Page:Domestic Life in Palestine.pdf/382

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PIANO AT HÂIFA.
375

Lamm. We were soon by the seaside and in the road which we had traversed in September. We again looked with admiration on the ruins of Athlite, and passed through the ancient defile into the plain, across which the road formerly passed; many traces of it may still be seen. This plain was much more green and beautiful than when we had seen it before, and the fountain called "Ain Dustrei" was bordered with oleanders covered with pink blossoms. At about eight we paused by a spring, down on the sands, half-way between Athlite and the headland of Carmel. There is a square stone building over the spring with a deep trough or reservoir all round it. Here we alighted and breakfasted on fish and peasant bread, and then rode on quickly to Hâifa, which we reached at ten o'clock, July 30th, and the hearty welcome with which we were greeted gave us great pleasure.

Our friend Mohammed Bek was one of our first visitors, and he was soon followed by Saleh Bek Abdul Hady, the ex-governor, who told me that his wives whom I had visited at Arrabeh were established in Hâifa, and were longing to see me. There were some additions to the European colony, and when Signor Vegetti, the Dutch Vice-Consul, called, he informed us that he had obtained a piano. It was the first which had ever been introduced into Hâifa, and there was no one in the town, excepting myself, who knew how to touch it.

He invited all the Europeans to a soirée a few days after our arrival, that the new instrument might be inaugurated. I had previously tried it and consented to preside on the occasion, as there was no one else to do so.

There was quite a sensation in Hâifa that night, and the open space in front of the house was crowded with listeners, among whom were the new governor, Zachariah Agha, a Turk, Mohammed Bek, and all the chief Moslems. They called the next day on Signor Vegetti, begging him to invite me to meet them at his house, that they might see and hear me play. Then they came to my brother and re-