And indeed there was a remarkable revival
going on below the surface. The persecutions to which the Shazlis had
been subjected had caused the movement to grow with redoubled force, and
the number of converts increased from day to day. Many were secretly
baptized, and many more were yearning for baptism. Richard knew all
this, and sympathized with the converted Shazlis heart and soul. Indeed
I think he was never nearer a public profession of Catholicity than at
that time. What he might have done for them, if he had had the chance,
I know not; but the chance was denied him.
The next week or two went by without anything important happening. On
June 25 we went by the Wali's invitation to a grand review at El Haneh,
the first ever seen in Syria. Nothing could exceed the kindness and
courtesy of the Wali. Indeed every one was very kind to me, the only
woman present. We had fireworks and dinner, and then wild native dances,
and after a pleasant drive home to Damascus in Abd el Kadir's carriage.
About this time the heat was very great; not a breath of air was
stirring, night or day. We felt like the curled-up leaves of a book.
Food or sleep was impossible to us. Every one who could fled from
Damascus. I refused to go to summer quarters because Richard could
not go too, and I would not shirk anything he had to bear. At last,
however, I fell ill of fever, and Richard sent me away to Bludan.
One night, when I was sitting alone, I heard a great noise against the
door.
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