Asad son of Costantin is in the land of the English, and the report of
his doings displeases the Father of Ice. It is said that he shows a
tendency towards the High Church in that country, which for the time is
uppermost, and has found some favour with its dignitaries; which means he
is accursed in the eyes of our friends here. . . . What art thou doing?
Come, make haste, I say!"

Iskender, on his knees upon the floor, was looking through a little pile
of paintings, his own work.

"I would take in my hand a gift for the mother of George," he explained;
"a specimen of my art, that she may see what proficiency I have attained
in it. It was she who first encouraged me to draw and paint--she and,
after her, the Sitt Hilda. I should like them both to see the beauty of
my present paintings."

"Now Allah forbid!" exclaimed his mother in alarm. "Verily thou art mad
to think of it. They view with horror all religious pictures, regarding
them as idols, in their ignorance, like the Muslimin! Here is a chance
to recover all their favour, to supplant Asad, to become a priest of
their religion, a rich khawajah; and lo! thou wouldst spoil it all by
showing them a holy image! When thou askest aught of the Devil, make not
the sign of the Cross. Be wise, my son; and come at once!"

But Nesibeh, who had till now stood speechless by, here flung herself
between them, threatening to tear the eyes out of the mother of Iskender.
She swore that she would never let her husband visit the home of unbelief
in the company of one so wicked. If he went at all, let him take the
holy picture to protect his spirit from pernicious influence.

"Tush! tush! thou silly babe," the elder woman chid her, "were it not
better for thee to have for husband a rich khawajah than a wretched
painter of religious pictures? Thou wouldst wear fine Frankish clothes
of wondrous texture and hats, I tell thee, hats with waving feathers.
Thou wouldst sit at ease all day, with maids to wait on thee."

"I want none of it," screamed Nesibeh. "These are devil's wiles. May
Allah blast thy life, unnatural woman, thus to tempt thy son to sell his
soul, his part in everlasting life, for earthly gain."

Iskender took her in his arms and silenced her; then turned to pacify his
mother, who was much incensed. Had she thought for herself at all? Was
not all her endeavour to secure prosperity and a high position for
Iskender, and, of course, his bride? What right had t