e Koran in the cabin, and again there
will be boiled mutton and bread. The Christian _Ma-allimeen_ (skilled
workmen) hold to the ceremony of the sheep quite as much as the others,
and always do it over a new house, boat, mill, waterwheel etc.

Did I tell you Omar has another girl--about two months ago? His wife and
babies are to come up from Alexandria to see him, for he will not leave
me for a day, on account of my constantly being so ailing and weak. I
hope if I die away from you all, you will do something for Omar for my
sake, I cannot conceive what I should do without his faithful and loving
care. I don't know why he is so devotedly fond of me, but he certainly
does love me as he says 'like his mother,' and moreover as a very
affectionate son loves his other. How pleasant it would be if you could
come--but please don't run any risks of fatigue or exposure to cold on
your return. If you cannot come I shall go to Luxor early in October and
send back the boat to let. I hear from Luxor that the people are all
running away from the land, unable to pay triple taxes and eat bread: the
ruin is universal. The poor Sheykhs el-Beled, who had the honour of
dining with the Viceroy at Minieh have each had a squeeze politely
administered. One poor devil I know had to 'make a present' of 50
purses.

How is my darling Rainie? I do so long for her earnest eyes at times,
and wonder if I shall ever be able to get back to you all again. I fear
that break down at Soden sent me down a great terrace. I have never lost
the pain and the cough for a day since. I have not been out for an age,
or seen anyone. Would you know the wife of your bosom in a pair of pink
trousers and a Turkish _tob_? Such is my costume as I write. The woman
who came to sew could not make a gown, so she made me a pair of trousers
instead. Farewell, dearest, I dare hardly say how your hint of possibly
coming has made me wish it, and yet I dread to persuade you. The great
heat is quite over with the high Nile, and the air on the river fresh and
cool--cold at night even.

August 27, 1866: Sir Alexander Duff Gordon

_To Sir Alexander Duff Gordon_.

OFF BOULAK
_August_ 27, 1866.

DEAREST ALICK,

Your letter of the 18th has this moment arrived. I am very glad to hear
you are so much better. I am still se