her that such a man
17
Zaita insists he has once been king of mankind, as are all newborns. If fetuses knew what is in store for them, they would never leave the womb. He assures Husniya he has been loved by his beggar parents, who no longer need a borrowed baby to gain sympathy. He remembers a happy childhood in gutters, covered with flies. Humans can adapt to anything—even to being married to Jaada. Gesturing towards his room and giving a sly wink, Zaita suggests one more joy he would like to taste. In a fit of passion, he strips off his cloak and stands naked before Husniya. She fells him with a heavy mug thrown at his belly.
When Umm Hamida comes to buy some things, Alwan goes out of his way to welcome her, for he has made an “unalterable decision” to solve one of the problems that are plaguing his life. God has provided for men whose wives have ceased to be women and who do not wish to commit adultery. He does not know how to broach the subject to Umm Hamida until an employee brings in his famous lunch and they exchange wry smiles. Alwan asks if the bowl offends a professional matchmaker like she; it certainly offends his puritanical wife. Umm Hamida commiserates. Even in her youth, Alwan’s wife had not tolerated his passion and virility, advised him to give up this habit, and warned of consequences to his health. Now she is even less tolerant and talks of leaving home. He considers this rebelliousness as a valid reason to start a new married life. He has warned her of his intention. Umm Hamida’s professional instincts are aroused; eligible men as important as Alwan are a rarity. She offers her services and a range of women of all statuses and ages. Alwan shocks her by declaring he wants only Hamida. Umm Hamida is near hysteria, considering the difference in class—even before remembering her daughter’s engagement. They have even recited the Qur’an to confirm it, she wails.
Hearing this, Alwan’s face drops and turns red with rage at the thought of Hamida marrying a “simpleton barber” who thinks he can get rich on a war that will soon end. Umm Hamida says apologetically that it never dawned on her that such a man would desire her daughter. She says Hamida has nothing to do with the arrangement; it is between herself and Kamil. Alwan suggests they forget the matter, Umm Hamida departs, and he sits, gloomy, perplexed, and angry. He spits on the floor to expel Abbas and imagines the gossip that will eventually reach his children, friends, and enemies. Having survived the fable of his green wheat, he is ready. He will have Hamida, no matter what anyone thinks. Wealth means not having to deny oneself.
Umm Hamida hurries home, filled with conflicting dreams. She finds Hamida combing her hear and wonders how this creature has managed to captivate Alwan. She is nearly envious but realizes she will share in the wealth, but worries how Alwan will react to Hamida’s fierce temper. She clucks at her daughter that she is obviously born under a lucky star, and watches closely as she announces an important man—no dreamer— wants her hand. Hamida cannot guess who and nearly snaps her comb in two upon hearing she is wanted by a man whose wealth cannot be counted. Umm Hamida repeats their conversation word for word and readies herself for an argument. Hamida speaks scornfully of “that barber” when her mother reminds her of the engagement. She forgets Abbas with shocking speed. Hamida does not want her mother seeking
