed lions and panthers were led past the wondering crowd; for this + had been done in the famous procession in honor of the second Ptolemy, + described by Callixenus of Rhodes. + </p> + <p> + Next came a large car drawn by twelve black horses, and on it a symbolical + group of Famine and Pestilence overthrown; they were surrounded by + shrieking black children, with pointed wings on their shoulders and horns + on their foreheads, bound to stakes to represent the hosts of hell—a + performance which they tried to make at once ghastly and droll. + </p> + <p> + On another car the Goddess of the Inundation was to be seen. She sat amid + sheaves, fruits, and garlands of vine; while round her were groups of + children with apples and corn, pomegranates and bunches of dates, + wine-jars and cups in their hands. + </p> + <p> + Presently there appeared in a large shell, as though lounging in a bath, + the goddess of health; she was drawn by eight snow-white horses, and held + in one hand a golden goblet and in the other a caduceus. After her came + the river-god Nile, the bridegroom of the marriage, studied from the + famous statue carried away from Alexandria by the Romans: a splendid and + mighty bearded man, resting against an urn. Sixteen naked children—the + sixteen ells that the river must rise for its overflow to bless the land—played + round his herculean form, and a bridal wreath of lotos-flowers crowned his + flowing locks. This car, which was decorated with crocodiles, sheaves, + dates, grapes, and shells, was hailed with shouts of enthusiasm; it was + escorted by old men in the costume of the heathen priesthood. + </p> + <p> + Behind this came more music and singers, with a troop of young men and + maidens led by lute-players singing. These too were dressed as the genie, + and nymphs of the river and were the groomsmen and bridesmaids in + attendance on the betrothed. + </p> + <p> + The longer the procession lasted and the nearer the looked-for victim + approached, the more eagerly attent were the gazing multitude. + </p> + <p> + When this group of youths and maidens had gone by, there was hardly a + sound to be heard in the tribune and among the crowd. No one felt the + fierce heat of the sun, no one heeded the thirst that parched every + tongue; all eyes were bent in one direction; only the black Vekeel, whose + colossal form towered up where he stood, occasionally sent a sinister and + anxious glance towards the town. He expected to see smoke rising from the + quarter near the prison, and suddenly his lips parted and he displayed his + dazzlingly white teeth in a scornful laugh. That which he looked for had + come to pass; the little grey cloud which he discerned grew blacker, and + then, in the heart of it, rose a crimson glow which did not take its color + from the sun. But of all those thousands he was the only one who looked + behind him and observed it. + </p> + <p> + The bride’s attendants had by this time taken their station on the + pontoon; here came another band of youths with panther skins on their + shoulders; and now—at last, at last—a car came swaying along, + drawn by eight coal-black oxen dressed with green ostrich-feathers and + water-plants. + </p> + <p> + The car was shaded by a tall canopy, supported by four poles, against + which leaned four men in the robes of the heathen priesthood; this awning + was lavishly decorated with wreaths of lotos and reeds, and fenced about + with papyrus, bulrushes, tall grasses and blossoming river-weeds. Beneath + it sat the queen of the festival—the Bride of the Nile. + </p> + <p> + Robed in white and closely veiled, she was quite motionless. Her long, + thick brown hair fell over her shoulders; at her feet lay a wreath, and + rare rose-colored lotos-flowers were strewn on the car. + </p> + <p> + The bishop had been sitting at her side, the first Christian priest, + certainly, of all the swarms of monks and ecclesiastics in Memphis, who + had ever appeared at such a scene of heathen abomination. He was now + standing, looking down at the crowd with a deeply knit brow and menacing + gaze. What good had come of the penitential sermons in all the churches, + of his and his vicar’s warnings and threats? In spite of all remonstrance + he had mounted the car with the condemned victim, after administering the + last consolations to her soul. It might cost him his life, but he would + keep his promise. + </p> + <p> + In her hand Paula held two roses: one was Orion’s last greeting delivered + by Martina; the other Pulcheria had brought her early in the morning. + Yesterday, in a lucid moment, her dying father had given her his fondest + blessing, little knowing what hung over her; to-day he had not come to + himself, and had neither noticed nor returned her parting kiss. Quite + unconscious, he had been moved from the prison out of doors and to the + house of Rufinus. Dame Joanna would not forego the privilege of giving him + a resting-place and taking care of him till the end. + </p> + <p> + Orion’s last