at thy sometime patron was ordered by the physicians to visit
Masr, his health being weak. Growing weary of that land, where he knew
no one, and wishing to extend his travels, he came on here and made the
friends we know. This uncle, who is his nearest relative, cared not
whither he went, so only that he was gaining health and strength; but
hearing that his beloved lay at death's door, he hastened hither, mad
with grief and rage. The Father of Ice has received from him a
thousand costly telegrams, which demonstrate sufficiently his mind's
disorder. It were well for thee to keep out of his way, for he will
certainly vow thy destruction when he has heard the story."

After this warning Iskender saw no more of Asad for three days, the
clergyman-designate being called upon to help in the housework. But he
continued to walk near the Mission at sunrise and sunset; and at last,
one evening, going there as usual, he found Asad sitting, Frank-wise,
on a chair before the gate, devouring chunks of the sweetment called
baclaweh, which the cook had given him. Espying the son of Yacub from
afar, the friendly youth sprang up in great alarm and waved him off
with frantic gestures, sweets in hand.

"Allah preserve thee, O Iskender; go back, O rash one! Did not I tell
thee not to come again? Only to approach the house is certain death.
The uncle of the poor sick man has sworn to drink thy blood, or at all
events to beat thee senseless, in payment for the way thou didst
beguile his nephew." Asad sat down again upon the chair, and ate
another mouthful, then pursued: "The young man now is so much better
that he is able, with assistance, to pace the garden. Yesterday it was
the Sitt Hilda who supported him; but to-day it is the furious uncle,
and the Sitt Hilda has red eyes. The uncle thinks her not well-born
enough, or else too poor, to mate with his dear nephew. The young man
has tired himself with pleading; but the old man locks his heart. And
I am glad, for I myself would not object to marry Hilda when I am in
holy orders. She is plump and shy and has fresh ripe-fruit cheeks that
I should like to bite. Thou thyself didst love her once, I am aware;
and Allah knows thou mightst in the end have enjoyed her by the
exercise of a little self-control, by waiting humbly, as I do, till
they made a priest of thee. At least, if I succeed in getting her, the
Father of Ice, to whom she is like a daughter, will no longer be able
to de