The Captive

In the Seraglio

Having been close to death for so long, I had thought that anything would have been preferable; but the fears of the next weeks were beyond anything I could ever have imagined.

How often did I tell myself that it would have been better to go down with the ship or that our little boat had been destroyed in a hurricane?

I recall now our joy when we first saw that ship on the horizon and then so soon after we had been rescued, I became sure that it would have been better if we had remained on the island, still vainly looking for a rescue. Who knew, we might have found some means of surviving; and we were together, enjoying a certain peace and security.

From the moment those dark, swarthy men waded ashore, red caps on their heads, cutlasses at their sides, our euphoria at being rescued had been replaced by a fearful apprehension. It was immediately clear that we could not understand their language. I guessed they must be of Arabic origin. Their ship was no Atlantic Star. It looked like an ancient galley. It had not occurred to me that there could still be pirates on the high seas, but I remembered the captain of the Atlantic Star one night at dinner when he told us that there were ships which still roamed about in certain waters, following some nefarious trade or other. And it instantly occurred to me that we had fallen into the hands of such men.

I did not like the ship; I did not like these men; and it was clear to me that my suspicions were shared by both Simon and Lucas.

We stood close as though to shield each other. There were about ten of them. They gabbled together and stared searchingly at us. One of them approached and took a lock of my hair in his hands. They were crowding round and chattering excitedly. My hair was fairer now that it was bleached by the sun and I could only believe that they were astonished by my colouring which was so different from theirs.

I sensed the uneasiness of Simon and Lucas. They had edged closer to me. I knew they would both fight to the death for me, which brought a modicum of comfort.

Their attention had turned to Lucas who was standing there, leaning on the stick we had found for him. He looked pale and ill.

The men were chattering and shaking their heads. They gazed at me and then at Simon. They laughed and nodded to each other. I had a terrible fear that they were going to take us and leave Lucas.

I said: “We’ll all stand together.”

“Yes,” muttered Simon.

“I don’t like the look of them.”

“Bad luck they found us,” murmured Lucas.

“Better …”

“What do you think they are?”

Simon shook his head, and I felt numb with fear. I was afraid of these men, their chattering voices, their sly sidelong glances, their implication as to what they would do with us.

Suddenly they made a decision. One, whom I took to be the leader, signed to them and four of them went to our boat, examined it and turned to nod at the others. They were taking our boat out to the galley.

Simon took a step forward but he was barred by a man with a cutlass.

“Let them take it,” I hissed.

It was our turn. The leader nodded and two men, their cutlasses drawn, came and stood behind us. They gave us all a little push and we saw what was indicated. We were to go out to the galley. Lucas hobbled between us . but the three of us were at least together.

Simon murmured: “We wouldn’t have lasted long on that island, anyway.”

It was difficult getting Lucas on board. None of them helped us. We had to mount a rope-ladder which was almost an impossibility for Lucas. I think Simon half carried him up.

Then we were all three standing on the deck surrounded by curious men.

They all seemed to be staring at me. Several of them touched my hair.

They laughed together, twisting it round their fingers and pulling it.

There was a sudden silence. A man had appeared. I guessed he was the captain of the vessel. He was taller than the others and his dark lively eyes held a hint of humour. Moreover, there was a certain refinement in his well-defined features which gave me a brief glow of hope.

He shouted something and the men fell back.

He looked at the three of us and bowed his head in a form of greeting.

He said: “English?”

“Yes … yes,” we cried.

He nodded. That seemed to be the extent of his knowledge of our language, but his courtesy was comforting. He turned to the men and talked in a way which seemed threatening. They were clearly subdued.

He turned to us and said: “Come.”

We followed him and were put into a small cabin. There was a bunk there and we sat down thankfully.

The captain lifted his hand.

“Eat,” he said.

He then went out and locked the door behind him.

“What does it mean?” I asked.

Lucas thought that the object would be to hold us for ransom.

“It’s a thriving business,” he said.

“I feel sure that that is what they have in mind.”

“Do you mean to say they roam the seas looking for shipwrecked mariners?”

“Oh no. They’ll have another trade. Smuggling, perhaps … or even seizing ships where possible … like the pirates of old. They’d turn their hands to anything if there’s a profit in it. They would presume we must have a home somewhere and we’re English. They are inclined to regard all the English abroad as millionaires.”

“How glad I am we remained together.”

“Yes,” said Lucas.

