Twentyothermenwouldwillinglyhavebrokenanarmforsuchareward；
andtherecklessnessdisplayedduringthenextfewdayswassomethingawful。Butshesawthattoo，——littleescapedthosebigblueeyes，——
and，ascribingittodrink，gaveaprettystronglectureonthebibuloushabitsofBigStoneHole，athernextconcert。
TherewasanearnestmeetingintheAmericanBarthatnight，atwhichthefollowingmotionwasputandcarriedunanimously：\"Onandafterthisdate，anydrunkenmanisliabletobeshotatsight，unlesshisfriendscanprovethathehasdugoverthreecaratsofdiamondsduringtheday。\"Andthen，likeotherreformers，theywentontomoresweepingmeasures：\"Onlyknife-fightingtotakeplaceinthecamp。Alldisputeswithpistols，unlessofaverypressingnature，tobesettledoutofearshotofDan’shouse。\"Therewereevensomehintsofappointingaclosing-timeforthesaloon——\"itwouldmaketheplacesomuchmorelikehome。\"Butthepromotereventuallywithdrewhissuggestion，asitwasjustlyfeltthatsuchamotionwouldinterferewiththelibertyofthesubjecttoomuch。Butastormofcheersburstforthwhenitwasproposedtotransferthediamond-safefromWerstein’skeepingtoacornerofthenewgoddess’sshrine。
EvenSatan，thecat，joinedinthegeneraladoration，and，morefavouredthantherest，enjoyedattimesachastesalutefromMissMusgrave’sripe-redlips。
Never，insoshortaspaceoftime，hadacommunitybeenmorechangedforthebetterthanwasthatofBigStoneHole。Neverhadwoman’shumanisinginfluencemadeitselfmoreclearlyfelt。Theazurecloudofblasphemythathungovertheworkingsandtherestofthecampwasreplacedagainbythenormaldust。Eachmantriedtobeautifytheinsideofhisshantytothebestofhismeansandideas，fortherewasnoknowingwhentheonly\"she\"wouldtakeitintoherpretty，capriciousheadtopayacall。InthislatterlinetheScholarhadadecidedpull。Educationhadtaughthimtaste；necessity，handiness；
andbyaidofthetwohetransformedhisrudedwellingintosomethingapproachingtheroomsinwhichheusedtodawdleawaythehappyhours，timeago。Itwaspartlydrawing-room，partlycuriosity-shop。Cups，saucers，andspoonsappearedasifbymagicians’call，andoneblazingafternoonthenewsflashedroundthediamond-pitsthatMissMusgravewas\"takingafternoonteawiththeScholar。\"ButwhentheScholarsawthedismayhissimpleacthadspreadaroundhim，hedissipateditwithakindlylaughandafewreassuringwords。
\"Don’tmindme，boys。Iwasonlydoingthecivilinapurelyplatonicmanner。MissMusgraveisnothingtome，noramIanythingtoher。
Heavenforbid！I’mtoohardabargainforanygirl。IfanyoneofyoumarriesherI’llactashisbestmanifheasksmeto，andwishhimeveryfelicitywithoutathoughtofregret。\"
\"BullyfortheScholar！\"yelledthedelightedcrowd；andMissMusgrave’ssmilesweremoresoughtafterthanever。
Sothingswentondayafterday，weekafterweek，tillMissMusgravebecamelittleshortofanautocraticempress。Butstillsheshowednosignsoftakinguntoherselfaconsort；shekeptallmenatacousinlydistance，andthosewhofeltintimateenoughtoaddressheras\"MissMary\"accountedthemselvesuncommonlyfortunate。Thusthelittlemachineofstateworkedperfectlyharmoniously，andBigStoneHolewasassteadyandprosperousasettlementasneedbe。
Hadthesediggersrefreshedtheirmindsbylookingbackforhistoricalparallels，theymighthavebeenpreparedinsomedegreeforMissMusgrave’sexitfromamongthem，butasnoneofthemindulgedinsuchretrospectionsthemannerofittookthecampsomewhatbysurprise。
Itwasfirstdiscoveredinthiswise。Workwasoverfortheday。TheKaffirshadbeensearchedandhadreturnedtotheirkraal。Pipeswerebeinglitaftertheeveningmeal，andapicturesqueassemblywasgroupingitselfinanexpectantsemicircleonthesun-bakedturfinfrontofMissMusgrave’sdwelling。Shewasusuallyoutsidetowelcomethefirstcomers，andherabsencenaturallyformedthestapletopicofconversation。Diggerafterdiggerarrived，threwhimselfdown，andjoinedinthegeneralwondermentastowhyMissMarywasn’tthere，andatlastsomeonehazardedasuggestionthatshe\"mustbeasleep。\"
Therewasageneralepidemicofnoisycoughingforafullminute，andthensilenceforanother，butnosoundfromwithinthehut。
\"Perhapsshe’sill，\"wasthenextsurmise。
Aftertheetiquettetobefollowedhadbeenstrictlydiscussed，andarigidcourseofproceduresetdown，theScholargotupandknockedatthedoor。Hereceivednoanswer，andsoknockedagain——knockedseveraltimes，infact，andthenrattledthehandlevigorously，butwithoutresult。
\"Betteropenit，\"saidavoice。
Andhedidso；andafterlookinginside，announced：
\"She’snotthere。\"
AtthismomentDancameup。
\"Myolemar’’sgone，\"hesaid；\"an’sheain’tstampeded，neither，butwasstole。Tote-rope’sbeenuntied，an’saddlean’bridletookaswell。\"
Therewasuncomfortablesilence，whichtheScholarbrokebyalow，long-drawnwhistle。
\"Boys，\"saidhe，\"let’slookinsidethesafe。\"
Thethreemenwhoheldthekeysbroughtthemup，theboltswereshot，andthemassivedoorswungback。Therewaseveryman’slittlesackwithhisnameonit；butsomehoworotherthesackslookedlimperthanofyore。Eachonewaseagerlyclutchedandexamined，andmanyagroanandnotafewcurseswentuponthestillnightairasitwasfoundthateverysacksaveDan’shadbeenrelievedofthemorevaluablepartofitscontents。
Somuchheart-breakinglabourundertheburningsunthrownawayfornothing；thedrearyworktocommenceafresh，almostfromthebeginning！Hadthethiefbeenanyordinaryone，thedenunciationwouldhavebeenunbounded；butnooneliftedhistongueveryloudlyagainstMaryMusgrave。Yetmountedmenweredespatchedonthethreetrailstobringbackthebootyifpossible，andtherestmoveddejectedlytowardtheiroldclub。ThegreasyJewdidnotattempttoconcealhisexultation。Heservedhiscustomerswithhiswickedoldfaceglowingwithsmiles，andwhenamoment’sbreathing-timecameheobserved：
\"Weall’azhourlettlesurbrizesindiswairld，an’ImostconfaissI
