Page:Ossendowski - The Fire of Desert Folk.djvu/277

Rh thick, almost orange-colored through the use of henna and plaited in small braids.

"As I observed them more closely, I noticed that they all had on several robes and, turning to Madame Ducore to satisfy my curiosity, I learned that the women in wealthy families usually wear seven such garments, one over the other—and this in Africa! Unhappy the husband who may happen to possess four wives and may be compelled to buy twenty-eight new dresses all at once, and fifty-six just to allow them a change of garment!

"These harem ladies, who had seen very little of European women, began gradually to get accustomed to us and could not hide their curiosity and their desire to question us. As we were nothing loath, the catechism began.

"'Is Lalla married and does she love her husband? Has she children and how many? &hellip; How old are they? Has she many slaves? &hellip; Does she go out alone in the street? Can she prepare kouskous? &hellip; Has her husband other wives and how many? From what kind of sheep has she wool? What kind of grapes does she like best? How much tea with mint and Moorish coffee can she drink? Has she ever drunk champagne? &hellip; Why doesn't she use henna and kohl, which would make her much more beautiful? Why has she such short dresses and why is she so lightly clad under them? Evidently her husband must be very close-fisted. &hellip; Why is she wearing no jewels? Did she receive no dowry or trousseau? &hellip; Is she not ashamed to go into the streets without a veil? &hellip;'