VI
BABYANDJEW
WhenthePenny-farthingShopbegantofillGregoriodisappearedquietlybythebackdoor。Hemutteredahalf-unintelligibleanswertothemenwhowereplayingcardsinthedimparlourthroughwhichhehadtopass，whocalledtohimtojointhem。Gainingthestreet，hewanderedalongtillhereachedthebazaars，intendingtowasteanhourortwountilXantippeshouldhaveleftthehouse。Thenhedeterminedtogobackandseetheboyinwhomallhishopesandambitionswerecentered，whowastheunconsciouscauseofhisvillainyanddegradation。
Therewasalargecrowdinthebazaars，foraMoolidwasbeingcelebrated。Jugglers，snake-charmers，mountebanks，gipsies，anddancing-girlsattractedhundredsofspectators。
Theoldmensatintheshadowsoftheirstalls，smokinganddrinkingcoffee。Theysmiledgravelyattheyoungerpeople，whojostledoneanothergood-humouredly，laughing，singing，quarrellinglikechildren。
Acrosstheroadwayhunglampsofcolouredglassandtinyredflagsstampedwithawhitecrescentandastar。Torchesblazedatintervals，castingaflickeringglowontheexcitedfacesofthecrowd。
Gregoriowatchedwithoutmuchinterest。HehadseenagreatmanyfantasiassincehecametoEgypt，andtheywerenolongeranoveltytohim。Hewasannoyedthataraceofpeoplewhomhedespisedshouldbesomerrywhenhehimselfhadsomanytroublestoworryhim。Hewouldhavelikedtogointooneoftheboothswherethegirlsdanced，buthehadnomoney，andhecursedathisstupidityinnotaskingtheMarxwomanforsome。Henolongerfeltashamedofhimself，forhearguedthathewasthevictimofcircumstances。StillhewishedXantippehadnotlookedoutofthewindow，thoughofcoursehecouldeasilyexplainthingstoher。AndXantippewasreallysoangrythenightbefore，explanationswerebetterpostponedforatime。\"Afterall，\"hethought，\"itreallydoesnotmuchmatter。Oncewegetoverourpresentdifficultiesweshallforgetallwehavegonethrough。\"Thiscomfortablereflectionhadbeendoingdutyprettyoftenthelastdayortwo，andthoughGregoriodidnotbelieveitabit，healwaysfeltitwasasatisfactoryconclusion，andonetobeencouraged。
MeanwhilehewouldnotmeetXantippe。Thatwasapointuponwhichhehaddefinitelymadeuphismind。Ashestrolledthroughthebazaars，puttingintoorderhisvagabondthoughts，inatallfigureafewyardsinfrontofhimherecognisedAmos。Nervous，hehalted，forhehadnodesiretobeinterviewedbytheJew，andyetnowayofescapeseemedpossible。
Noddingaffablytotheproprietor，hesatdownonthefloorofashophardbyandwatchedAmos。Theoldmanwasevidentlyinterested，forhewaslaughingpleasantly，andbendingdowntolookatsomethingontheground。WhatitwasGregoriocouldnotsee。Aknotofpeople，alsolaughing，surroundedtheJew。Gregoriowascurioustoseewhatattractedthem，butfearfulofbeingrecognisedbytheoldman。
However，afterafewmomentshisimpatiencemasteredhim，andhesteppeduptothegroup。
\"Whatisit？\"heaskedoneofthebystanders。
\"Onlyababy。It’slost，Ithink。\"
Gregoriopushedhiswayintothecentreofthecrowdandsuddenlybecamewhiteasdeath。
There，seatedontheground，washisownchild，laughingandtalkingtohimselfinaqueermixtureofGreekandArabic。Amoswasbendingkindlyovertheyoungster，givinghimcakesandsweets，andmakinginquiriesastotheparents。
AchillfearseizedonGregorio’sheart。Hecouldnothaveexplainedthecause，nordidhestayandtrytoexplainit。Quicklyhebrokeintothemidstofthecircleand，catchinguptheboyinhisarms，ranswiftlyaway。
Havingreachedhome，hekissedtheboypassionately，sentforfoodtoMadamMarx，andweptandlaughedhystericallyforanhour。Afteratimetheboyslept，andGregoriothenpacedupanddowntheroom，smoking，andpuffinggreatcloudsofsmokefromhismouth，tryingtocalmhimself。Buthecouldnotthrowoffhisexcitement。Heimaginedtheawfulhome-cominghadhenotbeentothebazaar，andhewonderedwhathewouldhavedonethen。Agreatjoypossessedhimtoseehissonsafe，andafiercedesirefilledhimtoknowwhohadtakenthechildaway。HelongedforXantippe’sreturnthathemighttellher。Heforgotcompletelythathehaddreadedseeingherearlierthisevening。
ThenhebegantowonderwhatAmoswasdoingatthefantasia，andwhyhewassointerestedintheboy。Perhaps，Amoswouldforgivethedebtforloveofthechild。Theideapleasedhim，buthesooncametounderstandthatitwasuntenable。Oftener，indeed，heshudderedasherecalledtheoldman’sfigurebentovertheinfant。Asenseofdangertocomeoverwhelmedhim。Insomewayhefeltthattheoldmanandthechildweretobebroughttogethertoworkhis，Gregorio’s，ruin。
Suddenlyheheardafootsteponthestairs。\"ThankGod！\"hecried，asherantothedoor。
\"Xantippe！\"
Butherecoiledasifshot，forasthedooropenedAmosentered。TheJewbowedpolitelytotheGreek，buttherewasanunpleasanttwinkleinhiseyesashespoke。
\"Youcannotoffermeaseat，myfriend，soIwillstand。Wehavemetalreadythisevening。\"
Gregoriodidnotanswer，butplacedhimselfbetweentheJewandthechild。
\"Idaresayyoudidnotseeme，\"theoldmancontinued，quietly，\"foryouseemedexcited。Isupposethechildisyours。Itwassurelycarelesstolethimstraysofarfromhome。\"
\"Thechildismine。\"
\"Ah，well，itisahappychancethatyourecoveredhimsoeasily。Andnowtobusiness。\"
\"Iamlistening。\"
\"Ihavealready，asofcourseyouknow，beenheretoseeyouaboutthemoneyyouoweme。Iwassorryyoudidnotseefittopayme，becauseI
hadtosellyourfurniture，anditwasnotworthmuch。\"
\"Ihavenomoneytopayyou，orIwouldhavepaidyoulongago。ItoldyouwhenIwenttoyourhousethatIcouldnotpayyou。\"
\"Andyet，myfriend，itisonlyfairthatamanwhoborrowsmoneyshouldbepreparedtopayitback。\"
\"Icouldpayyoubackifyougavemetime。Butyouhavenoheart，youJews。Whatdoyoucareifwestarve，solongas——\"
