Summary

In Chapter 3, commerce has resumed in Cairo despite the refusal of Egyptian independence by the British. Haj Taher departed Cairo for Damascus by way of Nablus on a trip to buy more silks. Once in his old home, he received a letter that is addressed in French to Midhat. He could not read it. Midhat had departed for Alexandria to surprise his father in Cairo his way home to Palestine just six days earlier, and this letter had departed Marseille on the same day. Once in Cairo, Midhat was greeted by a newly benevolent Layla and found that his father had gone to Damascus via Nablus. Layla telegraphed to inform Haj Taher that his son was on his way. Um Taher (Teta) was beside herself with excitement at the news, and she invited many women over to prepare and celebrate. During their celebration...