Mohammed has commanded that all the women of Cairo should go down to
Boulak to meet his wife Ada, and obey they must, they well know, for
he is certain to punish disobedience to his commands. They were also
to tender her presents upon their arrival at the palace.
She stands on the deck, gazing around with indifference at the
spectacle before her. She is looking for him only--for her husband.
But he is nowhere to be seen. He does not receive her. It would
probably not become the great ruler to welcome his wife before the
world. No one must perceive that the viceroy is also a husband, a
man!
Yes, she has already heard of this: the heart must not be laid bare
to the world, for the world ridicules it.
This is why Mohammed is not there. She draws her veil more closely
about her, and, conducted by the eunuchs, descends slowly the
stairway, strewed with flowers, to the landing-place, where the
women press forward to greet her.
"Welcome, Sitta Ada! Blessed be your coming! Allah's blessings upon
you, Sitta Ada!"
Hundreds of voices repeat the words. She is glad to escape these
noisy greetings by entering the gilded coach that now drives up to
the landing-place. The equipage moves on slowly, followed by the
procession of women who are to accompany her to the citadel.
It is well that the curtains are drawn over the windows of the
carriage, and that no one can see the tears that burst from Sitta
Ada's eyes, or hear the sighs that escape her breast.
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