even in my miserable situation, enamoured with my beauty. His heart
acknowledged that I was the most valuable of all his plunder. Every care
and attention was bestowed upon me, and after several hours' halt to
allow me to refresh myself, I was placed in a small litter, and our
journey recommenced. He was studious to obtain my favour: at first I
spurned him: but when he told me that the Georgian slave had instigated
him to the deed, and had insisted that he should bring me back, I well
knew for what purpose, and thought only of revenge. I feigned to be less
averse to him, and before our journey was over, had used all my powers
of fascination with triumphant success. At last our wearied horses
arrived at Stamboul, and after waiting in the suburbs till the evening
closed in, that the cavalcade might not attract attention, it proceeded
to the house of Abdallah, and I was once more in the precincts of a
harem. The Georgian slave hastened to meet me when she was informed of
our arrival, and taking off her slipper, she struck me contemptuously on
the mouth, with such force as to cause the blood to flow.

"Now, sultana," cried she, "the day is mine; again shall you receive the
bastinado. Aye, and again shall the bowstring be applied to your proud
neck, and more effectually than before." She then ordered her slaves to
strip me, and put on the meanest attire. When that was done, she spat in
my face, and left me without speaking; but the flashing of her eyes gave
evidence of the fiery passions which were raging in her bosom.

In the meantime, Abdallah had proceeded to the palace, to present to the
sultan the document proving my safe arrival, and having so done, he
hastened back to his own house. As soon as he entered the harem, instead
of visiting the Georgian slave, who had arrayed herself for his
reception, he inquired of the astonished women in which chamber I had
been accommodated. They hesitatingly replied, pointing it out to him. He
entered, and found me clothed in a slave's dress, with my face covered
with blood. When I stated the treatment I had received, and the further
threat of the bastinado and the bowstring, his rage was beyond all
bounds. Ordering all the women to attend me, he quitted me, that I
might resume my own dress, intimating that he hoped that I would allow
him to sup with me that evening. My desire for revenge induced me to
grant his request, and he quitted the harem to look after the treasure
of which I