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been resold to the Egyptian government
for an enormous price – now that it is
rendered fertile by the steady water
supply – M de L is so bright and agreeable
he has lately married a girl of 22
about the age of his very charming
daughter in law who has fascinated us
M de L lives very simply in a pretty
Chalet at Ismailia & most hospitably
he sent us in his carriage & 4 - gallopping [galloping]
over the desert to see all of interest
within reach of Ismailia

He says he intends at present to
reside there 8 months every year
They call him M [Monsieur] le President
he is the greatest man in Egypt
next to the Vice Roy – at present –
Ships pass continually through the
Canal – but as yet not in the hoped for
numbers – I dont doubt its success
We spent a fortnight at Ismailia
and now I hope we shall stay here
all the rest of the winter – in fact
until we can go north to Denmark
Chris. is much brightened & improving