note was placed in Paula’s hands just before she set out; it + informed her that his task was now successfully ended. He had been told + that it was to-morrow, and not to-day, that the hideous act would be + accomplished; and it was a consolation to her to know that he was spared + the agony of following her in fancy in her fearful progress. + </p> + <p> + She had allowed the women who came to clothe her in bridal array to + perform their task; among them was Emau, the chief warder’s wife, and her + overflowing compassion had done Paula good. But even in the prison-yard + she had felt it unendurable to exhibit herself decked in her bridal + wreaths to the gaping multitude; she had torn them from her and thrown + them on the ground. + </p> + <p> + How long—how interminably long—had the road to the river + appeared; but she had never raised her eyes to look at the curious crowd, + never ceased lifting up her heart in prayer; and when her proud blood + boiled, or despair had almost taken possession of her, she had grasped the + bishop’s hand and he had never wearied of encouraging her and exhorting + her to cling to love and faith, and not even yet abandon all hope. + </p> + <p> + Thus they at last reached the pontoon at whose further end life would + begin for her in another world. The shouts of the crowd were as loud, as + triumphant, as expectant as ever; music and singing mingled with the roar + of thousands of spectators; she allowed herself to be lifted from the car + as though she were stunned, and followed the young men and maidens who + formed the bridal train, and in alternate choruses sang the finest nuptial + song of Sappho the fair Lesbian. + </p> + <p> + The bishop now made an attempt to address the people, but he was soon + reduced to silence. So he once more joined Paula, and hand in hand they + went on to the pier. + </p> + <p> + All she had in her of strength, pride, and heroic courage she summoned to + her aid to enable her to walk these last few paces with her head erect, + and without tottering; she had gone half way along the wooden structure, + with a mien as lofty and majestic as though she were marching to command + the obedience of the mob, when hoofs came thundering after her on the + boards. + </p> + <p> + Old Horapollo, on his white ass, had overtaken her and stopped her on her + road. Breathless, bathed in perspiration, scornful and triumphant, he + desired her to remove her veil, and ordered the bishop to leave her and + give up his place to the man who represented Father Nile—a gigantic + farrier who followed him, somewhat embarrassed in his costume, but very + ready to perform his part to the end. + </p> + <p> + The priest and Paula, however, refused to obey. At this the old man tore + the veil from her face and signed to the Nile-God; he stepped forward and + assumed his rights, after bowing respectfully to the prelate—who was + forced to make way—and then led the Bride to the end of the + platform. Here the two elders who had headed the procession in honor of + Bacchus, cast the gold cups as offerings into the river, and then a + lawyer, in the costume of a heathen priest, proceeded to expound, in a + well-set speech, the meaning of this betrothal and sacrifice. He took + Paula’s hand to place in that of the farrier, who made ready to cast her + into the river for which he stood proxy. + </p> + <p> + But an obstacle intervened before he could do so. A large and splendid + barge had drawn up close to the platform, and shouts were heard from the + tribune and from the mob which had till now looked on in breathless + suspense and profound silence: + </p> + <p> + “Susannah’s barge!” + </p> + <p> + “Look at the Nile, look at the river!” + </p> + <p> + “It is the water-wagtail—Philammon’s rich heiress!” + </p> + <p> + “A pretty sight!” + </p> + <p> + “Another Bride—a second Bride!” + </p> + <p> + And the gaze of the multitude was now, as one eye, fixed on Katharina. + </p> + <p> + Susannah’s handsome barge had been passing up and down near the platform + for the last hour, and the guards on duty had several times desired that + it was to be kept at a distance from the scene of the “marriage;” but in + vain; and they in their little boats were not strong enough to take active + measures against the larger vessel manned by fifty rowers. It had now + steered quite close to the pontoon, and the splendid gilding and carving, + the tall deck-house supported on silver pillars, and the crimson + embroidered sails would have been a gorgeous feast for the eye, but that + the black flag floating from the mast gave it a melancholy and gloomy + aspect. + </p> + <p> + Within the cabin Katharina had made her waiting-women dress her in white + and deck her with white flowers-myrtle, roses and lotos; but she + vouchsafed no reply to their anxious enquiries. + </p> + <p> + The maid who fastened the flowers on her bosom could feel her mistress’s + heart beating under her hand, and the lotos-blossoms which drooped from + her shoulder rose and