Chapters 23-25 Summary

Hamida wants the stranger to return to the café, despite his worry about suspicions, and crouches by her window to watch for him. She feels victorious as he walks up the alley, eyes fixed on her shutters, smiling with resignation. Their eyes meet. Hamida assumes he wants the same thing as Abbas and Alwan. She sees nothing in the way of attaining her high goals. They stare at one another boldly and all of Hamida's instincts sharpen. A battle approaches. The aimlessness with which she has wandered through life is gone. He is no penniless beggar. When he leaves for the night, her eyes follow him and her lips murmur, "Tomorrow."

Next afternoon, Hamida sets out anticipating battle and delighting in life. She sees him at a corner, approaches boldly, and is about to walk past when he grabs her hand...