On reaching home they found that Caxton and Mahmoud had flown in together for the day.  Ben had been disappointed to find Jill not at home on his arrival but he had managed to bear up without tears through the company of Anne, Miriam, and Dorcas.  Mahmoud always visited for the avowed purpose of seeing his protégé, Mike, and Dr. Harshaw; however, he too had shown fortitude at having only Jubal's food, liquor, garden - and odalisques - to entertain him during his host's absence.  He was lying face down with Miriam rubbing his back while Dorcas rubbed his head.