The citadel has put on festive attire in honor of the wife and sons
of the viceroy Mohammed Ali, who are expected to arrive to-day.
The people are repairing in vast numbers to Boulak on the shore of
the Nile, where the viceroy is to receive his family, and it is
whispered among them that she who has resided in the palace of the
Esbekieh is not his first, but a second wife. No one has seen her,
but very beautiful she must be, else her husband would not guard her
so closely. No one has seen her, but a woman certainly dwells there
in the harem; its windows are lighted up at night, and eunuchs stand
guard outside; veiled slaves have also been seen going in and out of
the palace. Yes, the harem has an occupant, but it is only the
second wife who lives there; the first is to arrive to-day with her
sons from Alexandria!
The people repair in vast numbers to Boulak, to be present at the
reunion of the family of their viceroy, who has already made himself
beloved by his subjects. He throws money among the poor when he
drives through Cairo. He is just, and punishes the guilty with
perfect impartiality, the fellah and courtier alike.
Mohammed, accompanied by his officers, has ridden down to Boulak,
where two landings have been prepared, and richly adorned with
carpets, flowers, and overhanging silken awnings. Here, at the
landing where the viceroy and his generals are waiting, will the
sons, and at the other, where the women stand, will the wife arrive.
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