Since the time when he prepared the subterranean grotto
for Masa, he has never until now experienced such ecstasy. He steps
out, closes the curtains, and surveys every thing once more, and
smiles his approval.
"Now I go for your mistress," murmured he, as he turns and walks
toward the door. But at the door he suddenly stands still. He feels
that this is not the countenance of the viceroy, of a ruler, but
that of a happy man. Such a countenance he must, however, not
exhibit to the world; no one must see that the ruler, perplexed and
weighed down with the cares of state, can sometimes forget that he
is a ruler, and become for a moment a happy man. When he steps out
his countenance wears its usual grave and severe expression.
On the evening of this day, the viceroy leaves the citadel for a
short time. He wishes to repose for a few days in his house on the
shore of the Nile, opposite Boulak, in the house he had caused to be
built when he was sarechsme, and to which he had given the name
Salam-lyk.
A single servant, Achmed, accompanies the viceroy to Salam-lyk,
where he proposes to enjoy a little rest from the cares of state, as
he is in the habit of doing from time to time.
Upon his arrival at Salam-lyk, he calls Achmed to his apartment,
confers with him for a long time, and gives him instructions with
regard to something he wishes him to do.
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