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CHAPTER LIV

Hajji Baba becomes a promoter of matrimony, and of the register he
keeps.

Preparatory to the full comprehension of the duties of my office, the
mollah Nadan requested me to introduce myself to the muties, and gain
from them sufficient information to enable me to make a register, in
which I should insert their ages, appearance and beauty, tempers, and
general qualifications as wives. This I should carry about me, in order
to be able to exhibit it to any stranger who might fall in my way.

I first went to the bazaar, and furnished myself with a priest's cloak,
with a coat that buttons across the breast, and a long piece of white
muslin, which I twisted round my head. Thus accoutred, in the full dress
of my new character, I proceeded to the women's house, and found a ready
admission, for they had been apprised of my intended visit.

I found them all three seated in a mean and wretched apartment, smoking.
Their veils were loosely thrown over their heads, which, upon my
appearance, by a habit common to all our women, they drew tight over
their faces, merely keeping one eye free.

'Peace be unto you, khanums!' said I (for I knew how an appearance of
great respect conciliates)--'I am come, on the part of the mollah Nadan,
to make you a tender of my humble services; and perhaps, as you know the
object of my visit, you will not object to lay your veils on one side.'

'May you abide in peace,' said they, 'mollah!' and then gave me to
understand, by many flattering speeches, that I was welcome, and that
they hoped my presence would bring them good luck.

Two of them immediately unveiled, and discovered faces which had long
bade adieu to their lilies and roses; and upon which, notwithstanding
the help of the surmeh round the eyelids, the blue stars on the forehead
and chin, and the rouge on the cheeks, I could, in broad characters,
make out a long catalogue of wrinkles. The third lady carefully
continued to keep herself veiled.

I did not hesitate to make an exclamation of surprise, as soon as the
two charmers had opened their battery of smiles upon me. 'Praises to
Allah! _Mashallah!_' said I, 'this is a sight worthy of Ferhad himself.
Do not look too intensely upon me, for fear that I consume. What eyes!
what noses! what lips! Have pity upon me, and cease looking. But why,'
said I, 'does this khanum'--(pointing to the unveiled one)--'why does
she hol