who now, it was rumoured, passed her days
in weeping and wailing. It soon became
known, indeed, that when too late,
had asserted his right of authority; and had
me master of his own house, just as he
was about to abandon it. The creditors
were and there remained salvation
only in flight. One day, therefore, Mathias
collected some household property, sold it
to a broker, made a parcel of a few valuables
and when sunset came, started with his wife
and daughter, leaving Cairo by the iron
gate. He intended to take boat for Damietta,
and that way escape to Syria, where he had
some relations.

He had not gone far before a rapid step
was heard behind; and a soft voice called
his name. He pressed on hastily; but
soon Yaxir came running up out of breath.
The wife of Mathias recognized him, and
began to curse him; but the boy said:
"Be not angry, O mother. This is a
misfortune which cannot be avoided. But
behold, father Mathias, thou shalt not go
forth without assistance. My father has
heard of thy departure, and sends this purse
for thy expenses on the way."

So saying he placed a leathern purse in
the hands of the merchant, who stooped
down towards him and kissed him. All
hearts beat high. The mother of Lulu felt
the tears run down her cheeks; and Lulu
herself, wayward girl as she was, came to
Yazir, and taking his hand, put it to her lips,
and said:

"O prince, may happiness encircle thee
as the halo encircleth the moon!"

Her parents felt that this was a renewal of
the betrothal; but they said nothing, and
presently were pursuing their flight, whilst
Yazir remained standing by the road-side.

The boy was now nearly twelve years of age,
tall, strong, and handsome; and more intelligent
and knowing than lads are at fifteen in
western countries. He had already acquired
all the instruments of knowledge necessary in
the East. He could read, and write, and was
capable at accounts. He already understood
business, and his father had confidence in
him. But the words of Lulu entered his mind.
They had talked so much ill his presence of
the betrothal that he understood something
of his father's wishes, though he knew not
their importance. It seemed to him that his
life had an object, which was the possession of
Lulu; and he was too young to debate much
on the means. If he had spoken to Zacharias
he would have learned that circumstauces had
altered; that he had now no longer any desire
to promote this marriage, which had seemed
so appropriate at a different time. But a
certain shamefacedness withheld the boy;
who, moreover, misinterpreted the import of
his father's generosity on the night of
Mathias's departure. A bias was given to his
mind and every day.

Time passed; and the thoughts cf Yazir
dwelt always on the absent Lulu. At first
he was influenced by filial affection. If he
saw his father sad, he said to himself, "It is
because I am not the husband of Lulu." If
he were urged to become wise and rich, he
thought, "It is that I  may be worthy of
Lulu." His soul ever aspired in one direction
towards Lulu.

The time came, when everything in this
outward world began from some mysterious
to appear more beautiful in his eyes;
when the majesty of the heavens at night,
with all its throbbing stars, was revealed to
him; when the breeze at eventide that had
formerly been voiceless seemed full of magic
eloquence; when the trill of birds and the
hum of insects iu the pomegranate and
mulberry groves filled him with strange sensations;
when the prattle of children smote his
heart, and the glances of women pierced his
brain like gleanu of sunshine. Then it was
that Lulu ceased to be a mere name, and was
changed into a lovely form never absent from
his dreams.

Zacharias, from whom propriety had not
departed, seldom spoke of his absent friend;
but talked frequently of finding a peerless
bride for Yazir. This would have been easy;
for all mothers noticed the youth in the street.
and wished that their daughters might have
the good fortune to please him. But the
merchant was now in no hurry. If any one
spoke to him on the subject he said, "There
is a time for all things." The truth was, that
time, which destroys all passions—even love
—had in him destroyed anger. Besides, it
is no rare thing for the aged, when they feel
life slipping from them, to return to some
caprice they formerly cherished, which
reminds them of younger days, and allows
them, in fancy at least, to step back from
the inevitable doom.

Zacharias had written recently to Syria,
endeavouring to learn some tidings of
Mathias; but his correspondents told him that
they had searched in vain. Mathias had
indeed arrived safely in Beyrout; but, after
remaining there a year, had disappeared.
Some speculations in which he had engaged
had utterly failed; and it was believed that
he had gone away in absolute poverty. This
intelligence made Zacharias sick at heart; but
there was no remedy, and he devoured his
chagrin in secret.

One day Yazir, now a fine handsome youth,
came to his father and said that a caravan
was about soon to start for Bassora, by way
of Damascus, and that he wished to take this
opportunity to travel and see the world; for
without experience of many countries what
merchant can prosper? Zacharias was now
old, and heard this wish with a deep-drawn
sigh: but he knew it to be reasonable,
and gave his consent, and collected a large
amount of merchandise, and bought camels,
and selected the most trustworthy servants,
and made a present to the chief of