every precaution against jealous spies. I had nearly awakened those around me by the joy which that visit gave me, and she, through desire, had nearly torn asunder the veil which concealed her love. I awoke when my hopes had led me to imagine that I would obtain my utmost wish ; but then my happiness was changed to sorrow." A society of men only, of course, the women being confined to their own apartments. Among the constant attendants were Cadi el-Fadil, a learned judge and Secretary of State, when he was not representing the Sultan in Egypt ; Imad ed-din, a distinguished scholar, and the Sultan's Secretary of State; el Heccari, the lawyer who had been so useful in Egypt when Saladin first came into power in persuading the jealous emirs, and who took advantage of his intimacy by addressing his master with a bluntness which scandalized the more sedate courtiers. He must have made a picturesque figure with a lawyer's turban surmounting a soldier's uniform. Then there was Osama, the romantic Prince of Sheyzar, whose long life had been one series of startling adventures, a veritable orgy of blood and slaughter and political intrigues. Judging by his autobiography, he must have had many a tale to tell which would make any company stand open-mouthed in wonderment. Finally there were all the distinguished strangers who might be in Damascus at the time, for it was well known that nothing delighted the Sultan more than to do honor to men of parts. It is easy enough to see that a host who would gather