They also performed pantomimes and sang and recited
tales of love and war until far into the night.
The next day we started early. I was sorry to leave, for the Sitt
Jumblatt and I had formed a great friendship. We rode to B'teddin, the
palace of the Governor of the Lebanon, where we were received with open
arms. Five hundred soldiers were drawn up in a line to salute us, and
the Governor, Franco Pasha, welcomed us with all his family and suite.
After our reception we were invited to the divan, where we drank coffee.
Whilst so engaged invisible bands struck up "God Save the Queen"; it was
like an electric shock to hear our national hymn in that remote place--
we who had been so long in the silence of the Anti-Lebanon. We sprang
to our feet, and I was so overcome I burst into tears.
In the morning we rode back to Mukhtara, where we went to the house of
the principal Druze Shaykh, and were most graciously received. I love
the Druzes and their charming, courteous ways. Whilst staying here we
made several excursions, and among others we ascended Mount Hermon.
The Druze chiefs came from all parts to visit us.
After some days we left. Richard was to go home by a way of his own, and
I was to return escorted by a Druze Shaykh. Poor Jiryus, my _sais_,
walked by my side for a mile when I started, and after kissing my hand
with many blessings, he threw his arms round Salim's neck and kissed
his muzzle.
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