\"Hush！\"saidAmos，gravely；\"Ihavedealtfairlybyyou。ButIwillletyougofreeononecondition。\"
\"Andthatis？\"
\"Thatyougivemethechild。\"
Gregoriostoodspeechlesswithhorrorandrageatthewindow，andtheoldmanwalkedacrosstheroomtowheretheinfantlay。
\"Ihavenoyoungson，GregorioLivadas，andIwilltakeyours。NotonlywillIforgiveyouthedebt，butIwillgiveyoumoney。Iwantthechild。\"
\"ByGod，youshallnottouchhim！\"criedGregorio，suddenlyfindingvoiceforhispassion。
HerushedfuriouslyatAmos，grippedhimbythethroat，andflunghimtothefarsideoftheroom。Thenhestoodbyhischildwithhisarmsfoldedonhisbreast，hiseyesflashingandhisnostrilsdilated。Amosquicklyrecoveredhimself，and，inavoicethatscarcelytrembled，againdemandedhismoney。
\"Goaway，\"shoutedGregorio；\"ifyoucomehereagain，Iwillkillyou。
TwicenowhaveIsavedmyboyfromfallingintoyourhands。\"
\"Iwishonlytodoyouaservice。Youareabeggar，andIamrichenough，askHeaven，tolookafterthechild。WhyshouldyouabusemebecauseIoffertoreleaseyoufromyourdebtsifyouwillletmetakethechild？\"
GregorioansweredbrusquelythattheJewshouldnottouchtheboy。\"I
willnothavehimmadeaJew。\"
\"Thenyouwillpayme。\"
\"Iwillnot。Icannot。\"
\"Ishalltakemeasures，myfriend，toforceyoutopayme。Ihavenotdealtharshlywithyou。Icameheretohelpyou，andyouhaveinsultedmeandbeatenme。\"
\"BecauseyouareadogofaJew，andyouhavetriedtostealmyson。\"
AnastylookcameintotheJew’seyes，——acold，cunninglook，——andhewasabouttoreplywhenthedooropenedandXantippeentered。Shewaswelldressed，andworesomeornamentsofgold。Amosturnedtowardher，askingtheman：
\"Thisisyourwife？\"
ButGregoriotoldXantipperapidlythehistoryofhisadventureswiththeboy；andthewoman，hearingthem，movedquietlytothecornerwhereheslept，andtookhiminherarms。
TheJewsmiled。\"Isee，\"hesaid，\"thatmadamhasmoney。ShehastakentheadviceIgaveyoutheotherday。NowIknowthatyoucanpayme，andifyoudonotwithintwodays，GregorioLivadas，youwillrepenttheinsultsyouhaveheapedonmyheadthisnight。\"
Hewalkedquietlytothecorneroftheroom，whereXantippesatnursingtheboy，touchedthechildgentlyontheforeheadwithhislips，andthenwentout。
ForsomeminutesneitherXantippenorGregoriospoke，butthemanrubbedtheinfant’sforeheadwithhisfingerasiftowipeoutthestainoftheJew’skiss。
VII
XANTIPPESPEAKSOUT
Atlastthesilence，rousedonlybythestridentbuzzingofthemosquitos，becameunendurable。Gregoriogaveapreparatorycoughandopenedhislipstospeak，butthewordsrefusedtobeborn。Hewasunnerved。Theodiousvisitor，thewearyingday，thememoryofXantippe’sfaceatthewindow，combinedtomakehimfearful。Hewatched，underhishalf-closedlids，hiswifecrouchingonthefarsideoftheboy。Onceortwice，ashewasrubbingtheyoungster’sforehead，hisfingerstouchedthoseofhiswifeasshewavedoffthemosquitos；butateachcontactwiththemheshiveredandhisfearsincreased。Hetried，vainly，togethisthoughtsstraight，andlitacigarettewithapparentcalmness，swaggeringtothewindow；buthislegsdidnotceasetotremble，andtheunsteadinessofhisgaitcausedXantippetosmileasshewatchedhim。Restingbythewindow，Gregoriowidenedthelipsofthelatticeandletinastreamofmoonbeamsthatrestedonwifeandchild，illuminingthedarkcorner。
\"Gregorio！\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Haveyoutoldmeall？IstherenothingelsetotellemaboutoursonandtheJew？\"
Gregoriofelthemustnowspeak；itwasnotpossibletokeepsilencelonger。Hewaspleasedthathiswifehadbeguntheconversation，foritseemedeasiertoanswerquestionsthantoframethem。\"Ihavetoldyouthewholestory。Thereisnomoretotell。ItwasbyaccidentI
foundhiminthebazaar，andthatdevilAmoswasbendingoverhim。I
couldkillthatman。\"
\"Whatgoodwouldthatdo？\"
\"Fancyifwehadlosttheboy！Thinkofthesacrificeswehavemadeforhim，andtheywouldhavebeenuseless。\"
\"Haveyoumadeanysacrifices，Gregorio？\"
Thequestionwasquietlyasked，buttherewasaringofironyinthesoundofthevoice，andGregorio，toshunhiswife’sgaze，movedintothefriendlyshadows。Forsomeminuteshedidnotanswer。Atlength，withanervouslaugh，hereplied：
\"Ofcourse。Wehavebothmadesacrifices，greatsacrifices。\"
\"Itisodd，\"pursuedXantippe，gently，asifspeakingtoherself，\"thatyoushouldsoflatteryourself。Youprofessedtocareformeonce；youonlyregardmenowasaslavetoearnmoneyforyou。\"
\"Itisforourson’ssake。\"
\"Isitforourson’ssakealsothatyousitwithMadamMarx，thatyoudrinkherwine，thatyoukissher？\"
Gregoriocouldnotanswer。Hefeltitwereuselesstotryandexplain，thoughthereasonseemedtohimclearenough。
\"Iamgladtohavethechance，\"continuedXantippe，\"oftalkingtoyou，forwemaynowunderstandeachother。Ihavemadethegreatestsacrifice，andbecauseitwasforourson’ssakeIforgaveyou。I
wept，but，asIwept，Isaid，’ItishellforGregoriotoo。’ButwhenIlookedfromthewindowthisafternoonIknewitwasnothellforyou。Iknewyoudidnotcarewhatbecameofme。ItwaspleasantforyoutosendmeawaytomakemoneywhileyoudrankandkissedatthePenny-farthingShop。Icamesuddenlytoknowthatthemanhadspokentruth。\"
\"Whatman？\"askedGregorio，huskily。
\"Theman！Themanyoubademefind。Becausemoneyisnotgatheredfromthepavements。Youknowthat，andyousentmeouttogetmoney。WhenI
firstcamebacktoyouIflungthegoldatyou；itburnedmyfingers，andyoureagernessforitstung。ButIdidnotquitehateyou，thoughhiswordshadbeguntochimeinmyears：’Inmycountrysuchahusbandwouldbehorsewhipped。’WhenyouwerekindIwaslittlemorethanadogyoulikedtopet。Ithoughtthatwashowallwomenweretreated。I
