“I am Amelia Peabody Emerson, wife and colleague of Radcliffe Emerson, the greatest archaeologist of the previous and current centuries, and I do not have the statue in my possession,” I said resolutely. “You need to retire to the bedroom for further rest. I will awaken you when luncheon trays have been brought here.”

I stared at him until he arose and made his way into the bedroom. I saw no reason to prop the chair under the doorknob as I had done the previous night; I was alert and confident of my ability to control him should he endeavor to leave. Although he was larger than I, he was barely able to totter. Nevertheless, I made certain that my parasol was within reach.

After David returned from the telegraph office, he agreed to remain in the sitting room while I dealt with other items on my list. I stopped at the desk in the lobby and retained a room for Herr Morgenstern. Mr. Baehler, who had doubtlessly received reports from the doctor and Ali, was clearly disgruntled but did as I requested. He must have realized that engaging in a shouting match with me would only result in gleeful speculation among his guests. I exited Shepheard’s and went to the shop to purchase toiletries, looking forward to the opportunity to see to my exacting personal requirements. Once I was presentable, I would call on Mr. Russell and M. Maspero as I had intended.

I was a bit aggrieved when I encountered Miss Smith upon my return to the hotel. Her pink dress had been replaced with one of marigold yellow, and once again her makeup had been applied with a heavy hand. “Good morning,” I murmured politely as I attempted to hurry past her.

“I do so hope you are still available to take tea with me this afternoon, Mrs. Emerson,” she trilled. “I am so excited at the prospect that I scarcely slept last night. To sit across from you and hear about your escapades shall be a great honor. I am shivering with anticipation at the—”

“Yes, at four on the terrace. I shall see you then.” I continued around her and went up the stairs, ignoring whatever else she might have been saying—and vowing to never again read about her silly sheikh. I was pleased to find Ramses and Daoud in my sitting room.

“Are you unharmed, Sitt Hakim?” Daoud shouted as he leapt to his feet. “The Father of Curses would never forgive me if something bad had happened to you! I would never forgive myself! I vowed to protect you, but that man entered your quarters and slept in your bed. I will punish him harshly for his impertinence.”