Kirsha’s Café is closed when Zaita slips
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Chapters 26-28 Chapters 26-28 Summary Hamida awakens beneath a white ceiling and crystal light and remembers her new life. The door is closed and the key is where she has left it. She smiles and slides out of the luxurious bed. When Faraj knocks, Hamida takes a few moments to tidy herself. He gives her a strange nickname, Titi. Her old name, like her old clothes, must be forgotten. She wishes her rough hands and shrill voice could be so easily changed. Faraj says English and Americans will like this ancient, easily pronounced name. He assures her she will know everything shortly. She will be transformed into a lady of “dazzling beauty and fame” in this house. He must give her a tour immediately. He gives her robe and slippers, perfumes her, and advises not to act shy or nervous. She stares at him and then shrugs indifferently.
In the Department of Oriental Dancing, Hamida meets two girls and the effeminate dance instructor, Susu. In the Department of Western Dancing, she marvels at the noise and movement of beautifully dressed and made-up girls. Behind a third door, however, she is mortified to watch a woman standing naked and reciting the English names of various parts of her body. Recitation class is where girls clarify what they pick up in taverns and hotels. Faraj says no one can force Hamida to do anything; she cannot be mastered or deceived. She will master the subjects quickly if she wishes. She may dance or not, be brave or not, stay or return. Hamida’s tensions subside. As Faraj kisses her fingertips, Hamida sighs and presses against him. Her lips are parted when he lifts her chin. Faraj carries her to bed, and looks at her seductively, controls himself because, he says, Americans will pay £50 for a virgin. Hamida springs to the floor and attacks like a tiger. Faraj absorbs a slap, smiles sardonically, and strikes her just as hard. Hamida blanches and attacks with her nails. Rather than defend himself, Faraj pulls her close. Hamida clings to him, trembling with passion.
Even Kirsha’s Café is closed when Zaita slips out to begin his rounds. He runs into Booshy, who announces Abdul Hamid Taliby has died and has been buried between Nasr Gate and the mountain road. He has been buried with a full set of gold teeth. They enter the gloomy cemetery grounds, pick up Booshy’s concealed tools including a spade and candle, and hurry to Taliby’s tomb. The direct route is unsafe, so they split up, sneak around back, and scale the wall into the courtyard. Booshy is nervous but Zaita remains calm. Inside they identify the sepulcher. As he has many times before, Zaita pries up the heavy flagstones and, with Booshy’s help, lays them aside. Zaita insists Booshy accompany him down the stairs and light the candle. The “sequence of history” is revealed in the shrouds laid side by side. Zaia uncovers Taliby’s head, pries out his false teeth, and restores the shroud. Booshy exits first and screams as he is seized. Zaita retreats but there is nowhere to go, and he has the golden evidence in his pocket. News circulates fast about the grave robbers. Afify is overcome with hysteria and hurls her gold plate away. Her new husband jumps from the bathtub and runs to her rescue.
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