“I think they were wondering whether I should be worth the effort.”

“What are we going to do?” asked Simon.

He looked at me steadily.

“We must do everything in our power to stay together.”

“I pray that we do.”

Food was brought to us. It was hot and spicy. In the ordinary way I should have declined it but we were near starvation and any food seemed palatable. Lucas advised us to eat sparingly.

I felt a little better afterwards. I wondered how they would send home for ransoms. To whom would they send? My father had a sister whom we had scarcely seen for the last ten years or so. Would she be ready to pay a ransom for her niece? Perhaps my parents had reached home, but they had never been rich.

And Simon? The last thing he would want was for his identity to be known. As for Lucas . regarding a ransom, he was probably in the best position of all of us, for he came from a wealthy family.

“I wish I knew where we were,” said Simon.

“That would be a help.”

I wondered if he had plans for escaping. He was very resourceful, as he had shown himself to be by escaping from England.

If he had done that, it was possible that he might be able to escape again.

So we brooded and all three of us, I am sure, were wishing we were back on the island. Food might have been scarce, hopes of survival slim, but at least we had been free.

I had an unpleasant experience on the first night. It was dark and we were trying to sleep when I heard stealthy footsteps outside the door and then the sound of a key being turned in the lock.

I started up as the door quietly opened.

Two men came in. I believed they were two of those who had come ashore to take us in but I could not be certain at this stage as one looked very like another to me.

They had come to take me. They seized me. I screamed. Lucas and Simon were immediately awake.

The two men were trying to drag me out of the cabin, and I could guess by their grunts and expressions what their intentions were.

I cried: “Let me go!”

Simon struck one of the men. He was knocked across the cabin by the other. Lucas brandished his stick and hit out at them.

There was a great deal of shouting and others appeared at the door.

They were all laughing and chattering. Simon got up; he came to me, seized me and thrust me behind him. I saw that his hand was bleeding.

A terrible fear swept over me. I knew I was in great danger.

I dared not imagine what would have happened to me if the captain had not appeared. He shouted an order. The men looked sheepish. He saw me cowering behind Simon and Lucas beside me.

Simon seemed somehow to indicate that if any one of them attempted to harm me he would have to face him, and he was formidable. Lucas was equally protective but of course he was crippled.

The captain had clearly summed up the whole situation. He knew what the motive of these men had been. I was different; I had long yellow hair such as they had not seen before. Moreover, I was a woman, and that was enough for them.

The captain bowed to me and his gesture suggested an apology for the crude behaviour of his men.

He indicated that I must follow him.

Simon stepped forward.

The captain shook his head.

“I see … safe,” he said.

“I … only I … captain.”

Oddly enough, I trusted him. I knew he was the captain of a ship engaged in some nefarious trade, but for some reason I believed he would help me. In any case he was the captain. If we had attempted to disobey him, we should not have done so for long. We were at his mercy. For all their gestures, neither Simon nor Lucas could save me for long. I had to trust the captain.

I walked behind him through those men. Some of them put out their hands to touch my hair but none of them did. I could see that they were greatly in awe of the captain and his orders obviously were that none was to touch me.

I was taken to a small cabin which I think adjoined his. He stood aside for me to enter. It was more comfortable than the one I had left. There were covers and cushions on a bunk which was like a divan.

I could rest more comfortably here. Behind a curtain was a basin and ewer. I could wash!

The captain spread his hands, indicating the cabin. He said: “Safe here … I see safe.”

“Thank you,” I said.

I don’t know whether he understood but my tone must have expressed my gratitude.

He bowed, went out and locked the door behind him.

I sank on to the bed. I started to tremble violently as I contemplated the ordeal from which the captain had saved me.

It was a long time before I could regain my composure.

I wondered what his intentions were. Perhaps Lucas was right. I felt sure he must be. It was a ransom they were thinking of; and if this were the case, they would want us to be returned unharmed.

I pulled aside the curtain and indulged in the luxury of washing myself.

I returned to the divan. I lay down. I was exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally, and for a brief spell forgot the hazards about me.

I slept.

I think perhaps I tried to forget those days when I lived in a state of perpetual terror. Every time I heard a footstep, every time my door opened, I would be seized by an overwhelming apprehension. One’s imagination in such situations can be one’s greatest enemy.

