orthy of
her charms, her virtues, her fine qualities of heart and mind. The
young man we recommend is rich, respected in the community; is an
official of the Government with a third-class Medjidi decoration and
the title of Bey; and is free from all diseases. Moreover, he is a
good Catholic. Consider these advantages. A relation this, which no
father would reject, if he loves his daughter and is solicitous of her
future well-being. Speak to her, therefore, and let us know soon your
mind."

And our Scribe, in relating of this, loses his temper.--"An Official
of the Government, a Bey with a third-class Medjidi decoration
from the Sultan! As if Officialdom could not boast of a single
scoundrel--as if any rogue in the Empire, with a few gold coins in his
purse, were not eligible to the Hamidian decorations! And a
third-class decoration! Why, I have it on good authority that
these Medjidi Orders were given to a certain Patriarch in a bushel to
distribute among his minions...."

But to our subject. Abu-Najma does not look upon it in this light. A
decorated and titled son-in-law were a great honour devoutly to be
wished. And some days after the first conference, the Padre Farouche
comes again, bringing along his Excellency the third-class Medjidi
Bey; but Najma, as they enter and salaam, goes out on the terrace roof
to weep. The third time the third-class Medjidi Dodo comes alone. And
Najma, as soon as she catches a glimpse of him, takes up her earthen
jar and hies her to the spring.

"O the hinny! I'll rope noose her (hang her) to-night," murmurs the
father. But here is his Excellency with his Sultan's green button in
his lapel. Abu-Najma bows low, rubs his hands well, offers a large
cushion, brings a _masnad_ (leaning pillow), and blubbers out many
unnecessary apologies.

"This honour is great, your Excellency--overlook our shortcomings--our
_beit_ (one room house) can not contain our shame--it is not becoming
your Excellency's high rank--overlook--you have condescended to honour
us, condescend too to be indulgent.--My daughter? yes, presently. She
is gone to church, to mass, but she'll return soon."

But Najma is long gone; returns not; and the third-class Dodo
will call again to-morrow. Now, Abu-Najma brings out his rope,
soaps it well, nooses and suspends it from the rafter in the
ceiling. And when his daughter returns from the spring, he takes
her by the arm, shows her the rope, and tells her laconically
to choos