It seemed to me that the less insolent I appeared, the less likely they were to vent their wrath on me.

I tried to look as if I didn't understand I was intruding--as if I expected a welcome.
"Good!" Anazeh whispered in my ear.

"You do well." There was a murmur of remonstrance.

The sheikh who had dared to rebuke Anazeh found the resentment turned against himself.
Somebody told him sharply to mend his manners.

Anazeh, shrewd old opportunist, promptly directed the servant to place cushions on the edge of the carpet, in front of the first row of those who wished to appear important.