knowdifferentlynow。Youwillearnmoneythroughme，foritismydutytomyson，butyouhaveearnedsomethingelse。\"
\"Yes？\"queriedGregorio。
\"Myhate。Surelyyouarenotsurprised？Ihavelearnedwhatloveistheselastfewdays，havelearnedwhatarealmanislike。Iknowyoutobewhathecalledyou，acurandacoward。Ishouldneverhavelearnedthisbutforyou，andIamgrateful，verygrateful。Itisuselesstoswearandtothreatenmewithyourfists。Youdarenotstrikeme，because，wereyoutoinjureme，youwouldloseyourmoney。
Youhavetriedtodegrademe，andyouhavefailed。IamhappierthanI
haveeverbeen，andfar，farwiser。Whenawomanlearnswhataman’sloveis，shebecomeswiserinadaythanifshehadstudiedbooksforahundredyears。\"
Xantippeceasedspeakingand，takinghersoninherarms，closedhereyesandfellasleepquietly，agentlesmilehoveringroundherlips。
Gregorioscowledathersavagely，andwouldhavelikedtostrikeher，tobeatouthispassiononherwhitebreastandshoulders。Butshehadspokenonlythetruthwhenshesaidhedarenottouchher。Withimpotentoathshesoughttoletofftheangerthatboiledinhim。Hefearedtothink，andeverywordshehadutteredmadehimthinkinspiteofhimself。Theeventsofsixtyhourshaddestroyedwhatlittleofgoodtherewasintheman。Saveonlytheidolatrousloveforhischild，hescarcelyretainedoneennoblingquality。
Littlebylittlehisangercooled，hisshamediedoutofhim，andhebegantowondercuriouslywhatmannerofmanthiswaswhosewordshadsostirredhiswife。Wonderinghefellasleep，nordidheawakentillthesunwasrisen。
Whileeatinghisbreakfastheinquiredcunninglyconcerningthiswiseteacherofthegospelsofloveandhate，butXantippeforatimedidnotanswer。
\"IsheaGreek？\"
\"No。\"
\"AFrenchman？\"
\"No。\"
\"AGerman？\"
\"No。\"
SuddenlyGregoriofeltakindofcrampathisheart，andhehadtopausebeforeheputthenextquestion。Hecouldscarcelyexplainwhyhehesitated，buthecalledtomindtheParadisecafeandthered-
facedEnglishman。Hewasreadyenoughtosacrificehiswifeifbysodoingmoneymightbegained，buthefeltsomehowhurtinhisvanityattheideaofthisugly，slow-wittedNorthernerusurpinghisplace。Withaneffort，however，heputthequestion：
\"IsheanEnglishman？\"
\"Yes。\"
Hewasseizedwithatumultofanger。Hespokevolubly，talkingoftheignoranceoftheEnglish，theirbrutality，theirdullbrains，theirstupidpride。Xantippewaitedtillhehadfinishedspeakingandthenrepliedquietly：
\"Itcannotmattertoyou。Itismyconcern。Youhavelostallrightstobeangrywithmeorthoseconnectedwithme。\"
Gregoriorefusedtohearreason，andexplainedhowhebegrudgedthemtheirwealthandfame。\"FortheseEnglishareadullpeople，andweGreeksaregreatlysuperior。\"
\"Idonotagreewithyou，\"Xantippereplied。\"IhavelearnedwhatamanissinceIhaveknownhim，andIhavelearnedtohateyou。Youmayhavemorebrains——thatIknownothingof，nordoIcare。Hecouldnotbehaveasyouhavebehaved，norhavesacrificedmeasyouhavesacrificedme。Someofhismoneycomestoyou。Youwantmoney。Besatisfied。\"
Gregoriofeltthejusticeofherwords，andhewatchedherputonherhatandleavetheroom。Aminutelater，lookingoutofthewindow，hesawherlinkherarminthatoftheEnglishmanoftheParadiso，andacrossthestreet，atthethresholdofthePenny-farthingShop，MadamMarxwavedherhandtohimselfandlaughed。
VIII
ADESOLATEHOME-COMING
Towardtheeveningofadayafortnightlater，GregoriofoundhimselfseatedinMadamMarx’scafe，idlywatchingthepassers-by。Hewasfeelinghappier，forthatwasbeingamassedwhichalonecouldinsurehappinesstohim。Eachdaysomegoldenpieceswereaddedtotheamountsaved，andthecafeatBenhurseemedalmostwithinhisgrasp。Thefeelingofsecurityfromwantactedasanarcoticandsoothedhim，sothatthethingswhichshouldhavetroubledhimscarcelyinterestedhimatall。Hewasintoxicatedwiththesightofgold。WhenhehadfirstseenXantippeandtheEnglishmantogetherhisangerhadbeenviolent；
butwhenatlastthefutilityofhisragebecamecertain，hisaggressivepassionhadsoftenedtoasmoulderingdiscontentthathardlyworriedhim，unlessheheardsomeonespeakaBritishname。Hisprosperityhaddestroyedthelastvestigesofshameandsoothedhisillogicaloutburstsoffury。HewascontentedenoughnowtositalldaywithMadamMarx，andreturnedtohishomeintheeveningwhenXantippewasaway。Hehadspokentoheronlyoncesinceshehadtoldhimshehatedhim。Hehadstrolledoutofthecafeaboutmiddayandenteredhisroom。Xantippewasthere，talkingtoherchild，andquietlybadehimgoaway。
\"It’smyroomaswellasyours，\"Gregoriohadanswered。
\"Itismymoneythatpaysforit，\"wasthereply。
Alongconversationfollowed，butXantippemettheman’scoarseangerwithquietscorn，andtoldhimthatifhestayedshewouldgrowtodislikehersonsincehewasthefather。
Gregoriowaswiseenoughtocontrolhisangerthen。Forheknewthatifshewerereallytoloseherlovefortheboy，allhischances，andtheboy’schances，ofeaseandprosperitywouldbedestroyed。Itwas，ofcourse，ridiculoustoimagineshewouldsupplyhimwithmoneythen。
Thatshethoroughlyloathedhim，andwouldalwaysloathehim，wasverycertain。Sogreat，indeed，seemedhercontemptforhimthatitwasquitepossibleshemightcometohatehischild。Sohedidnotattempttoremainintheroom，butasheclosedthedoorafterhimhewaitedamomentandlistened。Heheardherheaveasighofreliefandthensaytothelittlefellow，\"Howlikeyourfatheryougrow！MyGod！IalmostthinkIhateyouforbeingsolikehim。\"Gregorioshudderedasherannoiselesslydownstairs。Heneverventuredtospeaktoheragain。Hearguedhimselfoutofthedisquietintowhichherwordshadthrownhim。Heknewitwasdifficultforawomantohateherchild。Thebirth-painscementaloveitrequiresaharshwrenchtosever。Heeasilypersuadedhimself，ashesippedMadamMarx’scoffee，thatifhekeptinthebackgroundallcauseforhatredwouldberemoved。Asforherfeelingstowardhimself，hehadceased，almost，tocare。Themoneywasworththecostpaidintheattainmentofit，andawoman’slaughwaslesssweettohimthanthechinkofgoldandsilverpieces。OnthewholeGregoriohadlittlereasontobetroubled；onlyunreasoningdislikefortheEnglishman——whycouldnothebeofanyothernation，or，ifanEnglishman，anyotherEnglishman？——hurthispeaceofmind。
