Isa’s mother blinked and looked hopeful; she agreed with what Hasan was saying. Isa was annoyed at her hasty reaction and asked himself suspiciously what the real reason for the visit might be, vowing that he would never agree to marry Hasan’s sister even if it meant dying of hunger. “I could find work if I wanted,” he replied with a false air of confidence.

“Why don’t you want to?” Hasan asked, with what seemed an air of brotherly concern.

“I want a long rest, something like two years or more.”

“You’re joking, of course!”

“No,” Isa replied. “I see no need to hurry,” he went on in an irate tone of voice, “especially as my engagement has been broken off.”

Hasan looked at the tree standing motionless outside the window, avoiding his friend’s gaze. He said nothing.

“Had you heard the news?” Isa asked anxiously.

“Yes,” Hasan replied, in a voice that showed he did not like the subject. “I heard about it. During a conversation I had in passing with Ali Bey. A most regrettable situation!” The last words sounded critical.

“I taught him a lesson he won’t forget!” Isa snapped.

“I gathered as much from our conversation, although the Bey didn’t mention it in so many words. But let’s change the subject. Maybe the best thing is to accept the choice God has made.” He looked affectionately at Isa. “I’ve got a job for you with a respectable company,” he said.

The sudden frown on Isa’s face showed Hasan that something was troubling him.

“A company that produces and distributes films,” Hasan continued. “I’ve been chosen as deputy director, but we need a qualified accounting supervisor.”

“Hasan,” Isa’s mother exclaimed, “that’s very good of you!”

Now the picture was becoming very clear, Isa told himself. I’m to be a civil servant with him as my boss, and a husband for his sister as well. If that’s the case, then death take me whenever it wishes!

“I both congratulate and thank you!” he said carefully, and then smiled apologetically. “But I must decline.”

Disappointment was written all over Hasan’s face and seemed to dampen momentarily its overflowing vitality. “Won’t you think about it?” he asked.

“I thank you once more, but no!”

Hasan looked at him and then at his stupefied mother. “It’s a very respectable job,” he said.

“I’m sure it is, but I’m determined to have a long vacation.”

Hasan paused for a moment. “It’s not just a job,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity to involve yourself in the new system. Our aim in creating this new company is to serve the government’s interests.”

“At the moment,” Isa replied firmly, “rest is more important to me than any interest.”