The Beginning and the End

EIGHTY-TWO

Perhaps it was wise to wait. Yet Hassanein wondered angrily what use there was in waiting. Suppose his bird flew away and he missed the chance to catch it? For nearly a month, his mind dwelled on this matter. All his family, especially Hussein, advised him to wait until he could amass a small fortune before asking for the girl’s hand. Hassanein thought they were probably right. But afraid that the girl might not wait for him that long, he was persuaded to renounce this wiser course of action. Eminent as Ahmad Bey Yousri was, the fact that old ties had always linked him to the Kamel family encouraged Hassanein to hope the Bey would be patient and tolerant with him and lend a sympathetic ear. Hassanein realized that if he missed this wonderful opportunity he might wait a long time before another appeared. Why not ask for the girl’s hand, and then ask the Bey to give him time to complete his preparations for marriage? This was quite possible, but even if impossible, his rejection should not stop him from persisting. He was too bold to let anything stand in his way, for whatever reason. Moreover, he found the so-called virtue of patience intolerable. Come what may, now and without fear he would pursue his objective.

Approaching Ahmad Bey Yousri’s villa in Taher Street, the young man was absorbed in these thoughts. Having decided upon a definite course of action, Hassanein proceeded to carry it out with no second thoughts. This was the life for which his soul yearned. Now that Hassan had disappeared, Nefisa had become a respectable lady, and the past had almost vanished, he felt secure. He hoped that he and his family would lead a happy, decent, and comfortable life. He was especially careful about his appearance, for in him, youthfulness was combined with manly virility. When he reached the villa, he was shown into the sitting room, where he sat thinking with an anxious, beating heart. Curious, isn’t it, that I, who have nothing but what’s left of my salary, should propose to a girl who owns such a villa as this! Besides, there’s the useless, fictitious story of the entailed Wafd property case which I told the Bey about. Why Mother isn’t actually in possession of the property is another question. Had we been property owners, our past and present would have been entirely different! Come what may, I won’t retreat. Anyhow, I won’t be beheaded for this proposal. At best I’ve everything to win and at worst almost nothing to lose. In the latter event, the worst that can happen is that the Bey will say to me, “I’m sorry, my son,” and bidding him farewell, I’ll answer, “Goodbye, Your Excellency.” I’m sure I’m her equal. What does she want from me that I don’t have? Money? She already possesses a fabulous amount of money! How foolish it would be of her to reject my proposal! Here in this place I saw her for the first time riding her bicycle. How beautiful her leg, how lovely her thigh! Poor Nefisa.

I wonder where Hassan is now! I hope he’s escaped to some other place and disappeared from my life for good. The memory of him disturbs and haunts me. When will I be reprieved from all this awful past?

I won’t retreat. Right over there, she was about to fall off her bicycle.

I hear the Bey’s approaching footsteps!

Hassanein sprang to his feet respectfully when he saw the Bey drawing near. He shook his hands with reverence.

“Welcome to our respected officer,” the Bey said. “How are you and your family?”

Keeping his purpose firmly in mind, the young man replied, “Thank you, Your Excellency.”

Laughing, the Bey inquired, “Is your brother still in Tanta?”

Welcoming any conversation that would allow more time for preparation, Hassanein said with ostensible interest, “Yes, sir.”

They sat down. “It isn’t possible to get him transferred during this vacation,” the Bey said. “But I’ve been given a definite promise that he’ll be transferred during the next vacation.”

Although Hassanein already knew about it, he expressed his gratitude. “This is another favor, after all your previous kindness.”

As silence fell upon them, the young man realized that he was approaching an extremely critical moment in his life and that there was no room for wavering or retreat. He summoned up his courage, and said in some confusion, “Your Excellency, I’ve come to you about a personal matter.”

The Bey raised his eyes. “What can I do for you?”

The young man sat erect, as if he found strength in a formal posture. “I beg Your Excellency to help me attain a difficult objective, which is above my ambition.”

The Bey stroked his coarse, dyed mustache with his fingers. “Do you want to be promoted to the rank of field marshal?”

The young man gave a nervous laugh, which soon died out. Then he said in a low voice, “Dearer than that. I want to have the honor of being your son-in-law.”

The Bey’s smile disappeared in a contemplative stare. Despite his assumed solemnity and self-control, he seemed to be overcome with astonishment. Why? Hassanein wondered. Was it surprise or annoyance? His heart beat violently as he sensed the profound gravity of the moment. After a period of silence and contemplation the man said, “I must thank you for your confidence.”

Hassanein was touched by the man’s gentle words. Yet he experienced a vague pain. “I hope I’ve not stepped out of line,” he said.

“God forbid,” the Bey said with a smile. “Thank you again. But I’ll postpone my answer until I consult with those directly concerned.”

Hassanein was relieved by this proposed respite, which he welcomed as a fighter on the defensive welcomes the advent of a truce.

“Naturally, Your Excellency. But I sincerely hope that I’m not out of order.”

“I don’t want to hear you say this again,” the Bey said with a smile.

Hassanein took his leave and left the villa. On the way home he recalled every word of his conversation with the Bey, all the gestures, the signs, the intimations, the motives behind them all. While he interpreted everything with optimism and a bold and ambitious imagination, yet he felt anxious and depressed. Ultimately shrugging his shoulders indifferently, he thought: I’ve got everything to win and almost nothing to lose.