He had lived abroad for some years in France and England.

In the latter place he had been one of the Turkish Embassy, and, having none of the outward characteristics of the Turk, and being in appearance more of a Spaniard than an Oriental, he had, by his gifts, his address and personal appearance, won the good-will of the Duchess of Middlesex, and had had that success all too flattering to the soul of a libertine.

It had, however, been the means of his premature retirement from England, for his chief at the Embassy had a preference for an Oriental entourage.

He was called Foorgat Bey.
Sitting at table, Nahoum alone of all present had caught David's arrested look, and, glancing up, had seen the girl's face at the panel of mooshrabieh, and had seen also over her shoulder the face of his brother, Foorgat Bey.

He had been even more astonished than David, and far more disturbed.