Have you news of Mahmud ?" "Yes, lady.

He is a prisoner, but well and unharmed.

I have obtained an order, from the General, that you are to be treated with honours, as his wife.

We cannot do much for you, at present, but all that is possible will be done.

I have represented your kindness to me, and these soldiers will at once erect an arbour for you, and food will be brought for you all, as soon as matters have settled down a little." The Egyptian soldiers had already begun to cut down saplings.
Accustomed as they were to the work, in half an hour they had erected an arbour.