The two drew
in their horses and put on the manner of men about to bid each other
good-bye.
"I hope, I am almost sure, that they know nothing of _her_, or of me.
Probably, when inquiring about Ben Halim, in order to hear of her
sister, and so find out where she has gone, they learned only that Ben
Halim once lived here. If thy servants are discreet, it may be that no
harm will come from this visit."
"They will be discreet. Have no fear," the Caid assured him. Yet it was
on his tongue to say; "the lady herself, when she hears the sound of the
car, may do some unwise thing." But he did not finish the sentence. Even
though the young girl--whom he had not seen--was a Roumia, obsessed with
horrible, modern ideas, which at present it would be dangerous to try
and correct, he could not discuss her with Maieddine. If she showed
herself to the men, it could not be helped. What was to be, would be.
Mektub!
"Far be it from me to distrust my friend's servants," said Maieddine;
"but if in their zeal they go too far and give an impression of
something to hide, it would be as bad as if they let drop a word too
many."
"I will ride on and break any such impression if it has been made," Ben
Sliman consoled him. "Trust me. I will be as gracious to these Roumis as
if they were true believers."
"I do trust thee completely," answered the younger man. "While they are
at thy gates, or within them, I must wait with patience.
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