New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-24


the most of my charms. You know l am TO see
Haleb Bey to-day-here IN my palace, with all his
family"
The girl enjoyed the effect her words produced
TSatsar-ab harlem was as shocked Rhasneh in
her most advanced frame OF mind could have hoped
for.
Yes. yes. he is" the girl repeated He IS
coming, and YOU had better hurry up and tell me
what 10 wear"
Decentralization frightened visibly Surely
her mistress did not care much for the big Amer
lean If she took such interest dressing for his
rival Decentralization psychologist,
also had she always been plain and unattractive 20
men herself.
To decide the great question Of the clothes It he
came necessary TO put them all on, and choose be
tween them IN fair competition. This was no light
matter, and took several hours with the help Of
interested bevy Of slaves. Finally. against the
advice OF all spectators, Rhasneh decided 20 a
deep green gown embroidered with branches of
pomegranate blossoms RubIes and amethysts
bedecked her hair and throat, and when she was
ready for the expected visit her eyes looked tragic
ally dark, and her hair ike night.
Like all of the noble MuSsuuan women RhaSueh
had been taught how 70 be gracious and charming
In her benighted nation charm IS rated higher than
mathematics She had promised her father To be
courteous to Haleb Bey; she willing 70 be
fascinating.
After Haleb Beys mothers and sisters and aunts
and their slaves had all come the big reception
room clad IN their best, II looked Ike garden OF
brilliant flowers. vivid and many COOred were the
costumes. II NAV be that they endeavOred 20 dis
tract their minds from the peculiar and shocking
aspect OF the coming interview by trying 70 outshine
each other IN their raiuent.
When their hostess appeared, miqqrm4ur Of
Mashalah!" all exclaimed as they bowed.
Rhasneh gracefully kissed the hands of the
women. and took her seat pillow on the
floor. The Others followed her example Her
little feet neatly tucked under her. her
green and red slippers, embroidered with gems.
being slipped off and placed in front of her. And
IN front OF every other woman reposed her slip
Pers, some larger, some smaller, as Providence
had ordained
Rhasneh clapped her hands and the slaves
81 came in bringing refreshments Though It was
& the month OF Ramazan, the had set. and
4 the fasting MoSlem world could now feast.
I Other slaves their hands crossed ON tsc,r
4 breasts, followed the first, and helped 20 serve
! from the trays borne by the others
Yet there was that in the air which told -hIt
this was ordinary visit. and this tcu-,ts
increased the minutes brought nearer tae
arrival of the men.
their wells their heads Rhasneh being ....-
cred from head to foot. like a bride
Takshan Pasha came first, followed by O>-r.1
PaSha and then by llaleb Bey. The last WAS
at decided disadvantage. IN his European
clothes, beside the flowing robes of the older
men. Still he was undeniably handsome.
IakShan PaSha walked with great S1icuIus-v
to his daughter. and raised her TO her feet -ac
green and red slippers slipped ON her teet
as II by magic. Instantly the other women
rose too.
"IIaleb Bey" said the old man in a husky voice.
this is Hanum Rhasneh. my only daugh,cr
whose beauty and virtues are well known To your
women here. He drew the veil from the gr..s
face and left her standing thus before the young
man. e." In the name OF Allah and his Prophet, she
IS your wifc!"
The bejeweled little hands of Rbasneh were
claSped together, and her eyes were downcaSt.
Slowly she raised her gaze to Haeb Bev Under
their long black aSheS the violet eyes looked straight
at him. while slight smile permitted the dimPles
TO appear her cheeks. She stood there before all
OF them If she was for sale: still she enOved 10