"
Then, standing side by side, they prayed, looking at the desert.
CHAPTER XXX
In the evening of that day they left Beni-Mora.
Domini wished to go quietly, but, knowing the Arabs, she feared it would
be impossible. Nevertheless, when she paid Batouch in the hotel and
thanked him for all his services, she said:
"We'll say adieu here, Batouch."
The poet displayed a large surprise.
"But I will accompany Madame to the station. I will--"
"It is not necessary."
Batouch looked offended but obstinate. His ample person became almost
rigid.
"If I am not at the station, Madame, what will Hadj think, and Ali, and
Ouardi, and--"
"They will be there?"
"Of course, Madame. Where else should they be? Does Madame wish to leave
us like a thief in the night, or like--"
"No, no, Batouch. I am very grateful to you all, but especially to you."
Batouch began to smile.
"Madame has entered into our hearts as no other stranger has ever done,"
he remarked. "Madame understands the Arabs. We shall all come to say _au
revoir_ and to wish Madame and Monsieur a happy journey."
For the moment the irony of her situation struck Domini so forcibly that
she could say nothing.
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