When he thought himself sufficiently well off in the world, he presented himself before the family of Rebecca, and demanded her in marriage; but they did not consider his prospects brilliant, and rejected his proposals with contempt. Rebecca, however, sent her old nurse to him (just as a lady in the ‘Arabian Nights’ might have sent a similar messenger) to let him know that the family contempt was not shared by her. Ibrahim was more determined than ever to obtain her. He went to a magician, who bade him return to Algiers, and declared that if he accepted the _first_ offer of any kind which he should receive after entering the city, he would become rich and obtain the desire of his heart. Ibrahim sold his asses and departed for Algiers. He walked up and down the streets till nightfall, in expectation of the mysterious offer which had been foretold—but no one came. He had, however, been observed by a rich widow, somewhat advanced in years, a Frenchwoman and the widow of an officer of engineers. She dispatched an attendant to discover who he was and where he lived, and the next day sent for him to her house. His graceful address fascinated her even more than his good looks, and she made him overtures of marriage: offering at the same time to settle upon him a handsome portion of her wealth. This was not precisely the mode in which Ibrahim had intended to make his fortune; but, he recollected the prediction of the magician, and accepted the proposal. They were married, and for twelve months Ibrahim lived with his wife in great splendour and apparent happiness. At the end of that time he professed to be called to Tunis by indispensable business, which would require his presence for some time. His wife made no opposition, though she was sorry to lose him, and wished to accompany him; but that he prohibited, and departed alone: taking with him a good supply of money. He again presented himself before the French Consul at Tunis, who was surprised at the change in his appearance. His vest of flowered silk, brocaded with gold, was girded round the waist by a Barbary sash of the richest silk; his ample trowsers of fine cloth were met by red morocco boots; a Cashmere shawl of the most radiant colours was twisted round his head; his beard, carefully trimmed, fell half-way down his breast; a jewelled dagger hung at his girdle; and an ample Bournooz worn over all, gave an additional grace to his appearance, while it served to conceal his rich attire, which far exceeded the license of the sad-coloured garments prescribed by law to the Jews.