The Osceola times., 1885-11-21
A JEALOUS BEY
What Came of a Doctors Visit
to an Egyptian Harem.

DIR. Edward Warren, in his forthcom.
ing book. "A Doctors Experiences in
Three Continents gives the following
amusing account Of his professional visits
to a harem in Egypt, and the jcal-
ousy caused by his politeness to fair
patient:
came near being the cause of d.
vorce on one occasion, by simply doing
that which considered to be demanded
by the laws of common politeness Twas
sent for by ar old Bey of wealth and in
fuence to visit the youngest of his four
wives-a hazel-eyed Circassian-who
was suffering from stomatites, produced
by the use of henna, substance in com.
mon use among the women of Egypt for
the staining Of their nails, teeth. the
soles of their feet. etc. found her
seated upon a divan. covered with n
hobdrrah, and as a special privilege |
was permitted to introduce nv hand be-
meath its folds and to feel her gums
Prescribing TO the best of my ability.
under these disadvantageous circum-
stances, ! promised to return in few
days and bowed myself out of the apart.
ment.
On my second visit, by some accident
left my dragoman at home, and found
on my arrival at the Bey's residence.
that its master was absent. The eunuch
received me very graciously. however,
nd al Ts-fA fAI to 4
his mistress, where found the patient
awaiting me. The fair invalid was un-
usually complaisant, expressing much
pleasure at my visit, chatting gaily
about her malady, and gradually remov-
ing her veil until she had uncovered her
entire face, which | thought perfectly
right, as her mother was present, and as
1t enabled me to examine her gums, and
to make proper application to them.
She then ordered coffee and cigarettes.
which | accepted in the best Arabic that
| could master, and made myself as
agreeable as possible, though not getting
beyond a few commonplace expressions
taken from the phrase-book.
! was delighted with the manner in
which | had been entertained. and de-
parted, rejoiced in the conviction that
had made a good impression upon the
invalid. and had secured the family en-
permanence as friends and patrons.
At early hour on the succeeding
morning received a message from the
Bey TO the effect that his wife had gone
to the country for change Of air, and
the sum of fifty francs in return for my
professional services. Assured at once
that something was wrong, | sent
Achmed around to present my compli-
menis and to ascertain the difficulty.
He soon returned, looking as pale as a
ghost, and frightened nearly out of his
wits.
"Oh, Doctor" he exclaimed, as he
entered my office, the Bey is terribly
angry with you. He is going to visit
the Khedive to complain that you have
insulted him and to ask for redress. He
says that you shall be driven on, of the
country for the great outrage that you
have perpetrated in his house on yes
terday. You are in serious trouble. !
am sorry that was not with you
'Iwas as polite and respectful as posi-
bic on yesterday. | conducted myself
asa gentleman and physician in every
way, OF what does the old fool COM
plain?"
He says that you have violated the
Mohammedan law-that You have Of
fered an insult to the religion and the
customs of the country. and he swears
by the beard of the Prophet that you
shall be punished for it. He has already
punished his wife"
IL ,.,,xa1 tNhat daac IL oil
mean?"
His wife uncovered herself before
you, did she notp'
Yes, but | had nothing to do with
her uncovering herself She did II OF
her own volition. What have done,
should like TO know?"
You looked at her face; you saw her
mouth and the back OF her head.
OF course. But how could ! help
seeing her face and head when she I'M
covered themp As for her mouth, 1t is
what wanted to see. Was there any
crime in seeing what was before my
seyes-in looking at what was sent for
70 treat?n
Yes. Doctor, according to the Mo
hammedan law, il was crime to look
Al them, and especially at her mouth
and head. You have defiled her by gal'
ng at them. and have placed your life
even at the mercy Of her husband.
! "A crime to look at her face! Detiled
oy seeing her mouth and head! Wha'
was to do when she uncovered herself
and exposed them to my view?"
1T was your solemn duty 20 turn youi
oack upon her and then walk TO the cor
ser OF the room and hold your face un
she had recovered herself. That Il
shat our law and customs demand un
ser such circumstances; and II is for no
uolng that precise thing that the Ole
~an Is angry and is going TO report yo'
" bis highness."
We'll, let him report Is soon as d
'esses- His Highuess has livl6 II
Nrsaaa countries. and be knows The