fell as though they were already rocking on the + waves of the Nile. Her lips, too, never ceased moving, and her cheeks were + as pale as death. + </p> + <p> + “What is she going to do?” her attendants asked each other. + </p> + <p> + Her mother dead only yesterday, and now she chose to be present at this + ceremonial, desiring the steersman to run close to the platform and keep + near to it, where all the world could see her. But she evidently wished to + display herself to the people in all her finery and be admired, for she + presently went up on the roof of the deck-house. And she looked lovely, as + lovely as a guileless angel, as she mounted the steps with childlike + diffidence-timidly, but with wide open eyes, as though something grand was + awaiting her there—something she had long yearned for with her whole + heart. + </p> + <p> + Anubis had to help her up the last steps, for her knees gave way; but once + at the top she sent him down again to remain below with the others, as she + wished to be alone. The lad was accustomed to obey; and Katharina now + stepped on a seat close to the side of the boat, turned to Paula, whom she + was now rapidly approaching, and held out to her and the bishop two tall + lily-stems covered with splendid blossoms. At the very moment when the + farrier was measuring by eye the distance between the platform and the + barge, and had judged it impossible to cast the Bride into the stream till + the vessel had moved on, Katharina cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Reverend Father John—and all of you! Take me, me and not the + daughter of Thomas! It is I, not she—I am the true Bride of the + Nile. Of my own free will—hear me, John!—of my own free will I + am ready to give my life for my hapless land and the misery of the people, + and the patriarch said that such a sacrifice as mine would be acceptable + to Heaven. Farewell! Pray for me!—Lord have mercy upon me! Mother, + dear Mother, I am coming to you!” + </p> + <p> + Then she called to the steersman: “Put out from the platform!” and as soon + as a few strokes of the oars had carried the barge into the deeper channel + she stepped nimbly on to the edge of the bulwark, dropped the lilies into + the river, and then with a smile, her head gracefully bent on one side and + her skirt modestly held round her, she slipped into the water. + </p> + <p> + The waves closed over her; but she was a good swimmer and could not help + coming once to the surface. Her expression was that of a bather enjoying + the cool fresh water that laved and gurgled round her. Perhaps the wild + storm of applause, the mingled cries of horror, compassion and + thanksgiving that went up from the assembled thousands once more reached + her ear—but she dived head foremost to rise no more. + </p> + <p> + The “River-God,” a good-hearted man, who in his daily life could never + have let a fellow-creature drown under his very eyes, forgot his part, + released Paula, and sprang after Katharina, as did Anubis and a few + boatmen; but they could not reach her, and the boy, who found swimming + difficult with his crippled leg followed the girl to whom his young heart + was wholly devoted to a watery death. + </p> + <p> + Her speech had reached no ears but those to whom it was addressed; but + before she was lost in the waters Bishop John turned to the people, took + Paula’s hand—and she felt free once more when her terrible + bridegroom had deserted her—and holding up the Crucifix which hung + at his girdle he shouted loudly: + </p> + <p> + “Behold the desires of our holy Father Benjamin, by whom God himself + speaks to you, have met with fulfilment. A pure and noble Jacobite maiden, + of her own free and beautiful impulse, has sacrificed herself after the + example of the Saviour, for the sufferings of her nation, before your + eyes. This one,” and he drew Paula to him, “this one is free; the Nile has + had his victim!” + </p> + <p> + But almost before he had done speaking—before the people could + proclaim their vote—Horapollo had rushed at him and interrupted him. + He had dismounted from his ass during the earlier part of the proceedings, + and, not to let his prey escape, he now came between Paula and the bishop, + grasped her dress and cried to the chorus of youths: + </p> + <p> + “Come on—at once! One of you take the part of the Nile-God—into + the river with the Bride!” The bishop however forced himself between the + speaker and the girl to protect her. But Horapollo flew into a fury and + rushed at the prelate to snatch away the image of the Saviour, while John + exclaimed in a voice of ominous thunder: “Anathema!” + </p> + <p> + This word of fear roused the Christian blood in the Egyptians; the + sacrilegious attempt stirred the zeal which they had proved in many a + struggle, and which had only been kept under by an effort during these + times of trouble: the leader of the choir dragged the old man away and + took part with the bishop. Others followed his example, while several, on + the contrary, sided with old Horapollo who clung tightly to Paula, + preferring to die himself rather than allow her to escape his hatred and + vengeance. