The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-05-04

gray moustache. He was dressed like
an English or American business man.
That night II was requested to take
coffee with their Royal Highnesses 1t
was carried in by a girl in brass
brazier full of glowing charcoal, sus-
pended on chains.
''sf AIR said I to myself, ''the real
Turkish coffee Alas, a disappoint-
ment! 1t was sickly sweet, gritty
connection.
The. Luxury OF A Turkish Bath
My next establishment came at
night time. While we talked, was
wondering how l could procure bath
the luxurious Turkish bath of which
one hears. But in my ignorance of
Turkish could speak to no one but
the prince and princess. l finally de-
cided there was nothing for it but to
ask Her Highness. To my relief, she
replied at once: Il will order a bath
for you, mademoiselle."
A woman servant beckoned me to a
lofty stone chamber with a domed cell
ing studded with small round buttons
of green glass. In an alcove was deep
gray marble trough. The cold flag
door was covered with water. Beside
the trough stood three silent women
holding tiny brass vessels. They point
ed to pair of high wooden shoes.
The bottom of the bath was contin-
,uation Of the stone floor. There was
not sign of hot water, or cold either.
By their signals, / gathered that the
women expected me to stand in the
trough while they poured the water over
me. The Mohammedan religion requires
one to battle in flowing water.
In Indignation | retreated to the door
and said, "Sultana, Sultana." / want
ed the princess. My awe had disap-
peared, When she arrived / even for
got to bow, / asked to have some wa
ter heated and poured into the trough.
With an air of outraged dignity she
gave orders to the women and returned.
That bath took a good part Of the
night. On two charcoal stoves of cop
per a quart of water was coaxed to boil.
As it began to steam it was poured
into the bath to cool. The net result
was two inches of tepid water.
Trunk Ropes Make PIaythings
Next morning / took up my work in
the harem, / had no instructions ex-
cept that was to teach the children
English Never did days pass so slow
ly. Unlike princesses of fairy tales, my
little charges had few playthings. /
took the. ropes from my trunks and
taught them to skip, and they and the
unlocking harem loved it. One day /
bought them a game Of tiddlewinks and
it made q sensation.
Day in the harem began late and fire.
quently the residents did not go to bed
until two in the morning.
His Highness was out early and led
a brisk and busy life in spite of all of
his restrictions He painted and
played the violin, cello and piano, and
taught the princess to play the violin.
Twice a week there were household
concerts,
One day an upright piano appeared.
A famous pianist was coming that aft
ernoon. At four O'Clock two .eunuchs
beckoned me to follow. expected to
find crowd. There We're only the
prince, his aide, his secretary, and the
little princess and the visiting artist.
In distant doorway stood a group Of
eunuchs.
We took our places in a solemn row.
The prince, his head thrown back, lis
tened with rapt attention. The Lit
tie princess was bored. All through
the performance kept thinking what
a pity the women, were missing the
treat. yes! but they are here" smiled
His Highness as remarkedsit. "They
are behind those screens" Sure enough,
there they were, on flat cushions
around the princess who was seated on
chair. They looked as placid as al
ways.
BIRD In A GiIded Cage"
Almost any man or woman in the
Turkish street had more freedom than
these exalted personages. The prince
often sighed that he was bird in
gilded cage. His movements were or
dered and restricted by the sultan and
the outer gates of the palace were lock-
ed at seven o'clock every evening. IT
took a special command to allow me to
60 out one evening a week.
On the rare occasions when the
Turkish women went on an excursion
they simply crossed, the Bosphorus in
the royal motor launch to the summer
residence. These outings were great
events 10 them. ROBBED il black and