amasdonishedmyselftolairnthatMessMosgraveisathief——\"ButhereacrashingamongtheglasswareannouncedthatTommyDartmoorhadbegunshootingwithhislefthand，andHerrGustavesputteredoutfrombehindthefingersheheldbeforehisface，\"AchGott！Isaynozzingmore！\"
GREGORIO
BY
PERCYHEMINGWAY
I
ATTHEPARADISO
TheCafeParadisowasfullofpeople，fortheinhabitantsofAlexandriahaddined，andtheoperaseasonwasover。Theseatsateverytablewereoccupied，andthefumesofsmokefromahundredcigarspartlyhidtheladiesoftheorchestra。Asthewaiterspushedasidetheswing-doorsofthebuffetandstaggeredintothesalonwithwhisky，absinthe，andcoffee，theclickofbilliard-ballswasheard。
Thewindowsfacingtheseawerewideopen，fortheheatwasintense，andthemurmurofthewavesmingledwiththeplaintivevoicesoftheviolins。
Seatedbyatableatthefarendofthehall，GregorioLivadashummedsoftlyanaccompanimenttoSuppe’s\"PoeteetPaysan，\"puffingfromtimetotimeacloudletofbluesmokefromhismouth。Whenthemusicceasedhejoinedintheapplause，leaningbackhappilyinhischairasthemusicianspreparedtorepeatthelastmovement。Meanwhilehiseyeswanderedidlyoverthefacesofhisneighbors。
Whenthelastchordwasstruckhesawthewomenhurrydownfromtheplatformandrushtowardthetableswheretheiracquaintancessat。Heheardthemdemandbeerandcoffee，andtheydrankeagerly，forfiddlinginthatheatwasthirstywork。Hewatchedthewearywaitershasteningfromtabletotable，andheheardthevoicesaroundhimgrowmoreanimatedandthelaughtermorefrequent。Onemanwasfasteningasprayofflowersontheamplebosomoftheflautiste，whileanothersippedthebrownlagerfromtheglassofthebigdrum，andtheoldwifeoftheconductorlefthertriangleandcymbalstobegsomerosesfromanArabflower-girl。Trulytheworldwasenjoyingitself，andGregoriosmileddreamily，forthesightofsomuchgaietypleasedhim。
Hewishedoneofthewomenwouldcomeandtalktohim；hewouldhavelikedtochatwiththefair-hairedgirlwhoplayedthefirstviolinsowell。HebegantowonderwhyshepreferredthatuglyEnglishmanwithhisredfaceandbaldhead。Hecaughtsnatchesoftheirconversation。
Bah！howuninterestingitwas！fortheycouldbarelyunderstandeachother。WhatpleasuredidshefindinlisteningtohisbadFrench？andinhernativeHungarianhecouldnotevensay，\"Ilove。\"Whyhadshenotcometohim，GregorioLivadas，whocouldtalktoherwellandwouldnotmumblelikeanidiotandlookredanduncomfortable！Thenhesawshewasdrinkingchampagne，andhesighed。Ah，yes，theseEnglishwererich，andwomenonlycaredformoney；theywereunabletogiveuptheirluxuriesforthesakeofaman。
ButatthisthoughtGregorioblushedalittle。Afterall，therewasonewoman——theonlywomanheoughttothinkof——whowasnotafraidofhardshipforthesakeofherhusband。Hetriedtoexcusehimselfbyarguingthatthemusichadexcitedhim；buthefeltalittleashamed，andasasoptohisnotyetquitemurderedconsciencegotupandleftthecafe。
WhenheturnedintothePlaceMehemetAliherememberedsuddenlythathehadwastedhisevening。Itwasteno’clock，toolatetosetaboutthebusinesshehadintended。Hewasangrywithhimselfnowaswellasashamed。Hewanderedupanddownthesquare，lookingatthestatueofthegreatkhedive，silhouettedagainstthemoonlight，andcursedathismisfortunes。
Whyshouldhe，GregorioLivadas，beinneedofmoney？Hehadworkedhard，butwithoutsuccess。Hecouldhavebornehisillluckhadhealonebeenthesufferer，buthemustconsiderhischild——and，ofcourse，hiswifetoo。Hewasreallyfondofhiswifeinaway。Buthesmiledproudlyashethoughtofhisson，forwhomheschemedoutagreatfuture。HeandXantippewouldtraintheboysocarefullythathewouldgrowuptobeagreatman，and，whatwasmore，arichman。Howtheywouldlaugh，allthree，astheysatinthesplendidcafesovertheirwine，atthehardshipsthefatherhadendured！Stillhemustnotforgetthepresent，andhesorelyneededmoney。HewouldgotoAmosagain。Amoswasarichman，veryrich，andafilthyJew。Amoscouldeasilysparehimsomemoneyandrenewthelastloan。Hewasgoingtobesuccessfulnowandwouldbeabletopaygoodinterest。WhatbetterinvestmentcouldAmoshave？Surelynone。HewasgoingtosetupacafewiththemoneyatTanta，orZagazig，orevenBenhur，——yes，Benhurwasthebest，——wheretherewerefewcompetitors。Thenhewouldmakeafortune，asotherGreekshaddone，andAmoswouldbepaidinfull。Hewasnotextravagant，no；hehadthebusinessinstinctsofhisrace。
HalftheserichmerchantsofAlexandriahadbegunashewouldbegin；
hewouldsucceedastheyhadsucceeded。Thefuturewasreallyhopeful，ifhecouldonlyborrowalittlecapital。
WiththesethoughtssurgingthroughhisbrainGregoriopacedupanddownthepavements。AtlastheturnedintotheRuedesSoeursandstartedslowlytowardhishome。
Thisstreet，thesinkofAlexandria，wasatitsgayest。Thecafeswherecheapliquorissoldwerecrowded。Soldiersandsailors，nativesandtheriffraffofhalfadozennations，jostledoneanother。Thetwangingofguitarsandthetinklingofpianoswasheardfromeveryhouse。Women，underclothedandoverpainted，leanedfromtheupperwindowsandmadefrequentsalliesintothestreettocapturetheirprey。LoudvoicessanglustyEnglishchorusesandFrenchchansonnettes，andNeapolitansongstriedtoassertthemselveswhenevertheuproarceasedforamoment。Everyonetalkedhis，orher，owntongue，andgesturefilledinthegapswhenwordswerewanting。
Allseemeddeterminedtodegradethemselvesasmuchaspossible，andnearlyeveryoneseemedsupremelyhappy。
Occasionallytherewasafight，andkniveswereusedwithunerringskill；butthemountedpolicewhopatrolledthestreets，thoughovertaxed，managedtopreserveacertainamountoforder。
Gregoriotookverylittlenoticeofthescenesthroughwhichhepassed。Hekneweveryinchandcornerofthequarterthathadbeenhishomeforyears，andwasfamiliarwithmostofitsinhabitants。Hesighedalittleashethoughtofthemoneybeinglostandwoninthestuffyill-lightedroomsatthebackofthehouses，shutoutfromviewoftheauthorities。Likemostofhisrace，hewasfondoftheexcitementofgambling。Butofwhatusewereregretsandsighs？hehadnomoney，andmustneedsgohome。Itwasvaintotryandborrowortoaskcreditforhislosses；inthesegamblinghellswhatislostmustbeimmediatelypaid，fortempersareinflamedbydrinkandknivesarewornateachplayer’sbelt。
