"Ah!" I exclaimed, remembering all at once my harem; "I forgot to tell
you about this little affair!"
"What affair?" he said. "Have you found your distraction already, then?"
"I should just think I have, uncle!"
"Is she pretty?"
"Why, I have four!"
At this information my uncle did not raise his eyebrows any more than if
I had told him that I was occupying my leisure by practising the rustic
flute; he only stretched out his arm, took my hand and shook it smartly
in the English fashion, saying, "My compliments, my dear fellow!--I beg your pardon for my
indiscretion."
"But, my dear uncle, I have quite a long story to tell you!" I added,
not without a certain embarrassment "--and it is your death again that
has been the cause of it!"
"How was that? Tell me all about it."
"You know, your Turkish pavilion--Kasre-el-Nouzha?"
"I know, well?"
"Well, four months ago, Mohammed-Azis arrived there."
"Hullo!" he said, "Mohammed?"
"Yes, and you had entrusted him with a--a commission," I continued.
"True," he exclaimed, "I had forgotten that!"
"Well, then, uncle----"
"He had accomplished his commission, I suppose," continued he.
"Yes," I replied. "And as you were dead, and Mohammed's commission
formed part of my inheritance from you, I thought that it was my duty--"
"Bigre!" said my uncle, "you know how to act the heir very well, you
do!"
"Why indeed--" I continued, "remember that I could not suppose----"
"In short you've done it," said he, "and it's all over, so don't let us
say anything more about it! And once more, forgive me.--Now that I know
all about it, nothing more need be said. Turks never discuss harem
matters. Only," he added, "in order to avoid the necessity of returning
to the subject, let me now recommend you to keep Mohammed; you
understand? He knows the run of the ropes. And in order to make
everything safe, as it would not do for me to be seen about there any
more, tell him to come and see me."
"Do you wish me to send for him at once?"
"No, no, to-morrow will do. We have plenty of time.--Come, give me a
little music, will you? Play me something from Verdi--"