t remained of thee
uneaten by the vultures."

And taking Jill's hand he crossed the square, leaving the eunuch
absolutely gibbering with relief.

Through a massive iron door they passed into the house, Jill exclaiming
softly at the beauty of the place. Room after room they traversed
until they came to a standstill before a satin curtain. Hahmed lifted
it and Jill entered a great room, the floor of which was of pink
marble, covered in Persian rugs, their colouring softened in the
passing of many, oh! many moons; the walls panelled in soft brocade,
and great mirrors reflecting the simplicity of the exquisite hangings,
the tint of flowers, the statuary gleaming half hidden in the corners,
the great chairs, the piles of cushions, and the swinging lamps
suspended from the ceiling by silver chains.

"I will explain, O! woman, how this house has been built, though verily
would I have had your help in these past months, for how was I to know
in what or which your desires lay.

"Behold, the rooms upon the level of the ground are rooms for your
repasts, and rooms for receiving your guests; above are the rooms for
your slumber, and your toilet, for the bathing of your white body, and
for your entertainment. In the latter you will find all that
appertains to music, to the dance, to the study of books, to the flash
of the needle. Above again are the rooms open to the breezes of the
night, screened by light screens to enable you, unveiled, to look out
upon the world, and yet keep you hidden from the curious eyes of your
many slaves who, under the rule of black Mustapha, live within the
walls and near to hand to do your slightest bidding, but hidden until
you call so as not to disturb you by their unseemly presence. They may
not die within the wall, neither may they give birth therein, still
less may they make merry without your permission. The slightest breach
of your laws will see them flogged to death and cast out into the
desert sand. One suite of rooms is pink, and one white, and one is
palest heliotrope, and yet another black, and there are many others.
May it find favour in your eyes. If perchance it pleases not, then
shall it be razed to the ground, and rebuilt upon your design."

And Jill had walked through a building such as she had not dreamed of
in her wildest fantasies, and having very sweetly thanked the Arab, had
clapped her hands, and being of perverse mood, had indifferently bidden
him good night, and en