How she would rejoice to see her son, her
heart's darling, her Mohammed Ali, in all his glory!"
"I, too, wish my dear mother, Sitta Khadra, were here now," said
Mohammed, with a sigh. "I have never before missed and needed her as
much as now; and you are right, too, in thinking she would rejoice
could she see me now. Yes, with all her heart, Mr. Lion. Ah life,
were beautiful indeed, if Death were not always standing
threateningly before us! He takes from us what we love most, and
esteem highest; we must ever be on our guard against him, and keep
our door barred that he may not steal into our midst and rob us of
some fair life."
The merchant regards him with amazement. He has never heard the
young boulouk bashi talk in this sentimental manner before, and it
surprises him too, to see his countenance so changed--so radiant,
serene, and cloudless, the chaste, thoughtful brows--so bright, the
flash of his large brown eyes.
"Mohammed, my young friend, what bliss has Fortune bestowed on you?
Tell your friend the secret; for, truly all that concerns and
pleases you, gladdens my own heart. Tell me what has worked this
change in you?"
"And you still ask? You see me in my uniform--in my glory, as you
call it--it is this that has worked the change!"
The merchant shook his head. "No, it is not that, Mohammed Ali; that
which sparkles in your eyes, and resounds from your lips in such
joyous words, has nothing to do with your uniform or with your new
dignity.
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