Buthesighed，nonetheless，atthehardnecessitythatcompelledhimtopassdownthestreetwithoutonceenteringthedoorsofatavern。
Itwasveryhot，andhehadsmokedmanycigarettes。Hewouldhavebeengladtocallforadrink。Thetavern-keepers，thoughtheywerehisfriends，expectedtobepaid。Oneortwowomenbeckonedtohim，whowouldhavewillinglyofferedhimwine，buthewasproudenoughtoignorethem。
Hebecamemoremoodyanddejectedashewentalong，silentandsoberamidsomuchrevelry。Whenhereachedhishousehesawadrunkenmanlyingonthethresholdasleep。HestoopedtolookintohisfaceandrecognisedanEnglishman，theforemanofsometrampintheharbour。Hekickedtherecumbentformtestilyashestrodeoverit。
\"TheseEnglish，whatbeaststheyare！\"hegrowled，\"andI——Ihavenotapiastreforasingleglassofwine。\"
II
CONCERNINGADEBT
Gregoriofound，onenteringhishouse，thathiswifewasalreadyinbed。Hewentintothetinykitchenandsawaplateofmacaronireadyforhissupper。Hetriedtoeatsome，butitstuckinhisthroat。HetookabottleofcheapCretanwinefromashelfanddrankfromit；butthewinewassour，andhespatitfromhismouthwithacurse。
Takingupthelamp，hewentintothebedroom。Hiswifewasfastasleepwiththeboyinherarms。ForamomentasmileflickeredroundGregorio’smouthashelookedatthem。Thenhetookoffhisbootsandhiscoat，blewoutthelamp，andlaybesidethem。Hewasverytiredafterhislongtrampinthehotstreets，buthecouldnotsleep。
Angrilyhetossedfromsidetosideandclosedhiseyestightly；butitwasnogood，sleepwouldnotcome。
Atmidnightheheardacalltoprayerchantedfromtheminaretofatinymosqueintheneighbourhood。Themuezzin’svoiceirritatedhim。
Hedidnotwishtopray，andhedidwanttosleep。HesworethatitwasinsanityforthesefoolsofMohammedanstodeclarethatprayerwasbetterthansleep。
Thenthethoughtsthathadagitatedhimduringthewalkreturnedtohim。TheRuedesSoeurswasstillnoisywithmerry-makers，anditseemedtohimthatifhecouldonlyjointhemhewouldbehappy。Buthehadnomoney，andonecandonothingwithoutmoney！
ThentherecamebacktohimthefaceoftheEnglishmanhehadseentalkingtotheviolinistoftheParadiso。Hehatedthemanbecausehewasuglyandrich。TheseEnglishwereallrich，andyettheyseemedtohimamiserablerace，mereignorantbullies。HerememberedhowoftenhehadcometothehelpoftheEnglishtravellerswhofilledEgypt。
Whyhadhe，heaskedhimself，forthesakeofamiserablereward，preventedthembeingcheated，whenhe，withallhistalents，wascondemnedtostarve？Evenhischild，hethought，wouldgrowtohatehimifheremainedpoor。Hemustgetmoney。Amoswouldhavetolendhimsome。TheJewswereunpopularamongtheGreeks；itwerewisetokeepongoodtermswiththem，asAmoswouldfindout。
Atlasthefellasleep。
Inthemorninghistroublesbeganagain。Therewasnocoffee，andonlyalittleArabbread，andwhenthatwasdonetheymuststarveiftheycouldnotgetsomemoney。Gregoriotoreoffabitofbreadandateitslowly，lookingathiswife，whosatweepingbesidehim。
\"IshallgotoAmos，\"hesaid，firmly。
\"Ah，yes，toAmos，\"Xantippeansweredquietly；\"butitwillbenogood。\"
\"Whynogood？\"
\"Becauseyouowehimmoney，andhewillgiveyounomoretillheispaid。\"
\"Butwecannotpayhim。Hemustletushavesome。Ifnot——\"andGregorioraisedthreatening。
Hiswifesmiledsadlyandkissedhim。
\"YouwillnotfrightenAmos，mylove。WhenItoldhimthechildhadbeenill，heonlylaughed。\"
\"Whenwasthat？\"
\"Yesterday。\"
\"Thenhehadbeenhere？\"
\"Hecamelastnighttoaskforhismoney。Itoldhimwehadnone，andhelaughedandsaidwemustgetsome。HetoldmeImightgetsomeifI
caredto。HesaidIcouldmake，oh，somuch！\"
Gregorioscowledsavagely。\"ThefilthyJew！hesaidthat？Never，never，never！\"
\"Butwemustgetsomemoney，\"thewomansobbed，\"ifonlyforourson’ssake，Gregorio。Butnotthatway？\"
\"No，notthatway，\"hereplied，savagely。
\"Whenshallyougotohim？\"
\"Now。\"
Andtakinguphishatherushedintothestreet。Hewasterriblyangry，notsomuchatthepurportoftheJew’sspeechasatthemanwhomadeit。HeloathedtheJews，andfeltinsultedwhenspokentobyone；itwasaterriblemattertoaskthismanforhelp，butitwasintolerablethathiswifeshouldsufferinsult。Andyetthechildmustbefed。Yes，shehadsaidthat，anditwastrue。Theymustmakesacrificesforthechild。
HesoonreachedtheJew’shouse，andwasshownbyarichlycladservantintotheroomwhereAmossat。Amoswasanoldman，tallandstrong，withalongbushybeard，inwhichhisfingerscontinuallyplayed；andhiseyesweresharpandbrilliantandrestless，astrangecontrasttohisstatelybearingandmeasuredmovements。HerosefromhiscushionsasGregorioentered，andsalutedhimcourteously，motioninghimtoaseat。Then，havingresettledhimself，heclappedhishandstogethersmartlyandorderedtheservantwhoansweredthesummonstobringincoffeeandpipes。
Gregoriowasratheroverawedattheluxuryhesawaroundhim，andhefeltthestern-looking，politeoldmanwouldbeadifficultpersontodealwith。Ashepuffedathistubeheconsideredcarefullywhatwordsheshoulduse。
Forsometimeneitherspoke，butAmoswasthefirsttobreakthesilence。
\"YouheardIwasatyourhouselastnight，andsohavecometopayme？\"
\"Yes，Iheardyouwereatmyhouseandthatyouwantedtobepaid。Youarearichman，andIampoor。\"
\"Nay，Iamnotrich；theyliewhosayIamrich。\"
\"ItistwentypoundsIoweyou，isitnot？\"
\"Yes，twentypounds。Itisalargesum，andIhavedealtgenerouslywithyou。Iamnowinneedofitmyself。\"
\"Iamapoorman。\"
\"Youhavenotthemoney，eh，myfriend？\"
\"Ihavenotthemoney。ButIwillpayyouifyouwilllendmesomemore。Ishallbesuccessfulnow；onlytwentypoundsmore。\"
