Dimsdale’s face was pale. He was about to reply, when a lady came into view, leaning on the arm of an Agency Secretary. At first she did not see Dimsdale, then within a foot or two of him she suddenly stopped. The Secretary felt her hand twitch on his arm; then she clenched the fingers firmly on her fan. “My dear Dimsdale,” Fielding said, “you must let me introduce you to Mrs. St. John.” Dimsdale behaved very well, the lady perfectly. She held out both her hands to him. “We are old, old friends, Mr. Dimsdale and I. I have kept the next dance for him,” she added, turning to Fielding, who smiled placidly and left with the Secretary. For a moment there was silence, then she said quietly: “Let me congratulate you on all you have done. Everybody is talking about you. They say it is wonderful how you have made things come your way.... I am very, very glad.” Dimsdale was stubborn and indignant and anything a man can be whose amour propre has had a shock. “I know all,” he said bluntly. “I know what you’ve done for me.” “Well, are you as sorry I did it as I am to know you know it?” she asked just a little faintly, for she had her own sort of heart, and it worked in its own sort of way. “Why this sudden interest in my affairs? You laughed at me when I made up my mind to come to Egypt.” “That was to your face. I sent you to Egypt.” “You sent me?” “I made old General Duncan talk to you. The inspiration was mine. I also wrote to Fielding Pasha--and at last he wrote to me to come.” “You--why--” “I know more about irrigation than any one in England,” she continued illogically. “I’ve studied it. “I have all your reports. That’s why I could help you here. They saw I knew.” Dimsdale shook a little. “I didn’t understand,” he said. “You don’t know my husband, I think,” she added, rising slowly. “He is coming yonder with Imshi Pasha.” “I know of him--as a millionaire,” he answered, in a tone of mingled emotions. “I must introduce you,” she said, and seemed to make an effort to hold herself firmly. “He will have great power here. Come and see me to-morrow,” she added in an even voice. “Please come--Harry.” In another minute Dimsdale heard the great financier Arnold St. John say that the name of Dimsdale would be for ever honoured in Egypt. GLOSSARY Aiwa, effendi----Yea, noble sir. Allah----God. Allah-haly ‘m alla-haly----A singsong of river-workers. Allah Kerim----God is bountiful. Allshu Akbar----God is most Great. A’l’meh----Female professional singers Antichi----Antiquities. Backsheesh----Tip, douceur, bribe. Balass----Earthen vessel for carrying water. Basha----Pasha. Bersim----Grass. Bimbashi----Major. Bishareen----A native tribe. Bismillah----In the name of God. Bowab----A doorkeeper. Corvee----Forced labour.