Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-06-03


fight Of tiled stairs landed US in this
gallery, which was paved and wains-
coated with ornamental tiles Of many
colors and patterns, and protected
by a beautifully carved wooden rail
ing joining the pillars and arches
which supported another galleryabove
Arched inches in the walls held vases
of flowers or potted plants. The whole
court was
OPEN TO THE SKY,
the four walls inclosing it-perhaps
some IL or IA feet in depth-contain-
ing the different apartments of the
family. In the summer time an avn
ing is stretched owe the top to shut
out the rays of the sun.
The servant stopped before the
folding doors Of one of the apartments
and pushing aside a heavy silken cur
tain that fell from ceiling to floor,
motioned US to enter. Within. seated
on cushions on the floor with a bra
zier Of red hot charcoal in their.
midst, was a little group OF Moorish
ladies, apparently callers, like our
selves, but from motives of friendship
rather than curiosity. Divested Of
their outer robes, which make them
look in the street like so many big
white holsters, they displayed a rich
ness Of attire and a blaze Of jowelry
that can only be seen among orientals
and, which indeed, can only beworn
BY orientals. Out from this Gil Gle OF
splendor the lady Of the house rose and
coming forward greeted the new com
crs with an easy grace. We had
learned the proper formula on such
occasions--the "Salaam Aleicum!'
With the right hand pressed upon the
heart, and the head gracefully in
clined-and, after the reciprocal salu
tation had passed around the circle
we seated ourselves on the silkeI
cushions about the floor, and addressed
ourselves to the business of being on
tertained. The room was heavy witt
aromatic odors. The only light tina
was admitted was through the staine,
glass Of small, deeply recessed, and
sToUTLY BARRED WINDOWS
that looked out on the court. TIL
doors and windows were bordere,
with beautifully ~variegated tiles, an.
a band of the same decorated tn
whitewashed walls. Occasional archie
inches in the walls displayed som
rare treasure Of oriental art, quaih
pottery, and ivory chests inlaid wit
silver. The ceiling was beautiful
; sculptured and richly frescoeC
. Against the outer wall we're place
luxurious cushioned divans for reclin
ing; and on the tiled floor were lai
! Turkey rugs, with cushions Of differ
ent sizes for seats. Not a chair or
u. table, q mirror or a book. The Who'll
, formed a rich setting for the bejewele
{ central group. We we're introduce
to the six months bride OF one {
Hamoud's sons, a rather heavy fea
1 tured, sleepy eyed young lady, VII
I was heavily loaded with gold an
, silver ornaments, and who wore abov
! her white trousers a green brocade
Jacket trimmed with gold lace,
q brilliant hued silken robe over hC
Z shoulders, and a gold worked sea-
4 twisted among her black tressei
Since the day when Hamoud be
= Hamoud brought her home she ha
y never seen the light Of day, {
a breathed the fresh air, except as ST
= got IL in the open court. For
A YEAR AFTER MARRIAGE
tho Moorish woman keeps strict
within doors-excluded even from al
= bearing on the terrace, the fayori.
evening resort Of the women in Il
summer time. A sprightly, blacI
~ eyed little girl Of nine or ten years
aee. who wore a %coquettish little su
4 Of white cloth trimmed with yelvC
= was already betroth, We were told al
4 was 10 be married in two years. Pc
- little wifel Married to a man 81
4 never saw and old enough, perhaps,
be her grandfather; a mother befo
IL her own baby days arc over the sla
Of brutal lust and caprice q thing
be scorned and cursed and beaten
"a woman, drilled in the arts Of cunni
n and deceit and intrigue. when g
i. should DO only a g%uileless, rompi
et child.
y. spades, and arrayed in gorgeous 9
parel, came in, bearing a tray Of cot
and sweetmeats. She set the II
down on the floor before her mistre
ce who proceeded 10 pour the aroma
fluid into little delicate China Gu