"Nor I either," said I. "I have done with this part of the world
for the present, and shall take the next steamer from Jaffa for
Alexandria. I shall only have one night in Jerusalem on my return."

After this he remained silent for a few moments and then declared
that that also had been his intention. He was almost ashamed to say
so, however, because it looked as though he had resolved to hook
himself on to me. So he answered, expressing almost regret at the
circumstance.

"Don't let that trouble you," said I; "I shall be delighted to have
your company. When you know me better, as I hope you will do, you
will find that if such were not the case I should tell you so as
frankly. I shall remain in Cairo some little time; so that beyond
our arrival in Egypt, I can answer for nothing."

He said that he expected letters at Alexandria which would govern
his future movements. I thought he seemed sad as he said so, and
imagined, from his manner, that he did not expect very happy
tidings. Indeed I had made up my mind that he was by no means free
from care or sorrow. He had not the air of a man who could say of
himself that he was "totus teres atque rotundus." But I had no wish
to inquire, and the matter would have dropped had he not himself
added--"I fear that I shall meet acquaintances in Egypt whom it will
give me no pleasure to see."

"Then," said I, "if I were you, I would go to Constantinople
instead;--indeed, anywhere rather than fall among friends who are
not friendly. And the nearer the friend is, the more one feels that