‘Two millions of piastres! Why not at once ask for the throne of Solomon?’
‘Which would be given, if required,’ rejoined Amalek. ‘Was it not said in the divan of Besso, that if this Prince of Franguestan wished to rebuild the Temple, the treasure would not be wanting?’
‘Said by some city gossip,’ said Eva, scornfully.
‘Said by your father, daughter of Besso, who, though he lives in cities, is not a man who will say that almonds are pearls.’
Eva controlled her countenance, though it was difficult to conceal her mortification as she perceived how well informed her grandfather was of all that passed under their roof, and of the resources of his prisoner. It was necessary, after the last remark of the great Sheikh, to take new ground, and, instead of dwelling, as she was about to do, on the exaggeration of public report, and attempting to ridicule the vast expectations of her host, she said, in a soft tone, ‘You did not ask me why Besso was in such affliction, father of my mother?’
‘There are many sorrows: has he lost ships? If a man is in sound health, all the rest are dreams. And Besso needs no hakeem, or you would not be here, my Rose of Sharon.’
‘The light may have become darkness in our eyes, though we may still eat and drink,’ said Eva. ‘And that has happened to Besso which might have turned a child’s hair grey in its cradle.’
‘Who has poisoned his well? Has he quarrelled with the Porte?’ said the Sheikh, without looking at her.
‘It is not his enemies who have pierced him in the back.’
‘Humph,’ said the great Sheikh.