Egypt -- History -- Mohammed Ali, 1805-1849 -- Fiction; Muhammad Ali Basha, Governor of Egypt, 1769-1849 -- Fiction
"That he has already done," said the oualy, smiling. "Not finding
what they sought, the soldiers have quietly with drawn."
"Then I shall go at once to the viceroy, and endeavor to soften his
severity," cried Mustapha Aga. "Await my return here."
Mustapha hastened to the viceroy's apartment. In a few minutes he
returned, his countenance radiant with delight.
"Ye men, the viceroy has graciously accorded what we demand, and you
are to conduct the Sitta in triumph through the city. What, cadi!
you receive this intelligence calmly and gloomily?"
"The times are gloomy and lowering," said the cadi. "That the
viceroy sets the Sitta at liberty proves only that he had no right
to arrest her, and that the viceroy does right or wrong at his own
pleasure. That saddens me. Come, let us go after Sitta Nefysseh."
"Wait a moment," said Mustapha. "The viceroy annexes a little
condition to his consent."
"I thought so," said the cadi, quietly.
"The viceroy requires that the Sitta shall not return to her house,
as he has been informed that she often receives the visits of the
Mameluke chieftains there. Her house is in the outskirts of the
city, and it is difficult to observe those who enter and leave it.
It is peculiarly accessible to the enemy, and the viceroy therefore
requires that Sitta Nefysseh shall no longer reside there, but in
the house of Sheik Sadat. She cannot refuse to do this."
"And she will not," said Sheik Sadat. "No, she will not refuse to
honor the abode of her old friend with her presence. Come, let us
go."
They then repaired at once to the house of Sheik Hesseyni, who,
already informed of what had taken place, came forward to meet them,
leading Sitta Nefysseh. She extended her hand to the cadi, and then
turned to Sadat:
"Will you receive me into your dwelling? Will you extend your
hospitality to the poor woman who has been driven from her own
home?"
"Welcome to my house, Sitta!" cried Sadat. "It seems to me that with
you my noble friend Mourad Bey will also cross my threshold once
more. Your presence in my humble house will do me great honor. How
delighted my wives will be to receive you!"
The people had again assembled in front of the gates of the citadel.
As these were now opened, and Sitta Nefysseh appeared coming toward
them in the midst of her escort, the people recognized her queenly
figure and bearing, although her face was veiled. Shouts of delight
rent the air. "Long live Sitta Nefysseh, and the cadi! Praised be
Allah that we have a cadi who enforces our rights!" ` Cousrouf sat
on his divan in his apartment. He heard this cry, and muttered
between his teeth, "These rebels shall pay for this!"
The shouting populace conducted Sitta Nefysseh in triumph through
the streets. The cadi was loudly applauded, and the viceroy derided.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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