rfere with your markets?' said Fakredeen.

'The noble Emir of the Lebanon has expressed himself with infinite
exactitude,' said Keferinis. 'The Russians now entirely stock their
harems from the north of Asia.'

'The Lord Keferinis has been a great traveller, I apprehend?' said
Tancred.

'The Prince of England has expressed himself with extreme exactitude,
and with flattering grace,' replied Keferinis. 'I have indeed visited
all the Syrian cities, except Jerusalem, which no one wishes to see, and
which,' he added, in a sweet calm tone, 'is unquestionably a place fit
only for hogs.'

Tancred started, but repressed himself.

'Have you been in Lebanon?' asked Fakredeen.

'Noble Emir, I have been the guest of princes of your illustrious house.
Conversations have passed between me and the Emir Bescheer,' he added,
with a significant look. 'Perhaps, had events happened which did not
occur, the great Emir Bescheer might not at this moment have been a
prisoner at Stamboul, among those who, with infinite exactitude, may be
described as the most obscene sons of very intolerable barbarians.'

'And why did not you and the Emir Bescheer agree?' inquired Fakredeen,
eagerly. 'Why has there never been a right understanding between your
people and the House of Shehaab? United, we should not only command
Syria, but we might do more: we might control Asia itself!'

'The noble Emir has expressed himself with inexpressible grace. The
power of the Ansarey cannot be too highly estimated!'

'Is it true that your sovereign can bring five and twenty thousand men
into the field?' asked Tancred.

'Five and twenty thousand men,' replied Keferinis, with insinuating
courtesy, 'each of whom could beat nine Maronites, and consequently
three Druses.'

'Five and twenty thousand figs for your five and twenty thousand men!'
exclaimed Fakredeen laughing.

At this moment entered four pages and four maidens bringing sweetmeats
from the Queen, and goblets of iced water. They bowed; Keferinis
indicated their purpose, and when they had fulfilled their office
they disappeared; but the seasonable interruption had turned the
conversation, and prevented Fakredeen making a sharp retort. Now they
talked of the Queen, who, Keferinis said, would be graciously pleased
not to see them to-day, and might not even see them for a week, which
agreeable intelligence was communicated in the most affable manner, as
if it were good news, or a compliment at least.