CHAPTER IX.
Lady Hester in an alcove in her garden—Lucky days observed by her—Consuls' rights—Mischief caused by Sir F. B.'s neglect in answering Lady Hester's Letters—Rashes common in Syria—Visit of an unknown Englishman—Story of Hanah Messâad—Lady Hester's love of truth—Report of her death —Michael Tutungi—Visit from the Chevalier Guys—His reception at Dayr el Mkhallas—Punishment of the shepherd, Câasem—Holyday of the Korbàn Byram—Fatôom's accouchement—Lady Hester's aversion to consular interference—Evenings at Jôon—Old Pierre—Saady.
Friday, February 16, 1838.—About two in the afternoon, on going to pay my visit to Lady Hester Stanhope, I proceeded to her bed-room, thinking, as usual, to find her there, but was told by her maids she was gone into the garden. The day was overcast, and there was every appearance of rain. I found her standing in one of the garden-walks, leaning on her stick (such as those which elderly ladies were accustomed formerly to use in England, and perhaps may now), and pale as a ghost. "Doctor," said she, "I