AmosappearedunmovedatthetremorinGregorio’svoice。Hiseyesrestedcoldlyonthefaceofhisclient，whiletheunfortunateGreekcontinuedtospeakrapidlyofhistroublesandhopes。HesmiledsarcasticallyasGregoriospokeofthecertaintyofmakinghisfortuneatBenhur，andremainedquiteunmovedatthestoryofthesufferingsofawomanandchildfromhungerandwant。
\"Yourwifeisbeautiful，\"wasallheansweredwhenGregoriopausedforamoment。Atthesewords，however，hehalfrosefromhisplaceandclinchedhishandssavagely。Buthesankbackagainwiththeremembrancethatashowoftemperwouldnotadvancehiscause。
\"Verybeautiful，\"heanswered，chokingly；\"wouldyouseeherstarve？\"
\"Sheisnotmywife，\"saidAmos，quietly。Thenhecontinuedslowly，pausingatintervalstopuffoutacloudofsmokefromhismouth：
\"Youhaveowedmethismoneyalongtime。Iwantit，andIwillhaveit。EveninEgyptthereislaw。YoudonotlikeusJews，butthelawwillprotectmeaslongasIamrichenoughtobuyjustice。Inthreedaysyouwillpaymethismoney。Ihavebeengeneroustoyou；nowI
willbegenerousnolonger。IfIamnotpaidIwilltakemeasurestorecovermyloss。YouwillsleepinthestreetsliketheArabs，myfriend；buttheweatheriswarm。Itisearlysummer，soyouwillscarcelyfeeltheexposure。Inthreedaysyouwillcomeandpayme。\"
\"ButhowamItogetthemoney？IfyouwouldlendmeonlyafewpoundsIwouldrepayyouallIowe。\"
\"Alreadyyouowememorethanyoucanpay。Youcanmakemoney。Youaremarried。TheseChristianwomenareworsethantheArabs；doInotseethemasIcomehomeintheeveningfrommybusiness？Itisnotrighttoborrowandnotrepay。Ineedmymoney。HowcanIhavemycoffeeandmypipeunlessIhavemoney？\"
Gregoriolistenedwithgrowinganger，andfinallyrosefromhisseatandshookhisfistintheoldman’sface。
\"Youshallbepaid，\"heshouted，\"youshallbepaid！\"
\"Angerisuseless，myfriend。\"
AndasGregorioleftthehouseAmossmiledandstrokedhisbeard。
\"Truly，\"hethought，\"theseChristianshateus，butwehavetheminourpower。Itispleasanttobehatedandyettoknowthatitistoustheymustcringewhentheyareinneed；anditisverypleasanttorefuse。MyfriendGregorioisnothappynowthatheisstrugglinginmygrasp。\"
AsforGregorio，hewanderedawaytowardtheharbour，kickingsavagelyattherefusescatteredalongthepavement。Hedidnotknowhowtosetaboutearningtherequisitesum。Itwasnogoodapplyingtothehotelsortouristagencies，fortherewerefewvisitorsinthecityanddragomenwerethereforenotneeded。
Hisfriendsweretoopoortohelphim，andtheconsulwasunabletodomuchforhim，thereweresomanypoorGreekswhowantedhelp。
Meanwhiletherewasnofoodathomeandnodrink；eventhenecessariesoflifewerelacking。
Onarrivingathishomehefoundhiswifeandchildhuddledinacornercryingforfood。Theyrantowardhimasheentered，butthehopeintheirfacesquicklyfadedatthesightofhim。
\"It’snogood，\"Gregoriogrowled；\"AmosrefusestoadvanceapiastreandsaysImustpayallIoweinthreedays。\"
\"Itisimpossibletosleepwhenoneishungry，\"saidGregoriothatnighttohiswife，wholayawake，weeping，besidehim。
III
OFFAILUREANDARESOLVE
Gregorio’sdreams，whenhedidsleep，werenoneofthepleasantest，andwhenhewokeup，fromtimetotime，heheardhiswifeweeping。Inwonderingwhatheshouldsaytocomfortherhefellasleepagain，andsleepingwasworsethanlyingawake。ForinhisdreamshesawXantippeandhischildstarvingandcryingforfood，andhewasunabletohelptheminanyway。HelivedoveragainthelongdayhehadspenttrampingthestreetsofAlexandriasearchingforwork。Hesawthefewtouristsstillleftinthetownfatandhappy；hesawtheportersofthehotelswhohadsmiledonhimpityinglyandyetcontemptuously；andhewoke，aftereachrepresentationofthecrudecomedy，hotandyetcoldwithperspiration，tofeelthebedonwhichhelayshakingunderthesobsofhiswife。
WhenatlastdaydawnedGregorioraisedhimselfwithanoath，andsworetofindfoodforhisfamilyandworkforhimself。TheterribledebtheowedtoAmoshesworeshouldnottroublehim，laughingathiswife’sremonstrances。Withthebrightdaylighthadcomeanewcourage，and，hungryashewas，hefeltablenotonlytosatisfytheirhunger，butsoskilfullytoarrangemattersthattheywouldneverfeelhungryagain。Yetiswasaterribleordeal，thathalf-hourwhenthefamilyshouldhavesatdowntoatableladenwithfood。Thepoorwifecried，andhehadtocomforthertearswithpromises，unsubstantialnutrimentindeed，andtheycouldnotsatisfythechild，whofaileddismallytounderstandthem。Throughthegreenblindscamethenoiseoflifeandhealthandmerriment；cursestoo，sometimes，butonlythecursesofthewellfed，andthereforemeaningless。Alreadythesunfellhotandindomitableontheroom，andtheatmosphereattheirtouchbecamestifling。Gregorio，swallowinghistears，toreoutintothestreet，shoutingupthenarrowstairwayhystericalwordsofhope。
Howlongandshadowlessthestreetseemed！Everyhousehaditsgreenblindscloselyshut；thewindthatstirredthedustofthepavementswashotandbiting。Gregorioclinchedhishandsandstroderapidlyonward。Whatmatteredittohimthatbehindthosegreenblindswomenandmenslumberedincomparativecomfort？Hehadaworktodo，andbysunsetmustcarrygoodtidingstohislittleworld。Foratimehisheartwasbraveasthedrywindscorchedthetearuponhischeek。
\"Surely，\"hethought，weavinghisthoughtsintoafinemarchingrhythm，\"thegreatGodwillhelpmenow，willhelpmenow。\"
Atmidday，afterhehadtried，withthatstrangeGreekpertinacitythatunderstandsnorefusals，allthehotelsandtouristagencieshehadcalledatthedaybefore，hebecamewearyanddisconsolate。Themarchhadbecomeadirge；nolongeritsuggestedhappinesstobe，butfailure。AnEnglishmanthrewhimapiastre，andheturnedintoacafe。