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the clang of bells was heard from the town with a terrific + and unaccountable uproar, and a young man was seen forcing his way through + the throng, a naked sword in his hand, and in spite of his torn garments, + his wild hair, and his blackened face, he was at once recognized as Orion. + Every one made way for him, for he rushed on like a madman; as he reached + the pontoon and took in at a glance what was going forward there, he + sprang past the mummers with mighty leaps to the platform, pushing aside + sundry groups of fighting champions; and before the principal actors were + aware of his presence, he had snatched Paula from the old man’s clutch, + and called her by her name. She sank on his breast half-fainting with + terror, surprise and unspeakable rapture, and he clasped her to him with + his left arm, while the flashing sword in his right hand and his flaming + looks warned all bystanders that it would be as wise to attack a lioness + defending her young as to defy this desperate man, who was prepared to + face death with the woman he loved. + </p> + <p> + His push had sent Horapollo tottering to some distance; and when the old + man had pulled himself together, to throw himself once more on his victim, + he found himself the centre of a fight. A wild troop had followed Orion + and beset the struggling mob, whom they presently drove over the edge of + the pontoon into the river, and with them Horapollo. Most of these saved + themselves by swimming, but the old man sank, and nothing more was seen of + him but his clenched fist, which rose in menace for some minutes above the + waters. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the Vekeel had become aware of what was going forward on the + platform; he leaped in fury from his seat to restore order, intending to + seize Orion whom he fancied he had seen, or, if necessary to cut him down + with his own hand. + </p> + <p> + But a vast multitude stopped his progress, for a fearful horde of released + prisoners with Orion at their head had come rushing down to the scene of + the festival yelling: “Fire! the prison is burning, the town is in + flames!” + </p> + <p> + Every one who could run fled at once to Memphis to save his house, his + possessions and those dear to him. Like a flock of doves scared by the + scream of a hawk, like autumn leaves driven before the wind, the multitude + dispersed. They hurried back to the town in wild tumult and inextricable + confusion, jumping into the festal cars, cutting loose the horses from + that of the goddess of health, to mount them and ride home, overthrowing + everything that stood in their way and dragging back the Vekeel who was + striving, sword in hand, to get to the pontoon. + </p> + <p> + The smoke and flames of the city were rising every moment, and acted like + magic in spurring the flying crowd to reach their homes in time. But, + before Obada had succeeded in his efforts, the pushing throng were once + more brought to a standstill; horses were heard approaching. Dense masses + of dust hid them and their riders; but it was certainly an armed troop + that was coming clattering onwards, for flashing gleams were seen here and + there through the dull clouds that shrouded them, the reflection of the + sun’s bright rays from polished and glittering helmets, breast-plates, and + sabres. + </p> + <p> + Now they were visible even where the Vekeel was. Foremost rode the Kadi, + and just as he came up with Obada he sprang from the saddle on to the + wooden structure, and with a loud cry of: “Free-saved!” in which all the + joy of his heart found utterance, he stretched out both his hands to + Paula, who was advancing towards the shore clinging closely to Orion. + </p> + <p> + Othman did not observe the Vekeel, who was but a few paces distant. The + words “Free!” “Saved!” from the supreme judge, gave the negro to + understand that a pardon must have arrived for his youthful foe, and this + of course implied the condemnation of his own proceedings. All his hopes + were wrecked, for this meant that Omar still ruled and that the attempt on + the Khaliff’s life had failed. Dismissal, punishment or death must be his + doom, when Amru should return. Still, he would not succumb till the + instrument of his ruin had preceded him to the grave. Taking the Kadi by + surprise he thrust him aside, and prepared to deal a fearful blow that + should fell Orion before he himself should fall. But the captain of the + body-guard, who had followed Othman, had watched his movements: Swift as + lightning he rose in his saddle and swung his cimeter, which cut deep into + the Vekeel’s neck. With a hideous curse Obada let his arm drop, and fell + struggling for his last breath at the feet of the newly united couple. + </p> + <p> + The populace afterwards declared that