y
have it that thou wouldst defraud the good young man. . . . Ah! Allah
knows I have my fill of troubles."

She paused from sheer exhaustion, pressing a hand to her heart.

Iskender laughed at her concern, assuring her that his favour with the
Emir was now established past all fear of assault. Exultant from his
recent triumphs, and flushed from a walk through air which the rain had
left pure and invigorating, he did in truth believe himself beyond the
grasp of adversity. His mother's woe seemed senseless. When he told
of the wicked plot of the dragomans, and how signally it had failed
through Allah's mercy, it angered him to see her wag her head with
boding looks. She could not realise the victory his words implied.

"Think, O my mother!" he cried out impatiently. "These three days have
I been his guest and chosen comrade, sitting with him at all
hours--aye, even in the seat of honour in the guest-room, in my
slippers--admitted to the secret of his every thought. It is well seen
that he loves me truly. Give praise to Allah, therefore, and throw
grief aside."

But his mother still looked rueful as she shuffled about the room
getting food--a bowl of curds, some olives, and a slab of bread--to set
before him.

"All that is well enough," she grumbled audibly, "but to what end? By
Allah, I perceive no profit in it. Thy need is money, not mere
compliments. Better get him to appoint thee monthly wages as his
servant."

"Merciful Allah! is my mother mad?" exclaimed Iskender, teeth on edge
with irritation. The woman's lack of understanding rasped his soul.
"He loves me as a friend, an equal, not a slave. And what are the
paltry wages of a servant as compared with the friendship of a mighty
prince? In the end he is certain to provide for me honourably; he will
make me a great painter, as I said to Costantin."

"In sh' Allah, it may prove so," replied his mother; "but I doubt it
greatly. Thou wast ever one to follow distant dreams, neglecting the
good that lay within hand's reach. Were Elias or Yuhanna in thy place,
no doubt at all but they would make some money. There is a chance when
making purchases or hiring horses for his Honour. But thou art capable
of scorning every gain--nay, even of bestowing all thy goods!--for the
sake of a fine friendship which may leave thee naked."

"By Allah, I will hear no more of this!" Iskender started to his feet,
past patience. "Know that my love for my Emir equal