Learning Egyptian.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 88

Learning Egyptian.

Tho Khedive of Egypt has a saving- & on^ of humour. He is not too dignified to laugh cordially at whatever amuses him, whether in the centre of his great audienro room or at one of his state dinners. He tells with relish this incident of an American girl and himself, and evidently considers it -i capital joke. The young .roman had been presented at his palace, and he especially admired her alert, eager face and graceful manner. The Khedive asked her if she could speak the Arabic language. He was talking in English, French, and German to his guests, and wondered why the clever Americans did not learn the lan«uaso spoken in Cairo.

"You, for instance, haven't picked up any of our language, have you?" he eaici to the girl. " I can say one or two words," she answered.

" Let us hear them," said the Khed : ve.

She put out her hand towards his pocket, and with a perfect imitation of the whine of the beggars at Cairo said: "Baksheesh, Excellency!" With instant appreciation of her audacity, he gave her a gold coin from his vest pocket, which she treasures as a souvenir of Egypt.