his blood was not red like that of + other men, but black like his skin and his soul. They had good cause to + curse his memory, for his villainy had reduced more than half Memphis to + ashes that day, and brought the city to beggary. + </p> + <p> + He had hired two venial wretches to set fire to the prison while the + festival was proceeding, with a view to suffocating Orion in his cell; but + the gang were detected and all the prisoners were released in time. Thus + the young man had been able to reach the scene of the ceremonial at the + head of his fellow-captives. The fire, however, had gained the upper hand + in the deserted town. It had spread from house to house along the + sun-scorched streets, and next day nothing remained of the city of the + Pyramids but the road along the shore, and a few wretched alleys. The + ancient Capital of the Pharaohs was reduced to a village, and the + houseless residents moved across to the eastern bank, to people as Moslems + the newly-founded town of Fostat, or sought a home on Christian territory. + </p> + <p> + Among the houses that had escaped was that of Rufinus, and thither the + Kadi escorted Orion and Paula. It was to serve as their prison till the + return of Amru, and there they spent delightful days in the society of + their friends, and there Thomas was so happy as to clasp his children to + his heart once more, and bless them before he died. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes before the Kadi had reached the scene of the festival two + carrier pigeons had arrived, each bearing the Arab governor’s commands + that the sacrifice of Paula was at any rate to be stopped, and her life + spared till his return. He also reserved the right of deciding Orion’s + fate. + </p> + <p> + Mary and Rustem had met Amru at Berenice, on the Egyptian coast of the Red + Sea. This decaying sea-port was connected with Medina by a pigeon-post, + and in reply to his viceroy’s enquiry with reference to the victim about + to be offered by the despairing Egyptians to the Nile, Omar had sent a + reply which had been immediately forwarded to the Kadi. + </p> + <p> + The burning of their town had brought new and fearful suffering on the + stricken Memphites, and notwithstanding Katharina’s death the Nile still + did not rise. The Kadi therefore once more summoned a meeting of all the + inhabitants from both sides of the river, three days after the interrupted + marriage-festival. It was held under the palms by Nesptah’s inn, and there + he proclaimed to the multitude, Moslem and Christian, by means of the Arab + herald and Egyptian interpreter, what the Khaliff commanded him to + declare, namely: that God, the One, the All-merciful, scorned human + sacrifice. In this firm conviction he, Omar, would beseech Allah the + Compassionate, and he sent a letter which was to be cast into the river in + his name. + </p> + <p> + And this letter was addressed: + </p> + <p> + “To the River of Egypt.” And its contents were as follows: + </p> + <p> + “If thou, O River, flowest of thyself, then swell not; but if it be God, + the One, the Compassionate, that maketh thee to flow, then we entreat the + All-merciful that he will bid thee rise!” + </p> + <p> + “That which is not of God,” wrote Amru in the letter which enclosed + Omar’s, “what shall it profit men? But all things created are by Him, and + so is your noble river. The Most High will hearken to Omar’s prayers and + ours, and I therefore command that all of you—Moslems, Christians, + and Jews, shall gather together in the Mosque on the other side of the + Nile which I have built to the glory of the All-merciful, and that you + there lift up your souls in one great common prayer, to the end that God + may hear you and take pity on your sufferings!” + </p> + <p> + And the Kadi bid all the people to go across the Nile and they obeyed his + bidding. Bishop John called on his clergy and marched at their head, + leading the Christians; the priests and elders of the Jews led their + people next to the Jacobites; and side by side with these the Moslems + gathered in the magnificent pillared sanctuary of Amru, where the three + congregations of different creeds lifted up, their hearts and eyes and + voices to the pitying Father in Heaven. + </p> + <p> + And this very Mosque of Amru has more than once been the scene of the same + sublime spectacle; even within the lifetime and before the eyes of the + narrator of this tale have Moslems, Christians, and Jews united there in + one pious prayer, which must have been acceptable indeed in the ears of + the Lord. + </p> + <p> + Not long after the letter from the Khaliff Omar had been cast into the + Nile, and the prayer of the united assembly had gone up to Heaven from the + Mosque of Armu, a pigeon came in announcing a sudden rise in the waters at + the cataracts; and after some still anxious but hopeful days of patience, + the Nile swelled higher and yet higher, overflowed its banks, and gave the + laborer a right to look forward to a rich harvest; and then, when a heavy + storm of rain had laid the choking dust, the plague, too, disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Just when the river was beginning to rise perceptibly Amru returned; + bringing in his train little Mary and Rustem, Philippus the leech and + Haschim, who had joined the governor’s caravan at Djidda. + </p> + <p> + In the course of their journey they received news of all that had been + happening at Memphis, and when the travellers were approaching their last + night-quarters, and the Pyramids were already in sight, the governor said + to little Mary: + </p> + <p> + “What do you say little one? Do we not owe the Memphites the treat of a + splendid marriage festival?