Do not think of coming here. Indeed it would be almost too painful to me
to part from you again; and as it is, I can patiently wait for the end
among people who are kind and loving enough to be comfortable, without
too much feeling of the pain of parting. The leaving Luxor was rather a
distressing scene, as they did not think to see me again.
The kindness of all the people was really touching, from the Kadee who
made ready my tomb among his own family, to the poorest fellaheen. Omar
sends you his most heartfelt thanks, and begs that the boat may remain
registered at the Consulate in your name for his use and benefit. The
Prince has appointed him his own dragoman. But he is sad enough, poor
fellow, all his prosperity does not console him for the loss of 'the
mother he found in the world.' Mohammed at Luxor wept bitterly and said,
'poor I, my poor children, poor all the people,' and kissed my hand
passionately, and the people at Esneh, asked leave to touch me 'for a
blessing,' and everyone sent delicate bread, and their best butter, and
vegetables and lambs. They are kinder than ever now that I can no longer
be of any use to them.
If I live till September I will go up to Esneh, where the air is softest
and I cough less. I would rather die among my own people in the Saeed
than here.
You must forgive this scrawl, dearest. Don't think please of sending
Maurice out again, he must begin to work now or he will never be good for
anything.
Can you thank the Prince of Wales for Omar, or shall I write? He was
most pleasant and kind, and the Princess too. She is the most perfectly
simple-mannered girl I ever saw. She does not even try to be civil like
other great people, but asks blunt questions, and looks at one so
heartily with her clear, honest eyes, that she must win all hearts. They
were more considerate than any people I have seen, and the Prince,
instead of being gracious, was, if I may say so, quite respectful in his
manner: he is very well bred and pleasant, and has the honest eyes that
makes one sure he has a kind heart.
My sailors were so proud at having the honour of rowing him _in our own
boat_, and of singing to him. I had a very good singer in the boat.
Please send some little present for my Reis: he is such a good man; he
will be pleased at some little thing from you. He is half Turk, and
seems like whole one. Maurice will have told you all about us. Good-bye
for the present, dearest Alick.