Chapters 51-57 Summary

Umm Maryam visits Ahmad at his store, as he has anticipated. She is flirtatious but reminds him of his past coolness. Ahmad thinks about having spared Fahmy a wanton wife like Umm Maryam, who must have been finding satisfaction during her husband's paralysis. That would be hereditary—fine for a "skirt-chaser" but not for a husband. Ahmad loses respect for her as his lust grows. Knowing that Umm Maryam is conquered, Ahmad thinks about how to break off peacefully with Zubayda.

In Chapter 52 Fahmy is obsessed with nationalism, using political texts for Kamal's dictation and reading aloud a handbill containing a letter from the Wafd Delegation to the Sultan, asking him to be as vigorous in protesting British denial of Egypt's rights before the Versailles Peace Conference as the prominent ministers who have resigned in protest. The Nation is united...