Chapter 23 Summary

Sharif and Isma'il Sabri attend a celebration in Wisa Wasif's salamlek marking his son's return from Europe. Anna is upstairs with the women. Sharif declares it preposterous they should need a testimonial from Muhammad 'Abdu to set up a school. The document declares modern art outside the traditional Islamic condemnation because its purpose differs from the idolatry of old. At least they have the Mufti's endorsement, Sabri declares. They switch topics to 'Urabi Pasha, who has given a positive interview about the British in Egypt. Sharif is sorry to see 'Urabi gone senile and foolish. Dr. Milton Bey introduces himself to Sharif, but speaks too little French for them to converse. Sharif wonders whether he will be called a friend of the British for greeting this physician who is doing good for the Egyptians. Qasim Amin and Prince Muhammad Ibrahim join them and...