frigid heart does not warm
11
Chapters 10-14 Chapters 10-14 Summary In a suit and with his hair neatly curled, Abbas admires himself in a mirror, and then emerges from his shop at his favorite time of day, early evening, to stroll the rain- washed alley. Next door, Kamil dozes, and Abbas sings to himself about happiness being the key to happiness. Kamil awakens, congratulates his friend on being in love, and warns Abbas not to sell his shroud to pay for a dowry. For four days, Abbas feels self-confident about Hamida, certain that her resistance is but the natural behavior of desirous women, but then he begins to consider she might truly be resistant, cruel, or rude. Morning and afternoon he looks at her window, hoping to see her moving behind the shutters. When he cannot stand this lonely vigil, he approaches her again in Darasa, only to be snubbed. Today, he sets out again with hope and confidence.
When Hamida and her girlfriends pass, Abbas falls in behind them, and when the last departs, he approaches Hamida and tries to speak. Hamida neither likes nor dislikes Abbas. Despite her greedy ambitions, she realizes he is the only suitable young man in the alley. She decides to find out what he is like and what he wants. Feigning annoyance, she bluntly asks and he, seeing a faint smile, suggests they turn off onto the quieter Azhar Street. He is giddy when, without a word, she does so. Rebellious Hamida has no moral qualms, but naturally needs to quarrel and fight. She flares at his suggestions that she be patient and kind and says she must get home if all he can say is he wants “everything that is good”.
Abbas replies he wants to plan a life together. Hamida likes his simple, sincere manner, but her frigid heart does not warm, and she does not respond. Abbas asks if she can see sincerity in his eyes, for everyone in Midaq Alley knows his intentions. Hamida frowns and says, “You have disgraced me”. Abbas is horrified and declares by Hussain that he truly loves her, even more than her mother does. Pride and vanity diminish Hamida’s inclination to violence, experiencing how words of love please the ears, even when they do not appeal to the heart. Immediately, however, she considers the future under the protection of a poor man. She will gain few material benefits while reaping much housework and childcare. She shudders and wishes she had not consented to walk with him. Filled with hope, Abbas begs Hamida to break her silence. Her love has made him into a new man, determined to work for the British and succeed like her “brother” Hussain. He wishes Hamida’s reactions were romantic rather than financial, but takes what he can get. He is leaving for Tell el-Kabir for the duration of the war, and then will return to open a new barbershop in a better location and build them a luxurious home. He asks for Hamida’s prayers. She sees for the first time that Abbas might provide some of the things she craves, and piously asks God to grant him success. Abbas says, “Amen”.
Hamida’s indecision diminishes, but a delighted Abbas misspeaks, saying they will be the happiest couple in Midaq Alley. Hamida scowls, realizing how much Abbas loves this
