ve a good opinion of her own
charms."

In the evening the sultan made his appearance, and I prostrated myself
at his feet, for I did not wish to proceed too far at once. He raised me
up and appeared delighted.

"You are right, Zara," said he; "no jewels or dress could add to the
splendour of your beauty."

"Pardon me, O gracious lord," replied I, "but if thy slave is to please
thee, may it be by her natural charms alone. If I have the honour to
continue in thy favour, let me adorn myself with those jewels which
ought to decorate the chosen of her master--but as a candidate I have
rejected them, for who knows but in a few days I may be deserted for one
more worthy of your preference?"

The sultan was delighted at my apology, and I certainly was pleased with
him. He was then about forty years of age, very handsome and well made;
but I was still more gratified to find that my conversation amused him
so much that he remained with me for many hours after his usual time for
retiring. This gave promise of an ascendancy which might survive
personal charms. But not to detain your highness, I will at once state,
the sultan soon thought but of me. Not only my personal attractions, but
my infinite variety, which appeared natural, but was generally planned
and sketched out previous to his visits, won so entirely upon him, that
so far from being tired, his passion, I may say his love, for me was
every day increased.

* * * * *

"Well, it _may_ be all true," observed the pacha, looking at the
wrinkled and hideous object before him. "What do you say, Mustapha?"

"O pacha! we know not yet her history. The mother of your slave, as I
have heard from my father, was once most beautiful. She is still in our
harem, and _pooh_," said Mustapha, spitting, as if in abhorrence.

"Right, good vizier--right--recollect, pacha, what I have said: time has
been." The pacha nodded, and the old woman proceeded.

* * * * *

Once sure of the sultan's affections, I indulged myself in greater
liberties--not with him, but with others; for I knew that he would
laugh at the tricks I might play upon his dependents, but not be equally
pleased with a want of respect towards himself; and other people of the
harem were the objects of my caprice and amusement. So far from
preventing him from noticing the other women in the harem, I would
recommend them, and often have them in my apartments when