Although he was not at home when we arrived, we were immediately shewn into the room of state, where we reclined on soft divans, and were regaled with sherbet of all colours, green, yellow, red, etc., and with coffee flavoured with roses, which we did not like.

Hookahs (or tchibuks) were also handed round.

At length the Consul's wife appeared, a young and beautiful lady of an imposing figure, dressed in the Oriental garb.

She smoked her tchibuk with as much ease as the gentlemen.

Luckily a brother of this lady who understood something of Italian was present, and kindly acted as interpreter.
I have never found an Oriental woman who knew any language but that of her own country.
After we had rested ourselves, we pursued our journey in a boat to Acre.