Money is scarce, but none is spared in decorating the apartments at
the citadel, and below in the palace of the Esbekieh.
The apartments in the citadel destined to be the harem of the
viceroy's wife, as well as the other apartments of the palace, are
being splendidly furnished.
The upper apartments, now that they are completed, the viceroy
inspects alone; through the others he walks beside his faithful
friend Hassan, pointing out with complacency the beauties of the
long suite of elegantly-furnished apartments.
"And do you know who is to occupy these rooms, Hassan?" asked
Mohammed, his countenance assuming a more mild and kindly expression
than Hassan had ever before observed in the usually stern and severe
features of his master.
"It is said the viceroy has sent for his sons," replied Hassan, "and
I therefore suppose that they are to live here."
"And your supposition is right, my friend," replied the viceroy,
smiling. "Yes, here my dear sons will live, my three boys. Yet they
must be almost young men by this time. Let me see, five years have
passed since I saw them. They must have changed very much in this
time, Hassan, and I confess my heart yearns for them. Do you think
they will know me?"
"You are not changed, master," replied Hassan. "Just as you look
now, you looked on that day, you know, the day at Aboukir, when I
saw you for the first time.
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