"What do you say little one? Do we not owe the Memphites the treat of a splendid marriage festival?"
"No, my lord, two," replied the child.
"How is that?" laughed Amru, "You are too young and do not count yet, and I know no other maiden in Memphis whose wedding I should care to provide for."
"But there is a man towards whom you feel most kindly, and who lives as lonely as a recluse. I should like to see him married, and at the same time as Orion and Paula. I mean our good friend Philippus."
"The physician? And is he still unwed?" asked Amru in surprise; for no Moslem of the leech's age and position could remain unmarried without exposing himself to the contempt of his fellow-believers. "He is a widower then!"
"No," replied Mary. "He has never yet found a wife to suit him; but I know one created on purpose for him by God himself!"
"You little Khatbe!"—[ A professional go-between]—cried the governor. "Well, settle the matter, and it shall be no fault of mine if the second wedding lacks magnificence."
"And we will have a third!" interrupted the child, clapping her hands and laughing. "My worthy escort Rustem….
"The colossus! Why, child, to you all things are possible! Have you found a wife for him too?"
"No, he found Mandane for himself without my help."