DISIITHEEITED 11

shed, but you see it is complicated by the fact that Tewfik has the support of the English and French governments; and there can be little doubt that the populace regard the movement as a national one, and directed as much against foreign control and interference as against Tewfik, against whom they have no ground of complaint whatever. On the part of the army and its generals, the trouble has arisen solely on account of the favouritism shown to Circassian ofiicers. “ But once a revolution has commenced it is certain to widen out. The peasantry are everywhere fanatically hostile

to foreigners. Attacks have been made upon these in vari- ous country districts, and should Arabi be triumphant the

position of Christians will become very precarious. Matters

are evidently seen in that light in England, for I heard to-day

at the office that the British and French squadrons are

expected here in a day or two. If there should be a row, our

position here will be very unpleasant. But I should hardly

think that Arabi would venture to try his strength against

that of the fleets, and I fancy that trouble will in the first

place begin in Cairo, both as being the capital of the country and beyond the reach of armed interference by the Powers.

Arabics natural course would be to consolidate his power

throughout the whole of Egypt, leaving Alexandria severely

alone until he had obtained absolute authority elsewhere.

“ Anyhow it will be a satisfaction to have the fleet up, as

at the first rumour of an outbreak I can get you and baby on

board one of the ships lying in harbour. As a simple measure

of precaution, I would suggest that you should go out with me this evening and buy one of the costumes worn by the

native women; it is only a long blue robe enveloping you

from head to foot, and one of those hideous white cotton

veils falling from below the eyes. I will get a bottle of

iodine, and you will then only have to darken your forehead

and eyelids, and you could pass unsuspected through any

crowd.”

But what are you going to do, Gregory ? ”