The answer was in Arabic, and was spoken by Kaffar.
Five years prior to the time of which I am writing I had been engaged in a work that required a knowledge of the Arabic language, and although it cannot be said I had become anything like proficient in that tongue, I had been taught by an Arabian, and could enter into ordinary conversation.

Thus I understood the Egyptian's reply.
"With regard to Miss Forrest," he said, "I answer not in the language which every one here knows.

Miss Forrest must be yours, and that for several reasons.

She is a flower in herself.

She is an orphan.