these prohibitions and exemptions of the Church. And the father of Najma, though assenting, remarks nevertheless that the alms demanded are much. “Why,” exclaims Khalid, “I can build a house for five hundred piasters.”
The priest sits down cross-legged on the divan, lights the cigarette which Najma had offered with the coffee, and tries to explain.
“And where have you this, O Reverend, about consanguinity, prohibition, and alms!” Khalid asks.
“Why, my child, in the Canons of our Church, Catholic and Apostolic. Everyone knows that a marriage between cousins can not be effected, without the sanction of the Bishop.”
“But can we not obtain this sanction without paying for it?”
“You are not paying for it, my child; you are only contributing some alms to the Church.”
“You come to us, therefore, as a beggar, not as a spiritual father and guide.”
“That is not good speaking. You misunderstand my purpose.”
“And pray, tell me, what is the purpose of prohibiting a marriage between cousins; what chief good is there in such a ban?”
“Much good for the community.”
“But I have nothing to do with the community. I’m going to live with my wife in the desert.”
“The good of your souls is chiefly concerned.”
“Ah, the good of our souls!”