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my lord, two,” replied the child. + </p> + <p> + “How is that?” laughed Amru, “You are too young and do not count yet, and + I know no other maiden in Memphis whose wedding I should care to provide + for.” + </p> + <p> + “But there is a man towards whom you feel most kindly, and who lives as + lonely as a recluse. I should like to see him married, and at the same + time as Orion and Paula. I mean our good friend Philippus.” + </p> + <p> + “The physician? And is he still unwed?” asked Amru in surprise; for no + Moslem of the leech’s age and position could remain unmarried without + exposing himself to the contempt of his fellow-believers. “He is a widower + then!” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Mary. “He has never yet found a wife to suit him; but I know + one created on purpose for him by God himself!” + </p> + <p> + “You little Khatbe!”—[A professional go-between]—cried the + governor. “Well, settle the matter, and it shall be no fault of mine if + the second wedding lacks magnificence.” + </p> + <p> + “And we will have a third!” interrupted the child, clapping her hands and + laughing. “My worthy escort Rustem.... + </p> + <p> + “The colossus! Why, child, to you all things are possible! Have you found + a wife for him too?” + </p> + <p> + “No, he found Mandane for himself without my help.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the same thing!” cried the governor jovially. “I will provide for + her. But that must satisfy you, or else all those unbelievers whom we are + settling here will drive us Moslem Arabs out of the land.” + </p> + <p> + The great man had often held such discourse as this with the child since + she had entered his tent at Berenice, there to lay before him the case of + the couple she loved, and for whom she had taken on herself great risk and + hardship; she had pleaded so eloquently, so kindly, and with such fervent + and pathetic words, that Amru had at once made up his mind to grant her + everything that lay in his power. Mary had done him a service, too, by + bringing him the information she could give him, for it enabled him to + avert perils which threatened the interests of the Crescent, and also to + save the children of two men he honored—the son of the Mukaukas, and + the daughter of Thomas—from imminent danger. + </p> + <p> + He found, on his return home, that the Vekeel’s crimes far exceeded his + worst fears. Obada’s proceedings had begun to undermine that respect for + Arab rule and Moslem justice which Amru had done his utmost to secure. It + was only by a miracle that Orion had escaped his plots, for he had three + times sent assassins to the prison, and it was entirely owing to the + watchful care of pretty Emau’s husband that the youth had been able to + save himself in the fire. Obada had done all this to clear out of his path + the hated man whose statements and impeachments might ruin him. The wretch + had met a less ignominious death than his judges would have granted him. + The wealth found hoarded in his dwelling was sent to Medina; and even + Orion was forced to see the vast sums of which the Negro had plundered his + treasury, appropriated by the Arabs. The Arab governor thought it only + right to inflict this penalty for the share he had taken in the rescue of + the nuns; and the young man submitted willingly to a punishment which + restored him and his bride to freedom, and enabled Amru to apply a larger + proportion of the revenues of his native land for its own benefit. + </p> + <p> + The Khaliff Omar, however, never received these moneys, which constituted + far more than half of Orion’s patrimony. The Prophet’s truest friend, the + wise and powerful ruler, fell by the assassin’s hand, and the world now + learnt that the Vekeel had been one of the chief conspirators and had been + spurred on to the rashest extremes by his confidence of success. + </p> + <p> + Amru received the son of the Mukaukas as a father might; after examining + the result of his labors he found it far superior to his own efforts in + the same direction, and he charged Orion to carry out the new division of + the country, which he confirmed excepting in a few details. + </p> + <p> + “Perform your duty and do your utmost in the future to