ment of
such moments, is certainly the most exquisite thing I have experienced.
First the timid blushes, then the growing boldness and the fresh
impression of first sensations--all this and more, mingled with the
contentment of entire possession. One gives oneself up entirely; all
barriers are broken down by love--participation in one tender secret has
already united the lovers' souls, which seek each other and mingle
together in a common existence.

I had returned to the chateau before my people were up; after a bath I
slept again, and did not wake before noon. I breakfasted, and then
waited till two o'clock before returning to El-Nouzha. Too great a haste
would have seemed to indicate a want of delicacy, and I wished to show
that I was discreet as well as passionate; this time of day seemed
appropriate from both points of view.

To describe to you the condition of my feelings would be about as easy,
you may imagine, as to describe a display of fireworks. There are
certain perturbations of the heart which defy analysis. The enchantment
which held me spell-bound, intoxicated my mind like fumes of haschisch,
and I could hardly recognise myself in this fairy-world character; it
required an effort on my part to assure myself of my own identity, and
that I was not misled by a dream. No, it was myself sure enough! Then I
remembered that I was going to see them again. My darlings were waiting
for me. No doubt they had already exchanged confidences. What kind of
reception should I have? My duties as Sultan were so new to me that I
trembled lest I should commit some mistake which would lower me in their
eyes; I was walking blindfold in this paradise of Mahomet, of whose laws
I was ignorant. Ought I to maintain the dignified bearing of a vizir, or
abandon myself to the tender attitudes of a lover? In my perplexities I
was almost tempted to send for Mohammed-Azis, to request of him a few
lessons in deportment as practised by the Perfect Pasha of the
Bosphorus; but perhaps he would disturb my happiness? As to introducing
a hierarchy into my harem, I would not hear of such a thing; for to tell
the truth, the choice of a favourite would be an impossibility for me. I
loved them all four with an equal devotion, and could not even bear the
thought of their being reduced to three without feeling the misery of an
unsatisfied love.

At last the hour having arrived without my mind being decided, I wisely
determined to act as circumstanc