Andforthemostparthisdiscontentonlysmouldered。
MadamMarxbroughthercoffeeandsatbesidehim。Herfacebetokenedsatisfaction，andshelookedatGregoriowithapossessivesmile。Shehadgainedherdesire，andaskedfortunefornoothergift。
\"YouhavenotseenXantippesincesheturnedyouout？Ah，well，itismuchbetteryoushouldkeepaway。Youarewelcomehere，anditisfoolishtogowhereoneisnotwanted。\"
\"I’venotseenher；I’mafraidtoseeher。\"Hespokeopenlytomadamnow。
\"Somewomenarequeer。Ifshehadeverreallylovedyou，shewouldnothavethrownyouover。IshouldnothavecomplainedhadIbeeninherplace。Onecannotalwayschooseone’slot。\"
\"It’sthatdamnedEnglishmanwhohasspoiledher。\"
\"Ah，yes，thoseEnglish！Iknowthem。\"
\"DidItellyouwhatshesaidabouttheboy？\"
\"Yes，myfriend。Butaslongasyoudon’tworryher，herwordsneednotworryyou。\"
\"Theydon’t，exceptsometimesatnight。Iwakeupandrememberthem，andthenIamafraid。\"
\"WhydoyouhatetheEnglishman？TomyminditisluckyforbothofyouthatthisEnglishmansawher。TherearenotmensorichastheEnglish，andheisarichEnglishman。Youarelucky。\"
\"Ihatehim。\"
\"Becausehehasstolenyourwife’slove？\"MadamMarx，assheputthequestion，laidherfathanduponGregorio’sshoulderandlaughedconfidently。Themovementirritatedhim，buthenevertriedtoresisthernow。
\"No，notquitethat。I’musedtoit，andthemoneymorethancompensatesme。ButIhatedthemanwhenIfirstsawhimintheParadise。Therewasafiddler-womanhetalkedto，andhecouldscarcelymakehimselfunderstood。Hehadmoney，andhegaveherchampagneandflowers。AndIwasstarving，andthewomanwasbeautiful。\"
Madamtappedhischeekandsmiled。
\"Thewomancan’tinterestyounow。Alsoyouhavemoney——hismoney。\"
\"StillIhatehim。\"
\"YouGreeksarelikechildren。Yourhatredisunreasonable；thereisnocauseforit。\"
\"Unreasonableandnottobereasonedaway。\"
\"Well，whyworryabouthim？Hewon’tfollowyoutoBenhur，Ifancy。\"
\"Itdoesn’tworrymegenerally；butwhenyoumentionhimmyhatespringsupagain。IforgethimwhenIambymyself。\"
\"Forgethimnow。\"
Andtheydrankcoffeeinsilence。
Darknesscameon，andthebluenightmist。Gregoriowasimpatienttoseehisson。Hegazedintentlyatthedooroftheoppositehouse，littleheedingmadam，whowasbusywithpreparationsfortheevening’sentertainmentofhercustomers。Suddenlyhesawawomanleavethehouse，hailapassingcarriage，anddriverapidlydownthestreettowardthePlaceMehemetAli。Gregorio，withacryofpleasure，roseandleftthecafe。MadamMarxfollowedhimtothedoorandcalledagood-nighttohim。Gregoriostoodirresolutelyinthemiddleoftheroad。Hehadpromisedtheboyaboat，andheblamedhimselfforhavingforgottentobuyit。Grumblingathisforgetfulness，hehurriedalongthestreet，determinedtowastenotime。Onoccasionshecouldrelinquishhislazy，slouchinggait，andhewouldhurryalwaystoobeythecommandsofthekinghisson。Apleasantsmileatthethoughtofthepleasurehispresentwouldcausesoftenedthesinistermouldofhislips，andhesangsoftlytohimselfashemovedquicklycityward。
Beforehehadgonemanyyardsanoathbrokeinuponthemusic，andhedartedswiftlyundertheshadowofawall；forcomingforwardhimwasAmostheJew。Buttheoldman’ssharpeyesdetectedthevictim，and，followingGregoriointohishiding-place，AmoslaidhishandupontheGreek。
\"Whydoyoutrytohidewhenwehavesomuchtosaytooneanother？\"
GregorioshookhimselffromtheJew’stouchandprofessedignoranceofthenecessityforspeech。
\"Come，come，myfriend，themoneyyouborrowedisstillowinginpart。\"
\"Butyouwillbepaid。Wearesavingmoney；wecannotputbyallweearn——wemustlive。\"
\"Iwillbepaidnow；ifIamnot，youaretoblamefortheconsequences。\"
AndwithacourtlysalutetheJewpassedon。NowGregoriohadnotforgottenhisdebt，northeJew’sthreats，andhefullyintendedtopaywhatheowed。Butofcourseitwouldtaketime，andthemanwastooimpatient。Herealisedhehadbeenfoolishnottopaysomethingonaccount；butithurthimtopartwithgold。Hedetermined，however，tosendAmossomethingwhenhereturnedhome。Sogoodawatchhadbeenkept，heneverdoubtedthechild’ssafety。ButitwouldbeawkwardifAmosgothimputinjail。Sohereckoneduphowmuchhecouldaffordtopay，and，havingboughtthetoy，returnedeagerlyhome。Heranupstairs，singingabarcaroleatthetopofhisvoice，andrushedintotheroom，wavingthemodelshipabovehishead。\"Seehere，\"hecried，\"istheship！Ihavenotforgottenit。\"Buthisshoutfelltoawhisper。Theroomwasempty。
Withaheartbrokensobthemanfellswooningonthefloor。
IX
ADISCOVERYANDACONSPIRACY
Forlonghelaystretchedoutuponthefloorinastateofhalf-
consciousness。Hecouldhearthemosquitosbuzzingabouthisface，hecouldhear，too，thesoundsofliferiseupfromthestreetbelow；buthewasabletomoveneitherarmnorleg，andhisheadseemedfastenedtothefloorbyimmovableleadenweights。Thathissonwaslostwasallheunderstood。
