My medical reputation has become far too great, and all my common drugs—­Epsom salts, senna, aloes, rhubarb, quassia—­run short.  Especially do all the poor, tiresome, ugly old women adore me, and bore me with their aches and pains.  They are always the doctor’s greatest plague.  The mark of confidence is that they now bring the sick children, which was never known before, I believe, in these parts.  I am sure it would pay a European doctor to set up here; the people would pay him a little, and there would be good profit from the boats in the winter.  I got turkeys when they were worth six or eight shillings apiece in the market, and they were forced upon me by the fellaheen.  I must seal up this for fear the boat should come; it will only pick up M. Brune and go on.

April, 1866:  Mrs. Ross

To Mrs. Ross.  EED EL KEBEER, Wednesday, April, 1866.

Dearest Janet,

I had not heard a word of Henry’s illness till Mr. Palgrave arrived and told me, and also that he was better.  Alhamdulillah!  I only hope that you are not knocked up, my darling.  I am not ill, but still feel unaccountably weak and listless.  I don’t cough much, and have got fatter on my regime of camel’s milk,—­so I hope I may get over the languor.  The box has not made its appearance.  What a clever fellow Mr. Palgrave is!  I never knew such a hand at languages.  The folks here are in admiration at his Arabic.  I hope you will see M. Brune.  I am sure you would like him.  He is a very accomplished and gentlemanly man.

You have never told me your plans for this year or whether I shall find you when I go down.  The last three days the great heat has begun and I am accordingly feeling better.  I have just come home from the Bairam early prayer out in the burial-place, at which Palgrave also assisted.  He is unwell, and tells me he leaves Luxor to-morrow morning.  I shall stay on till I am too hot here, as evidently the summer suits me.

Many thanks for Miss Berry and for the wine, which makes a very pleasant change from the rather bad claret I have got.  Palgrave’s book I have read through hard, as he wished to take it back for you.  It is very amusing.

If you come here next winter Mustapha hopes you will bring a saddle, and ride ‘all his horses.’  I think I could get you a very good horse from a certain Sheykh Abdallah here.

Well, I must say good-bye. Kulloo sana intee tayib, love to Henry.

April, 1866:  Mrs. Austin

To Mrs. Austin.  BAIRAM, April, 1866.

Dearest Mutter,