go on as you have + begun!” cried Amru; and the young man replied: + </p> + <p> + “In this bitter and yet happy interval I have become clear on many + points.” + </p> + <p> + “And may I ask on what?” asked the governor. “I would gladly hear.” + </p> + <p> + “I have discovered, my lord,” replied Orion, “that there is no such thing + as happiness or unhappiness in the sense men give to the words. Life + appears to each of us as we ourselves paint it. Hard times which come into + our lives from outside are often no more than a brief night from which a + brighter day presently dawns—or the stab of a surgeon’s knife, which + makes us sounder than before. What men call grief is, times without + number, a path to greater ease; whereas the ordinary happiness of mankind + flows, swiftly as running waters, down from that delightful sense of ease. + Like a ship, which, when her rudder is lost, is more likely to ride out + the storm on the high seas than near the sheltering coast, so a man who + has lost himself may easily recover himself and his true happiness in the + wildest turmoil of life, but rarely and with difficulty if his existence + runs calmly on. All other blessings are comparatively worthless if we are + not upheld by the consciousness of fulfilling the task of life in faithful + earnest, and of cheerfully dealing with the problems it sets before us. + The lost one was found as soon as he placed his whole being and faculties + at the service of a higher duty, with God in his heart and before his + eyes. I have learnt from my own experience, and from Paula’s good friends, + to strive untiringly after what is right, and to find my own weal in that + of others. + </p> + <p> + “The sense of lost liberty is hard to bear; but leave me love, and give me + room and opportunity to prove my best powers in the service of the + community, even in a prison—and though I cannot be perfectly happy, + for that is impossible without freedom—I will be far happier than + such an idle and useless spendthrift of time and abilities as I used to be + among the dissipations of the capital.” + </p> + <p> + “Then enjoy the consciousness of duty well performed, with liberty and + love,” replied the governor. “And believe me, my friend, your father in + Paradise will no more grudge you all that is loveliest and best than I do. + You are on the road where every curse is turned to blessing.” + </p> + <p> + The three marriages which Amru had promised to provide for, were + celebrated with due splendor. + </p> + <p> + That of Orion and Paula was a day never to be forgotten by the gay world + of Memphis. Bishop John performed the ceremony, and the young couple at + once took possession of the beautiful house left them by Katharina, the + real Bride of the Nile. If it could have been granted to her to read + Paula’s and Orion’s hearts, and see how they held her in remembrance, she + would have found that to them she was no longer the childish + water-wagtail, and that they knew how to value the sacrifice of her young + life. + </p> + <p> + Their first beloved guest, who went with them to their new home, was + little Mary, and she remained their dearest companion till she married + happily. The governess, Eudoxia, to whom also Orion offered an asylum, + accompanied Mary to her own delightful home; and there at last Mary closed + her old friend’s eyes, after the good woman had brought up her little + ones, not like a hireling but as a true mother. + </p> + <p> + The Patriarch Benjamin, too, who was led by many considerations—and + not least by Katharina’s will to remain on good terms with the son of the + Mukaukas, was a visitor to the youthful pair. Neither he nor the Church + ever had reason to repent his alliance with Orion; and when Paula + presented her husband with a son, the prelate offered to be his sponsor, + and named him George after his grandfather. + </p> + <p> + Orion’s son, too, inherited the office of Mukaukas, when he came to man’s + estate, from his father who was appointed to it, but under a new Arab + title, shortly after his marriage. + </p> + <p> + Ere long, however, Orion, as the highest Christian authority in his native + land, had to change his place of residence and leave Memphis, which was + doomed to ruin, for Alexandria. From thence his power extended over the + whole Nile-valley, and he devoted himself to his charge with so much zeal, + fidelity, justice, and prudence, that his name was remembered with + veneration and affection by generations long after. + </p> + <p> + Paula was the pride and joy of his life, and they lived together in + devoted union to an advanced age. He regarded it as one of the duties of + his life, to care for the woman who had made him what he was from a lost + and reprobate creature, and to fill every day of her life with joy. When + he built his palace at Alexandria, he graced it with the inscription that + had been engraved on Thomas’ ring: “God hath set the sweat of man’s brow + before virtue.” + </p> + <p> + Philippus and his