Callingforaglassofwine，heflunghimselfdownonthewoodenbenchandtriedtothink。Butreallylogicalthinkingwasimpossible。Forinspiteofthesorrowathisheart，thesamebrightdreamsofwealthandhappinesscamebacktomockhim。Thepiastreheplayedwithbecamegold，andhefeltthecafecontainednoluxuriesthathemightnotcommandtobebroughtbeforehim。ButastheeffectsoftheredwineofLebanonevaporatedhebegantotakeasobererthoughstillcheerfulviewofhisposition。ItwasonlywhenthewaitercarriedoffhispiastrethathesuddenlywoketofactandknewhimselfoncemoreamanwithawifeandchildstarvinginAlexandria，analiencityforallitswealthycolonyofGreeks。Awaveofpitysweptoverhim；notsomuchforthewomanwashesorry，thoughhelovedhertoo，butforthebabywhosefuturehehadplanned。Hescowledsavagelyattheinmatesofthecafe，whoonlysmiledquietly，fortheywereusedtopoorGreekswhohaddrunkawaytheirlastcoin，andpushedpastthemintothestreet。
Thereitwashotterthanever，andhemetscarcelyanyone。Everyonewhocouldbewasathome，orinthecoolcafes；onlyGregoriowasabroad。Hedeterminedtomakeforthequay。HeknewthatmanyshipsputintotheAlexandrianwaters，andtherewasoftenemploymentfoundforthosenottooproudtoworkatladingandunloading。Quickly，andburningasthekempsin，hehurriedthroughtheRuedesSoeurs，notdaringtolookupatthehousewhereinhedwelt。Themuffledsoundsofvoicesandguitarsfromthefar-awayinteriorsseemedtomockhisfootstepsashepassedthewine-shops；andalltheotherhousesweresilentandasleep。Atlasthearrivedonthequay，andtheblacklinesoftheP。andO。stoodoutfirmlybeforehimagainstthepitilessblueofseaandsky。Hewanderedoverthehotstonecauseway，butfoundnoone。Therevenueofficerswereaway，andnotalabourer，notasailor，wasvisible。Beyondthebreakwaterlittletuftsofsilveryfoamflashedontherollers，andasolitarysteamersteeredsteadilyforthehorizon。HecouldseetheGreekflagatherstern，andhiseyesfilledwithtears。Ah，howlittlehisfriendsinAthensthoughtofthemanwhohadcometofindfameandfortuneinthefar-offEast！Hesatdownontheparapetandwatchedthevesseluntilshebecameatinyspeckonthehorizon，andthenherecommencedhissearchforwork。Hisheartwasbraverforamomentbecauseofitspangs；hesworehewouldshowthesecountrymenofhiswhodweltathome，andwhointhreedayswouldseetheveryshiphehadbeengazingatarriveinGrecianwaters，thathewasworthyofhiscountryandhiskinsfolk。
Butresolutionswereuseless，tenacityofpurposewasuseless。Fortwolonghourshewanderedbytheharbour，butmetnoone。
Atlastthesunfellbehindthewesternwaves，andthewindowsofthekhedive’spalaceglowedlikeahundredflamingeyes；theflagsfellfromthemastsofthevessels；onthecitysidewasasuddensilence，saveforthemelancholyvoicesofthemuezzins；thenthedaydied；thebrightstars，suddenlypiercingtheheavens，mockedhimwiththeirbrillianceandtoldhimthathisuselesssearchforbreadwasover。
Gregoriowentbackslowlytohishome。AlreadytheRuedesSoeurswascrowded。Thelongstreetrangwithmusicandlaughter，andinsteadofblindscoveringthewindowsmerrywomenleaneduponthesillsandlaughedatthecrowdsbelow。
Gregorio，whenhereachedhishouse，wouldhavelikedtogostraighttobed。Butitwasnottobe，forasheenteredthetinyroomheheardhiswifetryingtopersuadethehungryinfantintosleep，andhisfootstepsdisturbedhertears。Hehadtocalmthemasbesthecould，andashesoothedherhenoticedthechildhadacrustinhishandwhichhegnawedhalfcontentedly。AtthesamemomentthedimbluefigureofanArabpassedbytheoppositewall，andhadalmostgainedthedoorereGregoriofoundwords。
\"Whoareyou？\"
\"ItisAhmed，\"hiswifeanswered，gently，placinghertremblinghanduponhisshoulder；\"hetoohaschildren。\"
Gregorioscowledandmuttered，\"AnArab，\"andinthatmurmurnoneoftheloathingwashiddenthatthepseudo-WestbearsfortheEast。
\"Thechildisstarving，\"saidAhmed。\"Ihavesavedthechild；maybesomedayIshallsavethefather。\"AndAhmedslippedawaybeforeGregoriocouldanswerhim。
Forawhileneitherhenorhiswifespoke；theystoodsilentinthemoonlight。AtlastGregorioaskedhuskily，\"Haveyouhadfood？\"
\"Notto-day，\"wastheanswer；andthesweetvoicewasalmostdiscordantinitspathosasitcontinued，\"nordrink，andbutforAhmedtheboyhaddied。\"
Gregoriocouldnotanswer；therewasalumpinhisthroatthatblockedwords，openingthegateforsobs。Buthechokeddownhisemotionwithaneffortandbusiedhimselfabouttheroom。Xantippesatwatchinghimanxiously，smoothlywithnervousfingersthecoveringofherson’sbed。
Asthenightadvancedtheheatincreased，andallthatdisturbedthesilenceoftheroomwastheechoofthestreets。Gregoriowalkedtothewindowandlookedout。Belowhimhesawthejostlingcrowdofmenandwomen。Thesepeople，hethought，werehappy，andtwomiserablesonlydweltinthecity——hiswifeandhimself。Andwheneverheaskedhimselfwhatwasthecauseofhismisery，theanswerwaseverthesame——poverty。Heglancedathisson，tossinguneasilyinhisbed；helookedathiswife，paleandhaggardinthemoonlight；herememberedhisownsufferingsalldaylonginthehotcruelstreets，andhespokeunsteadily：
\"Xantippe？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Ihavethoughtoverthings。\"
\"AndItoo。\"
\"Wearestarving，——youarestarving，andIamstarving，——andalldaylongItrampthesecursedstreets，butgainnothing。Soitwillgoon，dayin，dayout。Notonlyweourselves，butoursontoomustdie。Wemustsavehim。\"
\"Yes，\"saidXantippe，quietly，repeatingherhusband’swordsasshekissedtheforeheadofherchild，\"wemustsavehim。\"
\"Thereisonlyoneway。\"
\"Onlyoneway，\"repeatedXantippe，dreamily。Therewasapause，andthen，asthoughthewordshadgrowntohaveameaningtoherthatshecouldnotfathom，shequeried，\"Whatway，Gregorio？\"
\"That，\"hesaid，roughly，ashecaughtherbythewrist，and，dragginghertothewindow，pointedtothewomeninthestreetbeneath。
Xantippehidherfaceonherhusband’sbreastandcriedsoftly，whileshemurmured，\"No，no；Iwillneverconsent。\"
\"Thenthechildwilldie，\"answeredtheGreek，curtly，flingingherfromhim。
Andthepoorwomancastherselfuponthebedbesideherboy，andwhenhertearsceasedforamomentstammered，\"When？\"
