From that day forth the Pasha had peace in his household. There is much virtue in self-abnegation; but, like most unconditional surrenders, it does not always evoke the admiration of the victors. Yet was Muley Mustapha not without his reward. Kayenna knew just how far she might venture in dictating to him, and, by judiciously yielding that for which she cared naught, managed ever to obtain that which she desired. Thus doth the wise spouse gain new raiment by denying to her lord the society of an unbeloved mother-in-law.
CHAPTER II.
A lie grows so fast that its own parents may not recognize it.—Deucalion.
Three days after the occurrence of the events narrated in the preceding chapter a venerable man, clad in the robes of a physician, was ushered into the presence of the Pasha. He salaamed low, and said,—
“Great and mighty Pasha, I bring thee good news.”
“Speak,” said the Pasha: “what is thy news?”
“Great and good tidings,” answered the leech. “Mother and child are doing well.”
“Allah be blessed!” said Muley Mustapha. “And the boy? My own little Muley! Is he a healthy, comely lad,—such an one, think you, as will hold his own among the gallants of the land, and not prove a puny milksop, clutching his mother’s apronstring?”
“Truly, O potent Pasha,” was the answer, “it is a fair and well-formed child, but”—