Howlonghelaytherehescarcelyknew，butitseemedtohimweeks。Atlastheheardfootstepsonthestairs。Heendeavouredvainlytoraisehimself，and，thoughhestrovetocryout，histonguerefusedtoframethewords。Lyingthere，livingandyetlifeless，hesawthedooropenandAmosenter。Theoldmanhesitatedamoment，fortheroomwasdark，whileGregorio，whohadeasilyrecognisedhisvisitor，layimpotentonthefloor。BeforeAmoscouldbecomeusedtothedarknessthedooragainopened，andMadamMarxenteredwithalampinherhand。Amosturnedtoseewhohadfollowedhim，and，inturning，hisfootstruckagainstGregorio’sbody。Immediately，thewomancryingsoftly，bothvisitorskneltbesidethesickman。AfiercelookblazedinGregorio’seyes，butthestrongwordsofabusethathurriedthroughhisbrainwouldnotbesaid。
\"Heisveryill，\"saidAmos；\"hehashadastrokeofsomesort。\"
\"Helpmetocarryhimtomyhouse，\"sobbedthewoman，andshekissedtheGreek’squiveringlipandpallidbrow。Thenrisingtoherfeet，sheturnedsavagelyontheJew。
\"Itisyourfault。Itisyouwhohavekilledhim。\"
\"Nay，madam；Ihadcalledhereformymoney，andIhadarighttodoso。Ithasbeenowingforalongtime。\"
\"No；youhavekilledhim。\"
\"Indeed，Iwishedhimwell。Iwaswillingtoforgivethedebtifhewouldletmetakethechild。\"
AhorridlookofagonypassedoverGregorio’sface，butheremainedsilentandmotionless。Thewatcherssawthatheunderstoodandthatatempestofwrathandpainsurgedwithinthelifelessbody。TheystoopeddownandcarriedhimdownstairsandacrosstheroadtothePenny-farthingShop。TheJew’stouchburnedGregoriolikehotembers，buthecouldnotshakehimselffree。Whenhewaslaidonabedinaroomabovethebar，throughthefloorofwhichrosediscordantsoundsofrevelry，Amosleftthem。MadamMarxflungherselfonthebedbesidehimandwept。
TwodayslaterGregoriosat，atsunset，byMadamMarx’sside，onthethresholdofthecafe。Hehadrecoveredspeechanduseoflimbs。Withwrathfuleloquencehehadtoldhiscompanionthehistoryoftheterriblenight，andnowsatweavingplotsinhismaddenedbrain。
ReplyingtohisassertionthatAmoswasresponsible，MadamMarxsaid：
\"Don’tbetooimpetuous，Gregorio。Searchcunninglybeforeyoustrike。
Maybeyourwifeknowssomething。\"
\"Mywife！Notshe；sheiswithherEnglishman。Amoshasstolentheboy，andyouknowitaswellasIdo。Didn’thetellyouhewantedthechild？Imethimthatnight，andhetoldmeifIdidnotpayIhadonlymyselftoblameforthetroublethatwouldfallonme。\"
\"Come，come，Gregorio，cheerup！\"saidthewoman；fortheGreek，withheadrestingonhishands，wassobbingviolently。
\"Itellyou，allIcaredforinlifeistakenfromme。ButIwillhavemyrevenge，thatItellyoutoo。\"
Forawhiletheysatsilent，lookingintothestreet。AtlastGregoriospoke：
\"Mywifehasnotreturnedsincethatnight，hasshe？\"
\"Ihavenotseenher。\"
\"Well，Imustseeher；shecanleavetheEnglishmannow。\"
MadamMarxlaughedalittle，butsaidnothing。
\"ThereisAhmed，\"criedGregorio，asablue-cladfigurepassedontheothersideofthestreet。HebeckonedtotheArab，whocameacrossathissummons。
\"Youseemtroubled，\"hesaid，ashelookedintotheGreek’sface；andGregorioretoldtheterriblestory。
\"Youknownothingofallthis？\"headded，suspiciously，ashisnarrativeended。
\"Nothing。\"
\"MyGod！itissoawfulIthoughtalltheworldknewofit。Youoftennursedandplayedwiththeboy？\"
\"Ay，andfedhim。WeArabslovechildren，evenChristianchildren，andIwillhelpyouifIcan。\"
\"WhyshouldAmoswanttheboy？\"askedMadamMarx，assheputcoffeeandtobaccobeforetheguests。
\"BecauseIowehimmoney，andheknewthelossofmysonwouldbethedeadliestrevenge。HewillmakemysonaJew，abeastlyJew。ByGod，heshallnot，heshallnot！\"
\"Wemustfindhimandsavehim，\"saidthewoman。
\"HewillneverbeaJew。ThatisnotwhatAmoswantsyoursonfor；
thereareplentyofJews。\"Ahmedspokequietly。
\"Theysacrificechildren，\"hecontinued，afteramoment’spause；
\"surelyyouknowthat，andifyouwouldsaveyourboythereisnotmuchtimetolose。\"
GregoriotrembledatAhmed’swords。Hewonderedhowhecouldhaveforgottenthecommonreport，andhisfingersgraspedconvulsivelythehandleofhisknife。
\"LetusgotoAmos，\"hesaid，speakingthewordswithdifficulty，forhewaschokingwithfearforhisson。
\"Wait，\"answeredtheArab；\"Iwillcomeagainto-nightandbringsomefriendswithme，twomenwhowillbegladtoserveyou。WeArabsarenotsorrytostrikeattheJews；wehaveourownwrongs。WaitheretillIcome。\"
\"Butwhatwillyoudo？\"askedMadamMarx，lookinganxiouslyonthemansheloved，thoughherwordswerefortheArab。
\"Gregoriowillaskforhisson。Iftheoldmanrefusestorestorehim，ordeniesthathehastakenhim，thenwewillknowtheworst，andthen——\"
Gregorio’sknife-bladeglitteredinthesunsetrays，ashetesteditssharpnessbetweenthumbandfinger。TheArabwatchedwithasmile。\"Weunderstandoneanother，\"hesaid。Therewasnoneedtofinishthedescriptionofhisplan。Withasolemnwaveofhishandheleftthecafe。
\"ThatmanAhmed，\"saidMadamMarx，\"hasagrudgeagainstAmos。Itdatesfromthebombardment，andhehadwaitedalltheseyearstoavengehimself。Ibelieveitwasthelossofhiswife。\"
\"AmosmadeheraJewess，eh？\"Andthen，afterapause，Gregorioadded：
\"SowecandependonAhmed。To-nightIwillwinbackmysonor——\"
\"Or？\"queriedmadam，tremblingly。
\"OrAmosstartsonhisjourneytohell。God，howmyfingersitchtoslayhim！Thedevil，theJewdevil！\"
X
ATTHEHOUSEOFAMOS
AsAhmedhadadvised，Gregoriosettledhimselfpatientlytoawaitthesummons。Madamwouldhavelikedtoaskhimmanyquestions，andtohaveextractedapromisefromhimnottoriskhislifeinanymadenterprisehisaccomplicemightsuggest。ButthoughtheGreek’sbodyseemedalmostlifeless，soquietlyandimmovablyherestedonhischair，therewasarestlesslookinhiseyesthattoldherhowfiercelyandirrepressiblyhisangerburned。Sheknewenoughofhisracetoknowthatnopoweronearthcouldstophimstrikingforrevenge。Andshetrembled，forsheknewalsothatdirectlyhehadbeguntostrikehismadnesswouldincrease，andthatonlysheerphysicalexhaustionwouldstayhishand。
