The Russellville Democrat., 1880-08-26
THE EX-KHEDlVE'S KAREN.
What Naples Lady Saw on a yisi. to the
 Eavorite.

EafoFttes
 St. James Gazette
 A lady living in Naples, who, shortl, before the departure of Ismal Pasha's -womankind for Constantinople, received an invitation to visit the Princess Tch- ecIni Afet. the Khedive's favorite. sends to the Journal de G3leUe an account of her reception, and a description of some of tbe inmates of the Ex- Khedive's Uarem. And says.
 Arrived atthe villa, my carriage passed through the principal entrance, and stopped before Q large iron gate which gave access to a staircase. Two footboys were in attendance at the two sides of the gate. It was opened by species of giant, who, after having admitted me, closed and locked the gate He saluted me in oriental fashion, and, without ut tering word, led the way up the s:air- ease, The women's quarters are on the second floor. Here 1 was delivered by my conductor to anotker great fat per sonGge. who showed me into gallery or corridor into which open the chambers of the women. On my entrance l was received by fifteen female slaves ranged in two rows, who bowed to the ground before me. Then one relieved me of my cloak, another took my muh, third my veil; whereupon an extremely lady like person, a native of Switzerland, who acts as the Princess interpreter, came forward and invited me to accom- pany her to the private experiments of Her Highness, which are reached by a glass-covered corridor The Princess, who had at her side the Princess Faika, one of the Khedive's daughters, re- ,ceived me standing. Tchechmi Afet is fine woman, of imposing presence, large and strong, and with the port of Queen. The Princess does not speak French, although sLe understands all that you say in that language. Her saloon is furnished with the greatest simplicity, Two large sofas upholstered Tn gray staff, two great cushions covered with white linen, and an immense round table enveloped in Turkish cloth were the only things oriental to be seen in the room. A few indifferent Autographs on the wall, gray window curtains half faded, beautiful carpet, an upright piano, few chairs-this is the luxury and magnl6cence of which many stories have been told. Tchechmi Afet appears to be the chief fayorite. She alone receives visits, the other Prin- cesses never being seen nor their names ALNtNiOhCbs Alti Eohi hdS d velvet by Worth, with an enormous train, the bust only being trimmed with lace, Diamond drops hung from her beautiful ears. her hands are small and shapely. She wore neither rings nor bracelets, diamond ear-pendants belng the only jewelry she cares for. Princess Faika wore a dress of green velvet, short that I could admire at my ease her fairy-like feet. She IS delicate, pretty creature, scarcely eighteen years old, with beautiful and abundant haxen hair. She IS very lively, speaks French flu ently, smokes and converses without gene. Alter we had talkes about qur- ter of an hour seven female slaves en- tered and and placed themselves in mili- tary order near the door. One of them carried a large tray covered with a red velvet cloth, richly embroidered, and with golden fringe that swept the floor. The tray held little goblets for coffee la Turque. Another of the slaves carried silver ewer, another silver chafng dish, and other silver plates. The Pin cess was the first served, l the next, then the others. After the coffee some exquisite cigarettes were produced. Al though we had to talk through aA inter- preter, the conversation was lively throughout, and never once Tagged. The Princess takes an interest in everything. l asked her if she dld not weary of her secluded life; if she did not desire to see the city and the country; if her per petual isolation did not make her melan- eholy.
 'Oh, no," she answered, q am quite used to it. l could not act contrary to the customs of my country. The mere thought of going out unveiled is revolt ing to me, and if were to 90 about with my face uncovered people would stare so."
 The young Princess can visit the prin- cesses without being announced. They alone are permitted to see the ladies of the harem unveiled. Before took nay leave Tchechmi Afet and Faika present ed me with their photographs, signed with their names in French and Arabic. When l reached home l was over whelmed with questions and everybody seemed greatly surprised when l said that had seen nothing extraordinary, that had simply the pleasure of mak- ing the acquaintance of two charming and distinguished ladies.