10/11 The Armenian gentleman, who was delighted that his mortgage still held good, told me as much when next I saw him in the city. He thought me foolish not to jump at it, particularly when the land was offered to me for a song. But the Consul's prohibition, and the warnings of the English colony, possessed more weight with me just then than his opinion, or, indeed, my own, for I was very young. I have told your Honour the reason why I cannot go to court at present.' Rashid was sad when I informed him of my failure. Once more he cursed the Druzes and all Consuls. |