MadamMarxwasunhappy，andasshewaitedonhercustomershereyesrestedcontinuallyontheGreek，whoheededhernot。Onceshecarriedsomewinetohim，andhedrankeagerly，spillingafewdropsonthefloorfirst。\"It’slikeblood，\"hemuttered，andsmiled。Madamhastilycoveredhismouthwithhertremblingfingers。
JustbeforemidnightAhmedarrivedwithhistwofriends。Gregoriosawthematonce，and，callingthemtohim，theyspoketogetherinlowvoicesforafewmoments。Therewaslittleneedforwords，andsoon，scarcelynoticedbythedrinkersandgamblers，theypassedoutintothestreetandwalkedslowlytowardtheJew’shouse。Ahmedrapidlyrepeatedtheplanofaction。WhentheyreachedthedoortheystoodforamomentbeforetheywoketheArab，andthesewordspassedbetweenthem：
\"Forawife。\"
\"Forasister。\"
\"Forason。\"
Gregoriothendemandedadmittanceandledtheway，followedbyhisthreefriends。HehadvisitedthehouseofAmosbefore，onlessbloodybutlessdelightfulbusiness，andhedidnothesitate，butstrodeontowhereheknewtheJewwouldbe。Hiscompanionsstoodbehindthecurtain，awaitingthesignal。
AmoslookedsomewhatsurprisedattheGreek’sentrance，butmotionedhimtoaseat，and，asontheoccasionofhisfirstvisit，clappedhishandstogetherasasignalthatcoffeeandpipeswererequired。
\"Itiskindofyoutocome，fordoubtlessyouwishtopaymewhatisowing。\"
\"Iwishtopayyou。\"
\"Thatiswell。Ihopeyouarebetteragain。Iregrettedtofindyousoilltwonightsago。\"
\"Iambetter。\"
Theconversationceased，forGregoriowasrestlessandhisfingersitchedtodotheirwork。SomethinginhismanneralarmedAmos，forhesummonedintwoofhisservantsandraisedhimselfslightly，asifthebettertoavoidanattack。Buthecontinuedtosmokecalmly，watchingtheGreekunderhishalf-closedlids。
\"Ihaveanotherpieceofbusinesstosettlewithyou。\"
\"DoyouwanttoborrowmoremoneybecauseIrefusetolendyouany？\"
\"No；itisyouwhohaveborrowed，andIhavecometoyoutoreceivebackmyown。\"
\"Ifailtounderstandyou。\"
Gregoriotriedtokeepcalm，butitwasnotpossible。Risingtohisfeet，hebentovertheJewandcriedout：
\"Givemebackmyson，youJewdog！\"
\"Yoursonisnothere。\"
\"Youlie！byGod，youlie！Ifheisnothereyouhavemurderedhim。\"
\"Madman！\"shoutedAmos，astheGreek’sknifeflashedfromitssheath；
butbeforeheorhisservantscouldstaytheupliftedarmtheJewsankbackamonghiscushions，woundedtotheheart。Withashoutoftriumphanda\"DeathofallJews！\"Gregorioturnedsavagelyontheservantsand，reinforcedbyhiscompanions，soonsucceededinslayingthem。
Thenleavingthedeadsidebyside，thefourmendashedthroughthehouseseekingfreshvictims。Tenminuteslatertheywereinthestreetagain，drippingwiththebloodofwomenandmen，forintheirfurytheyhadkilledeveryhumanbeinginthehouse。
Downthenarrownativestreetstheypushedonquickly，huggingtheshadows，towardthePenny-farthingShop。MadamMarx，herearssharpenedbyfear，heardthem，admittedthembyasidedoor，andledthemquicklytoanupperroom。Thithershecarriedwaterandcleangarments，butdarednotaskanyquestions。Sickwithanxiety，shere-enteredthebarandwaited。
Atlengththemurderersappearedandcalledforcoffee，andMadamMarxattendedtotheirwants。InafewminutestheEgyptiansleft，andGregorioandshewerealone。Comingnearhim，sheplacedherhandtimidlyonhisshoulder，andaskedhim，inahoarsewhisper，totellherwhathadhappened。
\"Mysonwasnotthere。\"
\"Well？\"
\"Well，youcanguesstherest。Notonepersonremainsaliveofthatdevil’shousehold。\"
MadamMarxgaspedatthemagnitudeofthecrime，andthoughherterrorsincreased，herprideinthemancapableofsotremendousrevengeincreasedalso。
\"Whatwillhappentoyou？\"shefoundvoicetoask。
\"Nothing。Imusthidehere。Wewerenotseen。Besides，yourememberthelasttimeaGreekmurderedaJew——itwasatPortSaid——thematterwashushedup。OurconsulscareaslittleforJewsaswedo。MyGod，howgladIamIkilledhim！\"
Hiseyeswerefixedonthestreetashespoke，andsuddenlyhestartedtohisfeet。Madamrosetoo，andclungtohim。Hepushedherroughlyononeside，whileanevilsmileplayedonhislips。
\"ByGod，sheshallcomebacknow！\"
\"Who？\"
\"Xantippe。ThereisnoneedforhertolivewiththeEnglishmannow。
OursonisdeadandtheJewinhell。Iwillatleasthavemywifeback。\"
\"Shewillnotcome。\"
\"Shewillcome。ByGod，Iwillmakeher！Ihavetastedbloodto-night，andIamnotachildtobetreatedwithcontempt。IsayIwillmakehercome。\"
\"Butifsherefuses？\"
\"ThenIwilltakecareshedoesnotgobacktotheEnglishman。\"
\"Youwill——\"butmadam’svoicefaltered。Gregorioreadhermeaningandlaughedayes。
\"But，Gregorio，think；youwillbehangedforthat。YouwifeisnotaJewess。\"
ButGregoriolaughedagainandstrodeintothestreet。Hewasmadwithgriefandtheintoxicatingdraughtsofvengeancehehadswallowed。Hestrodeacrosstheroadandmountedthestairswithsteadyfeet。MadamMarxfollowedhim，weepingandcallingonhimtocomeback。Ashereachedthedoorofhisroomsheflungherselfbeforehim，buthepushedherononesidewithhisfeetandshutthedoorbehindhimasheentered。
Lyingonthethreshold，sheheardtheboltfastened，andknewthelastactofthetragedywasbegun。
XI
HUSBANDANDWIFE
AsGregorioenteredtheroom，Xantippe，whowaskneelingbyaboxintowhichshewasplacingclothesneatlyfolded，turnedherheadandsaidlaughingly：
\"Youareimpatient，myfriend；Ihavenearly——\"
ButrecognisingGregorio，shedidnotfinishthesentence。Shesatdownontheedgeofthebox。Herfacebecamewhite，andthebloodleftherlips。Withagreateffortsheremainedquietandfoldedherhandsonherlap。