\"To-morrow，\"wastheanswer，cruelandperemptory。AndasGregorioclosedthelattice，shuttingoutthenoiseofsongandlaughter，theroomechoedwiththemightysobbingofawomanwhowasbetrayed，andwhorepeatedhysterically，whilekissingthefaceofherchild，\"To-morrow，to-morrowtherewillbefoodforyou。\"
AndGregoriosleptpeacefully，forthedangerofstarvationwasover；
hewouldyetlivetoseehissonbecomerich。
Andthewoman？
Hekissedherbeforeheslept，andwomenalwayscry。
IV
CONCERNINGTWOWOMEN
Gregoriofeltalittlebitashamedofhimselfnextmorning。Theexcitementhadpassed，andthefullmeaningofhiswordscamebacktohimandmadehimshudder。Thesun，alreadyrisen，sentshaftsoflightbetweenthelipsofthewoodenlattice。Afaintsoundoflifeandmovementstoleupwardfromthestreetbelow。ButXantippeandtheboystillslumbered，thoughthewoman’sformshookconvulsivelyattimes，forshesobbedinhersleep。
Gregoriolookedatthetwoforaminuteandthenraisedhimselfwithanoath。Thewoman’sheavybreathingirritatedhim，for，afterall，heargued，itwasherdutyaswellashistosacrificeherselfforthelad。Moreover，theJewmustbepaid，andto-daywasthatappointedbyAmosforthesettlingoftheiraccount。Therewasnomoneytopayitwith，andtheymustlosetheirfurniture，somuchatleastwascertain。ButAmoswouldnothavethebestofthebargain，thoughttheGreekashelookedroundtheroomwithagrin，andthecertaintythathehadgotthebetterofAmosforthemomentcheeredhisspirits。
Then，too，afterto-daytherewouldbeplentytoeat，forhiswifecouldmanagetoearnmoney；norwasthemansomeaninhisvillainyastoshirkanyefforttoearnmoneyhimself。Afterfirstlookingathiswifecriticallyandwithasatisfiedsmile，hetouchedherontheshouldertowakeher。
\"Iamgoingoutforwork，\"hesaid，asXantippeopenedhereyes。
\"Allright。\"
\"Good-bye。\"
ButXantippeanswerednot。SheturnedherfacetothewallwearilyasGregoriolefther。
EnteringthestreethemadestraightforAmos’shouse，andtoldtheporter，whowasstilllyingonthetrestlebeforethedoor，thathecouldnotpaytheJew’sbill。Thenwithoutwaitingforananswer，hehurriedofftothequay。
Withbetterluckthanonthepreviousday，hemanagedtoobtainemploymentforsomehours。TheGreekmail-boathadarrived，andundertheblazingsunhetoiledgood-humouredlyandpatiently。Theworkwashard，butitgavehimnoopportunityofthinking。Hehadtobecontinuallydodginglargebalesoffruitandwine，andifhemadeamistaketheofficerondutywouldshoutathimangrily，\"Lazydog！youwouldnothaveleftGreecewereyounotanidlefellow。\"Suchwordswoundedhispride，andhedeterminedtodosowellthatheshouldearnpraise。Butthelittleofficer，hisbrightbuttonsflashinginthesunlight，whosmokedquietlyintheintervalsofsilence，neverpraisedanybody；butheleftoffabusingGregorioatlast，andwhenworkceasedforthedaybadehimcomeagainonthemorrow。
AtsunsetGregoriopocketedhisfewhard-earnedpiastresandwanderedcityward。Hedidnotcaretogobacktohishome，forheknewtherewouldbemiserablestoriestotelloftheJew’sanger，and，moreover，hewasterriblythirsty。Sohewentintoalittlecafe——knownasthePenny-farthingShop——oppositehishouseandcalledforaflaskofkephisa。Ashesippedthewineheglancedupnervouslyathiswindowandwonderedwhetherhiswifehadalreadylefthome。Werehesurethatshehad，hewouldleavehiswineuntouchedandhastentolookafterhissonandgivehimfood。ButuntilheknewXantippehadgonehewouldnotmove。Thesobsofyesterdaystilldisturbedhim，andhewasmorethanonceonthepointofcancellinghisresolves。Butasthewinestirredhisbloodhebecamesatisfiedwithwhathehaddoneandsaid。ThelittlecafeatBenhurthatwastomakehisfortuneseemednearlyinhisgrasp。Hadhenot，heaskedhimself，workedalldaywithoutamurmur？ItwasrightXantippeshouldhelphim。
Ashesatdreamilythinkingoverthesethings，andwatchingtheshadowsturntoadarkerpurpleundertheoil-lamps，awomanspoketohim。
\"Well，Gregorio，areyouasleep？\"
\"No，\"saidhe，turningtowardhisquestioner。
Thewomanlaughed。Shewasabigwoman，dressedinloosefoldsofredandblue。Herhairwasdishevelled，andornamentedwithbrasspinsfastenedintoitatrandom。Hersleeveswererolleduptoherarmpits，andshehadherarmsakimbo——fat，flabbyarmsthatshookasshelaughed。Hereyeswerealmosthidden，shescrewedthemupsoclosely，butherwidemouthopenedanddisclosedarowofgigantic，flawlessteeth。
Gregoriofrownedashelookedather。Heknewherwellandhadneverlikedher。Buthedarenotquarrelwithher，forheowedhermoney，and\"fortheloveofhisblackeyes，\"asshetoldhim，shehadeverabottleofwinereadyforhimwhenhewished。
\"Well，mygoodwoman，\"heblurtedout，surlily，\"youseemtobeamused。\"
\"Iam，Gregorio。Tellme，\"shecontinued，slyly，seatingherselfbesidehimandplacingherelbowsonthetable，\"howisshe？\"
\"Who？\"
\"Xantippe。Shecametometo-day，andIsawshehadbeencrying。ButI
saidnothing，becauseitisnotalwayswisetoaskquestions。I
thoughtsheweptbecauseshewashungryandbecausethebabywashungry。Iofferedherfoodandshetooksome，butsolittle，scarcelyenoughtocoveraten-piastrepiece。’Thatisforthebaby，’Isaid；
’nowsomeforyou。’Butsherefused。\"
\"Perhapsshehadfoodforherself，\"saidGregorio，shiftinguneasilyinhischair。
\"Perhaps，\"saidthewoman，andlaughedagain，moreloudlythanever，tillthetableshook。\"Butsheaskedmeforsomethingelse，\"shecontinued，whenhermerrimentlanguishedforwantofbreath；\"sheaskedmetoletherhaveanolddressofmine，abrightyellow-and-reddress，andsheborrowedsomeornaments。Itisnotrightofyou，Gregorio，tokeepanoldfriendonthedoor-stepwhenyouhaveafantasia。\"
Gregorioscowledsavagely。Afterapausehesaid，\"Idon’tknowwhymywifewantedyourdressandornaments。\"
\"Ohyes，youdo，friendGregorio。\"Andshelaughedagain，thistimeasuppressed，chucklinglaughthatthreatenedtochokeher；andshesupportedherchinonherhands，whilehereyespeeredthroughtheenvelopingfatatthemanwhosatoppositetoher。Suddenlyshestoodup，andtakingGregoriobythearmdraggedhimtothedoor。
