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12 Market
Day
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EXT. CAIRO MARKET. DAY
A STREET MARKET in full sway, a locals-only affair, blazing with noise and bustle and barter. Emerging from a thicket of women and begging children, KATHARINE CLIFTON carries her purchase of an exotic-looking Carpet.
From nowhere she is joined by Almásy who nods at the carpet.
ALMÁSY: How much did you pay?
KATHARINE (delighted): Oh, hello!
ALMÁSY: They don't see foreign women in this market. How much did you pay?
KATHARINE: Seven, eight pounds, I suppose.
ALMÁSY: Which stall?
KATHARINE: Why?
ALMÁSY: You've been cheated, don't worry, we'll take it back.
KATHARINE (bristling): I don't want to take it back.
ALMÁSY: This is not worth eight pounds, Mrs. Clifton.
KATHARINE: It is to me.
ALMÁSY: Did you bargain?
KATHARINE: I don't care to bargain.
ALMÁSY: That insults them.
KATHARINE (turning to face him): I don't believe that. I think you are insulted by me, somehow.
ALMÁSY (of the carpet): I'd be very happy to obtain the correct price for this. I apologize if I appear abrupt. I am rusty at social graces.
ALMÁSY: How do you find Cairo? Did you visit the Pyramids?
KATHARINE: Excuse me.
ALMÁSY: Or the Sphinx?
He stands as she continues, pushing past him, boiling.