When the Sultan was murdered after only six years rule, his young son Saïd, who was incompetent and clownish, had taken his place.
He had been educated in Paris where de Lesseps had helped to tutor him and as soon as he heard that Saïd was now in power, de Lesseps had caught the first ship for Egypt.
And he received a warm welcome from his former pupil.
The Marquis was recalling all this without speaking as Mr. Disraeli, perceptively remarked,
“I thought perhaps you would remember that Saïd is supposed to have signed de Lesseps’ draft concession for the construction of the Canal without even reading it?”
The Marquis laughed.
“Yes, I had heard that story and I was also told that he had made a very bad deal for Egypt.”
“We were told so at the time,” the Prime Minister agreed, “as Saïd