\"See，thereshegoes。Mygarmentsarecleverlyalteredandsuitherfinely，don’tthey？Ah，well，myfriend，amanwhocannotsupportawifeshouldmarryawomanwhocansupporthim。\"
Gregoriodidnotstoptoanswerher，butpushedpastherintothestreet。Thewomanwatchedhimenterthehouseopposite，andthenreturnedquietlytoherwork。Buttherewasasmilehoveringroundherlipsasshemurmuredtoherself，\"Ah，well，intime。\"
Gregoriomeanwhilehadrunuptohisroomandentereditbreathlesswithexcitement。ThefirstglancetoldhimthatAmoshadseizedallhecould，fornothingremainedsaveawoodenbenchandoneortwocoarse，half-disabledcookingutensils。
Gregoriosworealittleasherealisedwhathadhappened。ThenhesawinacornerbythewindowhissonandAhmed。
\"Shehasgone，\"saidAhmed，asGregorio’sgazerestedonhim。Butshemighthavegonemerelytomarket，ortoseeaneighbour，foralltheimperturbableArabfacedisclosed。Assoonashehadspokenthemanbentoverthechild，laughingsoftlyastheyoungsterplayedwithhisbeard。FortheArab，asheismiscalled，isfondofchildren，andtherearenonetowhomchildrentakesoreadilyastotheEgyptianfellahin。
Gregoriowatchedthetwoforamoment，andthenplacinghisremainingpiastresintheman’shandbadehimbringfoodandwine。Assoonashewasleftalonewithhisson，heflunghimselfdownonthefloorandkissed，\"Youshallbeagreatman，ay，arichman，myson。\"
Herepeatedthesentenceoverandoveragain，punctuatingitwithkisses，whilethetwo-year-oldregardedhimwonderingly，untilAhmedreturned。
WhenthemealwasendedGregoriotooktheboyinhisarmsandsangtohimsoftlytillatlasttheinfantslept。Thenheplacedhimgentlyonthefloor，havingfirstmadeofhiscoatabed，andwenttothewindowandflungbacktheshutters。Hesmokedquietlyastheminuteswentby，waitingimpatientlyforhiswifetoreturn。Itseemedtohimmonstrousthattheboywhowastoinheritafortuneshouldbesleepingonthedirtyfloorwrappedinanoldcoat；thatanArab，amerefellah，shouldamusehissonandplaywithhim，whenGreeknursesweretobehiredinAlexandriahadoneonlythemoney。Longaftermidnightheheardasteponthestairs，andaminuteafterthedooropened。Herecognisedhiswife’sfootsteps，andherosetomeether。Asshecameintotheroomshelookedquicklyround，andseeinghersonwenttowardhimandkissedhim。Gregorio，halfafraid，stoodbythewindowwatchingher。Sheletherglancerestonhimaminute，thensheturnedroundandlaidhercloakuponthefloor。
\"Xantippe！\"
Butshedidnotanswer。
\"Xantippe，Ihavefedourson。Thegooddaysarecomingwhenweshallberichandhappy。\"
ButXantippewastoobusyfoldingoutthecreasesofhercloaktonoticehim。Themoonlightstreamedontoher，andherfaceshonelikeanangel’s。Gregoriomadeonesteptowardher，ravished，forshehadneverappearedsobeautifultohim。Forthemomentheforgotthewholehideoushistoryofthelastfewdaysandthebrief，horribleconversationofthenightbefore。Firedwithadesiretotouchher，tokissher，towhisperintoherear，inthesoftGreekspeech，alltheendearmentsandtendernessesthathadwonherwhenhewooedher，heplacedhishanduponherarm。Asifstungbyavenomoussnake，thewomanrecoiledfromhistouch。Withaquickmovementshesprangbackandflungathisfaceahandfulofgoldandsilvercoins。
\"Takethem；they’reyours，\"shecried，huskily，andretreatedintothefarthestcorneroftheroom。
WithasavagecurseGregorioputhishandtohislipsandwipedawaytheblood，foraheavycoinhadcuthim。Thenheranswiftlydownstairs，andXantippe，asshelaydownwearilybesideherboy，heardawomanlaugh。
V
XANTIPPELOOKSOUTOFTHEWINDOW
ThePenny-farthingShopwasfullofcustomers，andMadamMarx，thefatwomanwhofollowedGregoriotothebar，wasforalongtimebusyattendingtoherclients。SomeEnglishwar-shipshadenteredtheharbouratsunset，andmanyofthesailorshadlostnotimeinseekingouttheirfavouritehaunt。MostofthemknewMadamMarxwell，asagood-naturedwomanwhogavethemplentytodrinkfortheirmoney，andsecretedthemfromtheeyesofthepolicewhentheliquoroverpoweredthem。Consequentlytherewasmuchlaughterandshakingofhands，andmanyaroughjest，whichMadamMarxrespondedtoinbrokenEnglish。
Gregoriowatchedthesailorsgloomily。HehatedtheEnglish，foreventheirsailorsseemedtohaveplentyofmoney，andherecalledtherichEnglishmanhehadseenattheCafeParadiso，drinkingchampagneandbuyingflowersfortheHungarianwomanwhoplayedthefiddle。Thescenehehadjustleftcontrasteddisagreeablywiththefunandjollitythatsurroundedhim。Buthefeltunabletoshakeoffhisgloomandannoyance，andMadamMarx’sattentionsirritatedhim。Hefeltthathereyescontinuallyrestedonhim，that，howeverbusyshemightbe，hewasneveroutofherthoughts。Everyfewminutesshewouldcometowardhimwithabottleofwineandfilluphisglass，saying，\"Come，myfriend；wineisgoodandwilldrownyourtroubles。\"Andthoughheresentedherpatronage，knowinghecouldnotpay，heneverthelessdranksteadily。
Everyfewminutesheheardthesoundofhorses’hoofsonthehardroadway，andthroughthewindowshesawthemilitarypolicepassslowlyontheirrounds。
AtlastthestrongdrinkssoamiablyretailedbyMadamMarxdidtheirwork，andthemenlayaboutthefloorasleepandbreathingheavily。
ThesilencesucceedingthenoisestartledGregoriofromhissullenhumour。MadamMarxcameandsatbesidehim，wearyasshewaswithherlonglabours，andtalkedvolubly。Thewinehadmountedtohishead，andheansweredherinrapidsentences，accompanyinghiswordswithgestureandgrimace。Whathetalkedabouthescarcelyknew，butthewomanlaughed，andhetookaninsanedelightinhearingher。Justbeforedaylighthefellasleep，restinghisheadonhisarms，thatwerespreadacrossthetable。MadamMarxkissedhimasheslept，murmuringtoherselfcontentedly，\"Ah，well，intime。\"