Gregoriolookedatherforamoment，acruelsmilemakinghissinisterfaceappearalmostterrible，andhisbloodshoteyesglaredathersavagely。Atlasthebrokethesilencebyshoutinghernamehoarsely，makingatthesametimeamovementtowardher。Helookedlikeawildanimalabouttospringuponhisprey。Xantippe，however，didnotflinch，answeringsoftly：
\"Iamnotdeaf。Whatdoyouwanthere？\"
\"Itismyroom；IsupposeIhavearighttobehere。\"
\"Iapologiseforhavingintruded。\"
\"Noneofyoursmoothspeeches。TheEnglishmanhasschooledyoucarefully，Isee。Canyousay’good-bye’inEnglishyet？\"
\"WhyshouldIsay’good-bye’？\"
\"Itistime。Youwillcomebacktomenow。\"
\"Never。\"
Gregoriolaughedhystericallyandstoodbesideher。Hisfingersplayedwithherhair。Inspiteofherfearlestsheshouldirritatehim，Xantippeshrankfromhistouch。Gregorionoticedheraversionandsaidsavagely：
\"Youmustgetusedtome，Xantippe。Fromto-nightwelivetogetheragain。Itisnotnecessarynowforyoutoearnmoney。\"
\"Ishallnotcomebacktoyou。IhavetoldyouIhateyou。ItisyourownfaultthatIleaveyou。\"
\"Itwillbemyfaultifyoudoleaveme。\"
Hepushedherontothemattressandheldherthere。
\"Letustalk，\"hesaid。
Forafewminutestherewassilence，andthenhecontinued：
\"Amosisdead，andourdebtsarepaid。\"
\"Howdidyoupaythem？\"
\"Withthis，\"andashespokehetouchedthehandleofhisknife。
\"Don’tshudder；hedeservedit，andIshallbesafeinafewdays。
Theseaffairsarequicklyforgotten。Besides，thereisanotherreasonwhyweshouldnotliveaswehavelatelybeenliving。\"
Xantippeopenedhereyesassheasked，\"Whatreason？\"
Gregoriorelaxedhishold，forthememoryofhislossshookhimwithsobs。Cat-like，Xantippehadwaitedheropportunityandsprangawayfromhisgrasp。Themovementbroughtthemantohissenses。Herushedatherwithanoath，wavingtheknifeinhishand。Xantippepreparedtodefendherself。Theystood，desperate，beforeeachother，neitherdaringtobeginthestruggle。Throughtheawfulsilencecamethesoundofsobsandaplaintivevoicecrying：
\"Gregorio，comeback，leaveher；Iloveyou。\"
\"IsMadamMarxoutside？\"hissedXantippe。
\"Yes。\"
\"Thengotoher。ItellyouIhateyou。\"Shepointedtothehalf-
filledbox——\"Iwasgoingtoleavehereto-night。Iwillneverreturntoyou。\"
\"YouweregoingwiththeEnglishman？\"
\"Heisaman。\"
Gregoriopausedamoment，theninasuppressedvoice，halfchokingatthewords，said：
\"Ourson——doyouknowwhathashappenedtohim？Youshallnotleaveme。\"
\"Iknowaboutourson。Iamgladtothinkheisawayfromyourevilinfluence。Letmepass。\"Xantippemovedtowardthedoor，butGregorioseizedherbythethroat。
\"Youaregladoursoniskilled；youhelpedAmostokillhim。\"
Rageanddespairimpelledhim。Laughingbrutally，hestruckheronthebreast，and，ashetottered，senthisknifedeepintoherheart。Forafewsecondshestoodoverherexulting，andthenopenedthedoor。
MadamMarx，whitewithfear，rushedintotheroom。Seeingthemurderedwoman，alookoftriumphcameintohereyes。Butitwasamomentarytriumph，forsherealisedatoncethegravityofthecrime。Shehadlittlepityorsorrowtowasteonthedead，butshewasfullofconcernforthesafetyofthemurderer。
\"Thisisabadnight’swork，Gregorio。\"
\"Isit？Shedeserveddeath。IamgladIkilledher。God，howpeacefullyIshallsleeptonight！\"
\"Thisisaworsematterthantheother，myfriend；youmustgetawayfromhereatonce。\"
\"Letusleavethecorpse；Iamthirsty，\"Gregorioanswered，callously。
WithalastlookatXantippedeaduponthefloor，thetwolefttheroomandmadefasttheboltbeforedescendingthestairs。Astheyemergedfromthedoorwayintothestreet，somepolicerodeby，andGregoriotrembledalittleashestoodwatchingthem。
\"Iwantadrink；Iamtrembling，\"hesaid，huskily，andfollowedMadamMarxintotheshop。
Thesunwasbeginningtorise，andalreadysignsofanewlifewerestirring。Theday-workersappearedatthewindowsandinthestreets。
\"Youmustgetawayatnight，Gregorio，andkeephiddenallday。\"
\"Allright。Givemesomewine。Icanarrangebetterwhenmythirstissatisfied。\"
Afterdrinkingdeeplyheturnedandlaughed。\"Ithasbeenabusytimesincesunset。\"
Then，asifanewideasuddenlystruckhim，hequeriedcunningly，\"Therewillbearewardoffered？\"
\"Isupposeso。\"
\"Thenyouwillbearichwoman。\"
MadamMarxflungherselfathisfeetandweptbitterly。Theblowwasacrueloneindeed。Eagerlysheentreatedhimtoretracthiswords。Sheremindedhimofallshehaddoneforhim，ofallshewouldstilldo。A
sortofeloquencecametoherasshepleadedhercause，andGregorio，wearywithexcitement，kissedherasheasked：
\"Butwhyshouldyounotgivemeup？\"
\"BecauseIloveyou。\"
Neitherbloodnorcrueltycouldstainhiminhereyes。
Atlastherpassionspentitself；calmedandsoothedbyGregorio’scaresssherealisedagainthedangerherloverran。Vainlywereplansdiscussed；nofairchanceofescapeseemedopen。AtlastGregoriosaid：
\"Ishallleavehereto-nightforRamlehandliveinthedesertforatime。Ifyouhelpmewecanmanageeasily。WhenmybeardisgrownI
cangetbackheresafelyenough，andthematterwillbeforgotten。Youmustcollectfoodandtakeitbytraintothelaststation，andgettheboxburiedbyAhmednearthepalace。Icancreeptowarditatnightunseen。\"
\"ButIwillcometoyouatnightandbringfoodanddrink。\"
\"No。Thatwouldonlyattractattention。Youmustnotleaveyourcustomers。Butthedrinkistheworstpartofthematter。Imusthavewater。Getasmanyostrich-eggsasyoucan，andfillthemwithwater，andsealthem。Hidethesewiththefood，andIwillcarrysomeofthemintothefartherdesertandburythemthere。\"
\"Gregorio，ifallcomesrightyouwillnotbesorryyoukilledher？\"
