He rose, creaking, to his feet as he caught sight of his visitors, and, tottering forward, grasped Daniel’s extended hand, who then introduced him to Muriel.
Daniel spoke to him in Arabic, and presently, turning to his companion, asked her to say something to the old man.
“What shall I say?” Muriel enquired.
“He is very old,” Daniel replied. “Wish that God’s face may shine upon him. Say you hope the evening of his life may be full of peace and blessedness.”
“Yes, tell him that,” she answered.
“Anything else?” he asked.
“Oh, make up something for me,” she replied.
“No,” he answered, severely. “Please take your thoughts from yourself, and concentrate them on this old fellow. Think what is the best thing you can wish him. Think hard.”
Muriel glanced at him in surprise, while her host turned his fading eyes to Daniel, asking what she was saying.
“She is trying to think what is the most blessed wish she can make for you,” he replied, speaking in Arabic; and the old man beamed upon her.