ide
which they danced and played for three or four hours by the light of
lanterns. On returning home, much fun ensued round the supper-basin
on the floor, while the palms of the whole company were stained with
henna. Then their exuberant spirits found relief in dancing round
with basins on their heads, till one of them dropped his basin, and
snatching off Mokhtar's cloak as if for protection, was immediately
chased by the others till supper was ready. After supper all lay back
to sleep. For four days the bridegroom's family had thus to feast and
amuse his male friends, while the ladies were entertained by that of
the bride.

On Wednesday came the turn of the married women visitors, whose
bulky forms crowded the hut, if possible more closely than had their
children. Gossip and scandal were now retailed with a zest and
minuteness of detail not permissible in England, while rival belles
waged wordy war in shouts which sounded like whispers amid the din.
The walls of the hut were hung with the brightest coloured garments
that could be borrowed, and the gorgeous finery of the guests made
up a scene of dazzling colour. Green tea and cakes were first passed
round, and then a tray for offerings for the musicians, which, when
collected, were placed on the floor beneath a rich silk handkerchief.
Presents were also made by all to the bride's mother, on behalf of her
daughter, who sat in weary state on the bed at one end of the room. As
each coin was put down for the players, or for the hostess, a portly
female who acted as crier announced the sum contributed, with a prayer
for blessing in return, which was in due course echoed by the chief
musician. At the bridegroom's house a similar entertainment was held,
the party promenading the lanes at dusk with torches and lanterns,
after which they received from the bridegroom the powder for next
day's play.

[Illustration: A MOORISH CARAVAN.]

Thursday opened with much-needed rest for Zoharah and her mother till
the time came for the final decking; but Mokhtar had to go to the bath
with his bachelor friends, and on returning to his newly prepared
dwelling, to present many of them with small coins, receiving in
return cotton handkerchiefs and towels, big candles and matches. Then
all sat down to a modest repast, for which he had provided raisins and
other dried fruits, some additional fun being provided by a number of
the married neighbours, who tried in vain to gain admission, and in