\"Shehatedme。Ishallnotbesorry。\"
AndMadamMarxsmiledandforgotherfears。
XII
INTHEDESERTANDONTHESEA
BythelasttrainleavingAlexandriaforRamleh，thenextevening，Gregoriosoughttoescapehispursuers。HehadheardfromAhmedontheplatform，justbeforestarting，thatXantippe’sbodyhadbeendiscovered，andthatalreadythepolicewereonhistrack。Hesatinacornerofathird-classcarriagecloselymuffled，andeyeinghisneighbourssuspiciously。Hesighedwithreliefasthetrainmovedoutofthestationandbegantopassbythesand-hillsandwhitevillas，showingghost-likeinthedampmist。
WhenhereachedSt。Antoniohesawthelightsofthecasinoblazingcheerfully，andthepurecleardesertairinvigoratedhim。Fascinatedbytheglare，hestrolledtowardthecasinoanddecided，inspiteoftherisk，toenter。Hewatchedfromacornertheplayers，andgreedilycovetedthemassesofgoldandsilverpiledinpyramidsbehindthecroupiers。HeheardtheviolinsplayingSuppe’soverture，andtheremembrancecamevividlytohimoftheParadisoandthefairgirlwithwhomtheEnglishmantalked。Theexcitingeventsfollowingthateveningpassedbeforehim——aluridpanorama。
Anhourfledquicklyaway；thenhesoughtthesolitudeofthedesert，and，havingcollectedintoabagasmuchfoodandasmanyeggsashecouldcarry，hewalkedawayoverthesands。
Underthestarshedugholeswhereintoburytheeggs，andmarkedthespotswithstones；then，wrappinghimselfinhiscloak，laydowntosleep。Allnextdayheloiteredidlyabout，shunningthegazeofeverywanderingArab。Wheneveningcamehedrewneartothepalacetoseekforfood。Tohishorror，theboxhadnotbeenrefilled。Atfirsthehardlyrealisedhowawfulwashisplight。Thenthetruthdawneduponhim。AhmedandMadamMarxmusthavebeenarrested。Hedrewneartothecasinoandstoodundertheopenwindowslistening。Acoldshudderrandownhisback，hisfacegrewpale，andhislipstrembled，forheheardtwomendiscussingthemurderandthecaptureofhisfriends。Aninvoluntarysmilelightedupthegloomofhisfeaturesforamomentasoneremarkedthatthechiefoffender，thewoman’shusband，hadeludedpursuit。Thenhecreptbackintothedesertandwaitedforthedawn。
Thesunrose，fieryandrelentless，glitteringonthewatersofAboukir，andthecloudlessheavenblazedlikeaprairieonfire。Atmidday，whenitsraysfellstraightuponhim，histhirstbecameintense，andwithfeverishfingershedugupanegg。Itwasempty。Hetosseditawayanddraggedhimselftoanotherhole。Thesecondeggwasempty。Inturnhedugupallhiseggs，andallalikewereempty。
Improperlysealed，scantilycoveredbythesand，thewaterhadevaporated。Agreatdespairseizedhim；hecalledonGodinhisanguish，andthesilenceofthedesertterrifiedhim。Inafitofdesolateangerhepulledoffhiscap，andsummonedallthesaints，Christ，andGodHimself，toenterit，andthentrampledonit，laughingwildly。Thenheflunghimselfuponthesand，hisheadstillleftbaretothepitilesssun。Heknewtheendhadcome，buttherewasnotanyregretinhisheartforhiscrimes，onlyanimpotentdismayandangerathissolitarycondition。Thethirstincreasedeveryminute，andhegrippedthesandwithhisfingersinhisagony。Hislastwordwasanoath。
Atsunsethewasdead。
TwodayslaterMadamMarxleftAlexandriabytrainforRamleh。Therewasnoevidenceagainsther，andshehadsoonbeenreleased。Herowntroublescarcelydisconcertedher；shehadfearedonlyfortheGreekinthedesert。Thethoughtofhisagony，hishunger，goadedhernearlytomadness；butshewasalittlecomfortedwhensherememberedtheeggs。Therewasenoughwaterinthemtolasthimtwoorthreedays。Itwasthehourofsunsetwhenshearrived，andsheinstantlysetoutdesertward，carryingabasketcontainingwineandfood。Shehaddeterminedtoliveatthehoteluntilthedaysofpersecutionwerepast。Theheavysandmadeithardtoproceedrapidly，butshestruggledonbravely，andwhenfarenoughfromcivilisationcalledaloudthesignal-wordagreedon。Butnooneanswered。Allthroughthenightshewandered，searching，tillwithinanhourofsunrise；thenshegavewayandsatweepingonthesand。Withdaylightsherosetoherfeet，determinedtofindherlover，buthadscarcelygonetwentyyardsbefore，withalowcryofgrief，shekneltbesidethebodyofadeadman。Inthehalf-eaten，decayedfeaturessherecognisedGregorioandknewshehadcometoolate。Undeterredbythehideousspectacle，shekissedhimtenderlyandlaybesidehim。
Thesunmountedslowlyintheheavens。
Thelivingfigurelayaslifelessasthedead。Butafterawhilethewomanroseanddugwithherhandsahollowinthesand。Sheheedednottheheat，northeflightoftime，andbyeveningherworkwasdone。
Raisingthebodyinherarms，shecarriedittothehollowandlaiditgentlydown，thentearfullyshovelledbackthesandtillitwashidden。SoGregoriofoundatomb。Nordiditremainunconsecrated，forbesideitMadamMarxkneltandspokewithfalteringlipstheremnantsoftheprayersshehadlearnedwhenachild。Assheprayedshewatchedvaguelyasteamerdisappearbehindthehorizon。
Thekhedivalmail-boat/Ramses/spedswiftlyovertheunruffledsurfaceofthesea。AtthesternatallfairEnglishmansatlookingonthelevelshoresofEgyptandtheminaretsofAlexandria。Withasadsmileheturnedtothechildwhocalledtohimbyhisname。Theywereastrangepair，fortheboywasdark，andforeign-looking，andtherewassomethingofcunninginhisrestlessblackeyes。Theman’slargehandrestedsoftlyontheravencurlsoftheyoungsterashemutteredtohimself：
\"ForhersakeIwillwatchoveryou，andyoushallgrowuptobeatrueman。\"
SoXantippe’slifehadnotbeenlivedinvain，forshehadlovedandbeenloved，andhermemorywassweettoherlover。Moreover，Gregorio’sdreamsofwealthforhissonweretofindfulfilment，andthesandofthedesert，maybe，lieslightlyonhim。