It is not, as
a rule, the man who gives grace and honour to the position, but the
position which confers the grace and honour upon the man. I have
often envied the solemn gravity and grand demeanour of the Lord
Chancellor, as I have seen him on the bench; but I almost think that
even Judkins would look grave and dignified under such a wig.
Mahmoud al Ackbar had called upon me and done me honour, and I felt
myself personally capable of sustaining before the people of Suez
the honour which he had done me.
As I walked forth with a proud step from beneath the portal, I
perceived, looking down from the square along the street, that there
was already some commotion in the town. I saw the flowing robes of
many Arabs, with their backs turned towards me, and I thought that I
observed the identical gown and turban of my friend Mahmoud on the
back and head of a stout short man, who was hurrying round a corner
in the distance. I felt sure that it was Mahmoud. Some of his
servants had failed in their preparations, I said to myself, as I
made my way round to the water's edge. This was only another
testimony how anxious he was to do me honour.
I stood for a while on the edge of the quay looking into the boat,
and admiring the comfortable cushions which were luxuriously
arranged around the seats. The men who were at work did not know
me, and I was unnoticed, but I should soon take my place upon the
softest of those cushions.
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