eady been informed of by my sister, I will only
mention that my mother, having taken a house to pass her widowhood in
private, first bestowed me in marriage on the heir of one of the
richest men in this city.

I had not been married quite a year before my husband died. I thus
became a widow, and was in possession of all his property, which
amounted to above ninety thousand sequins. When the first six months
of my mourning was over, I caused to be made for me ten different
dresses, of such magnificence that each came to a thousand sequins;
and at the end of the year I began to wear them.

One day, while I was alone, a lady[34] desired to speak to me. I gave
orders that she should be admitted. She was a very old woman. She
saluted me by kissing the ground, and said to me, kneeling, "Dear
lady, the confidence I have in your charity makes me thus bold. I
have an orphan daughter, whose wedding is on this night. She and I are
both strangers, and have no acquaintance in this town, which much
perplexes me. Therefore, most beautiful lady, if you would vouchsafe
to honor the wedding with your presence, we shall be infinitely
obliged, because the family with whom we shall be allied will then
know that we are not regarded here as unworthy and despised persons.
But, alas, madam, if you refuse this request, how great will be our
mortification! We know not where else to apply."

[Footnote 34: For the choice of a wife a man generally relies on his
mother, or some other near relation, or a professional female
betrother (who is called, _khatebeh_), for there are women who perform
this office for hire.--Lane's Notes to the _Arabian Nights_, Vol. I,
iv, p. 285.]

This poor woman's address, which she spoke with tears, moved my
compassion.

"Good woman," said I, "do not afflict yourself; I will grant you the
favor you desire. Tell me whither I must go, and I will meet you as
soon as I am dressed." The old woman was so transported with joy at my
answer that she kissed my feet before I had time to prevent her.

"Compassionate lady," said she, rising, "God will reward the kindness
you have shown to your servants, and make your heart as joyful as you
have made theirs. You need not at present trouble yourself; I will
call for you in the evening."

As soon as she was gone I took the suit I liked best, with a necklace
of large pearls, bracelets, pendants for my ears, and rings set with
the finest and most sparkling diamonds, and prepared t