Pulcheria also found a new home in Alexandria. He had no + long wooing to do; for when, on his return, the girl of whom he had + thought constantly during his long journeying, met him for the first time + in her mother’s house and held out both her hands with trustful warmth of + welcome, he clasped her to him and would not release her till Joanna had + given them her maternal blessing. The widow lived in the leech’s house + with her children and grandchildren, and often visited her husband’s + grave. At length she was laid to rest by him and his soft-hearted mother, + in the cemetery of Alexandria. + </p> + <p> + Rustem, made a rich man by Orion, became a famous breeder of horses and + camels in his own country, while Mandane ruled mildly but prudently over + his possessions—which he never shared with others, though he + remained a Masdakite till he died. The first daughter his wife bore him + was named Mary, and the first boy Haschim; but she would not agree to + Rustem’s proposal that the second should be called Orion; she preferred to + give him the name of Rufinus, and his successors were Rustem and + Philippus. + </p> + <p> + The senator and his wife were only too glad to quit Egypt. Martina, + however, had the satisfaction of assisting at the marriage of her dear + Heliodora on the shores of the Nile; not, indeed, to her “Great + Sesostris,” but to her nephew Narses, who by the young widow’s devoted + care was restored, if not to perfect vigor, at any rate to very endurable + good health. + </p> + <p> + Paula’s wedding gift to her was the great emerald, which had meanwhile + been brought back again to Memphis. Justinus and Martina always remained + on terms of cordial friendship with the young Mukaukas and his wife: Nilus + lived long after to perform his duties with industry and judgment; and + whenever Haschim came to Alexandria there was a contest between Orion and + Philippus, for neither would yield him to the other. But Philip could no + longer envy his former rival the wife he had won. He had not, indeed, + ceased to admire her; but at the same time he would say: “My comfortable + little Pulcheria has not her match; our rooms would be too small for + Paula, but they suit my golden-haired girl best.” + </p> + <p> + He remained unselfishly devoted to his work till the end, and, when he saw + Orion wearing himself out in energetic toil, he would often say: “He knows + now what life demands, and acts accordingly; and that is why he grows no + older, and his laugh is as winning and gay as ever. It is an honor to be + called friend by a woman who like the Bride of the Nile. saved herself + from certain death, and a man who, like the young Mukaukas, has freed + himself from the heaviest of all curses.” + </p> + <p> + To this day the Bride of the Nile is not forgotten. Before the river + begins to rise on the Night of Dropping the inhabitants of the town of + Cairo, which grew up after the ruin of Memphis, on the eastern shore by + the side of Fostat, erect a figure of clay, representing a maiden form, + which they call Aroosa or the Bride. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS: + + A knot can often be untied by daylight + Abandon to the young the things we ourselves used most to enjoy + Ancient custom, to have her ears cut off + Caught the infection and had to laugh whether she would or no + Gave them a claim on your person and also on your sorrows + Hatred and love are the opposite ends of the same rod + He was made to be plundered + How could they find so much pleasure in such folly + In whom some good quality or other may not be discovered + Life is not a banquet + Life is a function, a ministry, a duty + Love has two faces: tender devotion and bitter aversion + Of two evils it is wise to choose the lesser + Old age no longer forgets; it is youth that has a short memory + Prepared for the worst; then you are armed against failure + Sea-port was connected with Medina by a pigeon-post + Self-interest and egoism which drive him into the cave + So hard is it to forego the right of hating + Spoilt to begin with by their mothers, and then all the women + Talk of the wolf and you see his tail + Temples of the old gods were used as quarries + The man who avoids his kind and lives in solitude + Thin-skinned, like all up-starts in authority + Those who will not listen must feel + Use their physical helplessness as a defence + Who can hope to win love that gives none + Who can take pleasure in always seeing a gloomy face? + Women are indeed the rock ahead in this young fellow’s life + You have a habit of only looking backwards +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s The Bride of the Nile, Complete, by Georg Ebers + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BRIDE OF THE NILE, COMPLETE *** + +***** This file should be named 5529-h.htm or 5529-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/2/5529/ + +Produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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