Chapters 19-22 Summary

One morning, Midaq Alley awakens to find a pavilion being set up on adjacent Sanadiqiya Street. Kamil suspects it is for a funeral, but it is instead for a political rally. Kamil knows nothing about politics beyond a few names. Loudspeakers are hung on street corners and the stage is decorated with pictures of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Nahas and the local Wafd candidate: Ibrahim Farhat, a merchant on Nahasin Street. Calm returns as construction ends and lasts until late afternoon when short, husky, round-faced Farhat arrives with a retinue. His walk betrays self-confidence and his eyes "honest simplicity". Everyone expects to benefit from his bounty. He makes his way from door to door, greeting people. People stream into Kirsha's Café and the candidate orders a round of tea for all.

Farhat notices that Kirsha is aloof, having earlier declined an offer...