Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 27, 2025
The Sultana and her children were alone, with the exception of half-a-dozen beautiful Georgian slaves, and one or two negresses, who attended on them. Of course no gentlemen were present! "My husband is very fond of yours," said Ashweesha, with a pleasant smile, leading her guests to a large cushion on the floor, and squatting them down beside her.
Indeed, her husband did not seem to expect an answer, for he continued to smoke for some time in silence, with his eyes fixed abstractedly on a tame gazelle the kitten of the harem which tried to attract his attention. "Thou art sad, or anxious, to-night," said Ashweesha, at length breaking silence. "Both sad and anxious," replied the Dey slowly.
No word was uttered, because none was needed. The Dey leaped in and shut the door violently, just as his infuriated pursuers gained it, while Ashweesha, with cool precision, shot in the heavy bolts, and let down the ponderous bars.
She specially praised the splendid napkins and the spoons before referred to, and when they rose from table, the Sultana presented her and Agnes with those that they had used. After giving them coffee and making another vain attempt to extract information, Ashweesha dismissed her guests, who returned home charmed with the novelty of their reception and entertainment.
"Thou seest, Ashweesha," he said, with a sad smile, as the Sultana followed him to the terrace, "my time has come. It is fate. Allah has willed it so there is therefore no possibility of averting it." "Say not so," cried Ashweesha earnestly; "the terrace of Jacob is easily gained; once there you can descend to some of the back streets where no one looks for you."
"That is so far well," said Ashweesha, letting her delicate henna-stained fingers play idly with the gorgeous pearls which fell like a lustrous fountain from her neck, "but it is possible that he may reflect on the propriety of trying to secure, at no distant date, a master who will reward him more liberally without conveying covert threats.
"My position is indeed one of power, but not of comfort or safety." A shade rested for a moment like a flitting cloud on the face of Ashweesha. Gladly would she have exchanged her high estate, with all its costly and gorgeous array, for a life of humble toil accompanied with peace and security for she was of gentle nature but this was denied her.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking