With great dignity Cousrouf received the captain, who bowed
profoundly before him, while those who accompanied him threw
themselves upon the ground, touching the earth with their foreheads.
He received the imperial missive with perfect composure, opened it,
and inclined his head with a gracious expression of countenance, as
though he were dispensing and not receiving a favor.
"'Tis well, captain--I am ready! Our most gracious emperor and
master has written to me, and as he WISHES"--(he emphasized this
word; the sultan only expresses a wish, he does not command Cousrouf
Pacha)--"as he wishes me to return to Stamboul with all convenient
speed, keep every thing in readiness to sail."
"Will your excellency sail to-day?" asked the captain.
Cousrouf Pacha slowly shook his head. "I do not know. It may be to-
day, and yet it may not be possible to depart for a week. It depends
on circumstances which I cannot entirely control; but keep
everything in readiness, as I may, should matters take a favorable
turn, be enabled to depart at any hour."
Walking backward, his head profoundly inclined, the captain quits
the saloon; his suite creep out on their knees.
Cousrouf stands haughtily erect, gazing proudly after them. When
they had gone out, he utters a cry, a command, and a side-door
opens, and two of his eunuchs, his confidants, enter the room.
Pages:
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284