WhenGregoriowokethesunwashighintheheavens，blazingoutofabrazensky。Cloudsofdustsweptpastthedoorfromtimetotime，andcuthisneckandfaceashestoodonthethresholdsmokinglazily。Itwastoolatetogodowntothequay，forhisplacemusthavelongagobeenfilledbyanother。Hewasnotsorry，sincehebynomeansdesiredtotoilagainunderthehotsun；theheavydrinkingofthenighthadmadehimlethargic，andhewassothirstytheheatnearlychokedhim。
Hecalledouttoawater-carrierstaggeringalonginthescantyshadeontheoppositesideofthestreet，andtookeagerlyadraughtofwater。Hetouchedthepigskinwithhishand，anditwashot。Thewaterwaswarmandmadehimsick；hespatitfromhismouthhastily，andhearingalaughbehindhim，turnedroundandsawMadamMarx。
\"See，hereissomewine，myfriend；leavethewaterfortheArabs。\"
Gregoriogratefullyseizedtheflagonandletthewinetrickledownhisthroat，whileMadamMarx，witharmsakimbo，stoodpatientlybeforehim。
\"Imustgonow，\"hesaid，ashehandedbackthehalf-emptiedflask。
\"Why？\"
\"BecauseImustgetsomework。\"
\"Itisnoteasytogetworkinthesummer。\"
\"Iknow，butImustgetsome。IowemoneytoAmos。\"
\"Yes，Iknow。Butyourwifeismakingmoneynow。\"
Themanscowledather。\"Howdoyouknowthat？BeforeGod，Iswearthatsheisnot。\"
\"Come，come，Gregorio。Youweredrunklastnight，andyourtonguewaggedprettyfreely。It’snotabitofusebeingangrywithme，becauseIonlyknowwhatyou’vetoldme。Besides，I’myourfriend，youknowthat。\"
Gregorioflushedangrilyatthewoman’swords，butheknewquitewellitwasnousereplyingtothem，forshewasspeakingonlythetruth。
Buttheknowledgethathehadbetrayedhissecretannoyedhim。Hehadgrownusedtothefactsandcouldlookatthemeasilyenough，buthehadnotreckonedonothersalsolearningthem。
Hedeterminedtogooutandfindwork，oratanyratetotrampthestreetspretendingtolookforsomethingtodo。Thewomanbecameintolerabletohim，andthePenny-farthingShop，reekingwiththeodourofstaletobaccoandspilledliquor，poisonedhim。Hetookuphishatbrusquelyandsteppedintothestreet。
MadamMarx，standingatthedoor，laughedathimasshecalledout，\"Good-bye，Gregorio；whenwillyoucomeback？\"
Hedidnotanswer，butthesoundofherlaughterfollowedhimupthestreet，andhekickedangrilyatthestonesinhispath。
AtlasthepassedbytheRas-el-Tinbarracks。HelookedcuriouslyattheEnglishsoldiers。Somewereplayingpoloonthehardbrownspacetotheleft，andfromthewindowsofthebuildingmenleanedout，theirshirt-sleevesrolledupandtheirstrongarmsbaredtothesun。
Theysmokedshortclaypipes，andinnumerablelittlebluespiralcloudsmountedskyward。Obviouslytheheatdidnotgreatlyinconveniencethem，fortheylaughedandsanganddrankoceansofbeer。
ThesightofthemannoyedGregorio。Helookedatthepewtermugsshininginthesunlight。Heeyedgreedilythepassageofonefromhandtohand；andwhenoneman，aftertakingalongpull，laughedandhelditupsidedowntoshowhimitwasempty，heburstintoanuncontrollablefitofanger，andshookhisfistimpotentlyatthesoldiers，whochaffedhimgood-naturedly。Ashewentalongbythestables，afriendlylancer，pityinghim，probably，too，wearyingofhisownlonelywatch，calledtohim，andofferedhimadrinkoutofastonebottle。Gregoriodrankagainfeverishly，andhandedthebottlebacktoitsownerwithagrin，andpassedonwithoutaword。Thesoldierwatchedhimcuriously，butsaidnothing。
WhenhereachedthelighthouseGregorioflunghimselfontothepebble-strewnsandandlookedacrossthebay。Thebluewater，calmandunruffledasasheetofglass，spreadbeforehim。Theships——AustrianLloydmail-boats，P。andO。liners，andgrimycoal-hulks——laymotionlessagainstthewhitesideofthejetty。
Thekhedive’syachtwasbrightwithbunting，andinnumerablefishing-
boatsnearthebreakwatermadegratefuloasesintheglarewhereonhiseyesmightrest。Butheheededthemnot。Angrilyheflunglumpsofstoneandsandintothewaveletsathisfeet，andpushedbackhishatthathisfacemightfeelthefullheatofthesun。Thenhelitacigaretteandbegantothink。
Butwhatwasthegoodofthinking？Thethoughtsalwaysformedthemselvesintothesamechainandreachedthesameconclusion；andeverontheglassysurfaceoftheLevantineseaawomanpoisedherselfandlaughedathim。
Whenthesunfellbehindthehorizon，andthebreakwater，afterdashinguponeflashofgold，becameablueblur，Gregoriorosetogo。
AshewalkedbacktowardthePenny-farthingShophefeltangryandunsatisfied。Thewholedaywaswasted。Hehaddonenothingtorelievehiswife，nothingtopayoffAmos。Madammethimatthedoor，aflaskofwineinherhand。AgainsthiswillGregorioenteredhercafeandsmiled，buthissmilewassourandmalevolent。
\"Youwantcheering，myfriend，\"saidmadam，laughing。
\"Ihavefoundnothingtodo，\"saidGregorio。
\"Ah！Itoldyouitwouldbehard。TherearenotouristsinAlexandrianow。Anditisfoolishofyoutotrampthestreetslookingforworkthatyouwillneverfind，whenyouhaveeverythingyoucanwanthere。\"
\"Exceptmoney，andthat’severything，\"putinGregorio，bluntly。
\"Evenmoney，myfriend。Ihaveenoughfortwo。\"
MadamMarxhadplayedhertrumpcard，andshewatchedanxiouslytheeffectofherwords。Foramomentthemandidnotspeak，buttrifledwithhiscigarettetobacco，rollingitgentlybetweenhisbrownfingers。Thenhesaid：
\"YouknowIamindebtnow，andIwanttopayoffallIowe，andleavehere。\"
\"Yes，that’strue，butyouwon’tpayoffyourdebtsbytrampingthestreets，andyourlittlecafeatBenhurwillbealongtimebuilding，Ifancy。MeanwhilethereismoneytobemadeatthePenny-farthingShop。\"
\"Whatareyourterms？\"askedGregorio，roughly。
Thewomanlaughed，butdidnotanswer。Thestarswereshining，andthekempsinthathadblownalldaywasdead。Itwascoolsittingoutsidethedoorofthecafeunderthelittleawning，andpleasanttowatchthebluecigarettesmokefloatupwardinthestillair。Gregoriosatforawhilesilent，andthewomancameandstoodbyhim。\"Youknowmyterms，\"shewhispered，andGregoriosmiled，tookherhand，andkissedher。Atthatmomenttheblindoftheoppositehousewasflungback。
Xantippeleanedoutofthewindowandsawthem。