"Humanity is so feeble in mind," says Renan, "that the purest thing has need of the co-operation of some impure agent." And this, we think, is the gist of Khalid's rhapsody on flounces and ruffles. But how is he to reconcile the fact with the truth in his case? For a single sanctified ruffle--a line of type in the canon law--is likely to upset all his plans. Yes, a priest in alb and chasuble not only can dispense with the blessings of his Pope, but--and here is the rub--he can also withhold such blessings from Khalid. And now, do what he may, say what he might, he must either revise his creed, or behave, at least, like a Christian. Everything is ready, you say? The sky-blue, many-ruffled wedding gown; the set-out for the wayfare; the camel and donkeys; the little stock of books; the coffee utensils; the lentils and sweet oil;--all ready? Very well; but you can not set forth to-morrow, nor three weeks from to-morrow. Indeed, before the priest can give you his blessings--and what at this juncture can you do without them?--the dispensations of the ban must be performed. In other words, your case must now be laid before the community. Every Sunday, for three such to come, the intended marriage of Khalid to Najma will be published in the Church, and whoso hath any objection to make can come forth and make it. Moreover, there is that little knot of consanguinity to be considered. And your priest is good enough to come and explain this to you. Understand him well. "An alm of a few gold pieces," says he, "will remove the obstacle; the unlawfulness of your marriage resulting from consanguinity will cease on payment of five hundred piasters." All of which startles Khalid, stupefies him. He had not, heretofore, thought of such a matter. Indeed, he was totally ignorant of these forms, these prohibitions and exemptions of the Church. And the father of Najma, though assenting, remarks nevertheless that the alms demanded are much. "Why," exclaims Khalid, "I can build a house for five hundred piasters." The priest sits down cross-legged on the divan, lights the cigarette which Najma had offered with the coffee, and tries to explain. "And where have you this, O Reverend, about consanguinity, prohibition, and alms!" Khalid asks. "Why, my child, in the Canons of our Church, Catholic and Apostolic. Every one knows that a marriage between cousins can not be effected, without the sanction of the Bishop." "But can we not obtain this sanction without paying for it?" "You are not paying for it, my child; you are only contributing some alms to the Church." "You come to us, therefore, as a beggar, not as a spiritual father and guide." "That is not good speaking. You misunderstand my purpose." "And pray, tell me, what is the purpose of prohibiting a marriage between cousins; what chief good is there in such a ban?" "Much good for the community." "But I have nothing to do with the community. I'm going to live with my wife in the desert."