The pacha's countenance
and bearing are unchanged--all haughtiness and dignity--only his
cheeks are paler and his glance more threatening than usual. As he
now turns toward the gate of the court-yard, Mohammed Ali, the
boulouk bashi, appears for the first time, attired in his handsome,
glittering uniform, advancing with his company toward the palace. On
the governor's left stands his son Osman, who has risen from his
couch, overcoming for the moment his weakness and ill-health in
order to participate in the triumph of witnessing Mohammed Ali lead
his company, as boulouk bashi, for the first time.
Yes, there comes Mohammed Ali, marching at the head of his company,
to the sound of the martial music. He holds his sword uplifted in
his right hand, and salutes the governor as he approaches by
lowering its point to the ground with a deferential glance. He
recognizes his friend, and Osman joyously returns the greeting.
Mohammed seems to him entirely changed at this moment, his figure
taller and more powerful. His countenance is manly and joyous, his
eyes sparkle with a mysterious fire, a smile plays about his lips,
and his whole bearing is firm and commanding.
It is not Osman alone who sees this change. Cousrouf Pacha has also
observed it. His countenance darkens. He compresses his lips as if
to repress a curse that is struggling for utterance. Yet he retains
his air of indifference and grave countenance, though his cheeks
grow a shade paler, and his brow somewhat darker.
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