Food was brought to me regularly and because of this I felt a respite from being constantly on the alert for danger;

yet I knew it was all around me. I was not sure what their purpose was, but it was obvious that they were planning something for me. The captain certainly stood between me and a certain fate and at least I had to be thankful for that. I trusted the man . not because I believed in his chivalry but his attitude meant that I must be treated with a certain respect because of what he had in mind for me.

I found I ‘could eat a little. My creature comforts were attended to.

It was a great blessing to be able to wash frequently. I wished I knew where the ship was going and what fate was planned for me. I wished I knew where Simon and Lucas were.

The captain came to my cabin once. I had washed my hair and it was just drying when the knock came. He kept staring at my hair, but he was very polite. I knew that he wanted to talk to me but his knowledge of English was exasperatingly limited.

“You … come in … ship … England?”

“Yes,” I said.

“But we were wrecked.”

“From England … alone? No?” He shook his head.

“With my parents … my father and mother.”

It was hopeless. I imagined he was trying to find out what kind of family I came from. Was there money? How much would it be worth to have me back?

He gave it up as hopeless, but I knew by the way in which he kept looking at my hair and smiling to himself that he was pleased with what he saw.

Then one morning when I awoke the ship was no longer moving. The sun had risen and when I looked out through the small porthole I caught a glimpse of white buildings.

I became aware of noise and bustle. People were shouting to each other in excited voices. One thing was certain. We had reached our destination and I must soon learn my fate.

During that morning it gradually dawned on me what it was to be and I was filled with the utmost horror. I began to ask myself if it would not have been better if I had never experienced my miraculous escape from the sea.

The captain came to my cabin. He brought with him a black cloak, a yashmak and a snood. He made it clear that these were for me to wear.

My hair had to be piled into the snood and when I was fully clad I looked like any Arab woman who might be met within the souks of an eastern town.

I was taken ashore and to my great delight I caught a glimpse of Simon. But I was immediately anxious because there was no sign of Lucas.

Simon recognized me in spite of my covering and I was aware of his fear as he did so. We tried to reach each other but we were roughly held back.

The sun was dazzling and I was very hot in my robes. A man walked on either side of Simon, and with the captain beside me we waded ashore.

I shall never forget that walk. We were in what I took to be the Kasbah. The streets were narrow, cobbled and winding and crowded with men in robes and women dressed as I was now. Goats ran among us; there were a few hungry-looking dogs who sniffed at us hopefully. I caught a glimpse of a rat feeding in the refuse on the cobbles. There were small shops little more than caves open to the streets, with stalls on which lay trinkets, brass ornaments, small leather goods, and food exotic, spicy and unappetizing in my eyes. The smell was sickening.

Some of the traders called a greeting to the captain and his men and I was becoming more and more apprehensive about my eventual fate, for they seemed to know the purpose of his visit and I wondered how many other young women had walked along these streets with him. If only I could get to Simon. And what had they done with Lucas?

At length we moved into a wider street. Some trees grew here dusty palms, mostly. The houses were bigger; we turned in at a gate and we were in a courtyard where a fountain played. Around this squatted several menservants, I presumed, for they jumped up as we entered and started to talk excitedly.

One of them came up and bowed very low to the captain, who nodded an acknowledgement and waved his hands. We were led through a door into a large hall. The windows were heavily draped and set in alcoves designed, I was sure, to let in the minimum of heat.

A man in splendid robes bowed to the captain and seemed eager to show him the utmost respect. He was obviously telling him to follow, for he led us through another door and there, seated on a dais on a very ornate chair, was a little old man.

He was flamboyantly dressed, but so small and wizened that his clothes only seemed to accentuate his age. He was very ancient except for his eyes, which were dark and very lively; they reminded me of a monkey’s.

The captain went to the chair and bowed and the old man waved in greeting. Then the captain obviously told his men to leave him with Simon and me.

The captain pushed me forward. He let the cloak fall to the ground and pulled off my yashmak and snood so that my hair fell about my shoulders. The lively dark eyes opened wide. He muttered something which seemed to please the captain. The old man’s eyes were fixed on my hair, and he and the captain began to talk excitedly. How I wished I knew what they were saying.

Then Simon was brought forward. The old man’s shrewd eyes ranged over him, weighing him up and down. He looked very tall and strong, and it seemed to me that his physical strength made as good an impression as my hair.

The old man nodded and I guessed that was a sign of approval.

The captain moved closer to the old man and they were in deep conversation. That gave Simon and me a chance to get close together.

“Where is Lucas?” I whispered.

“I don’t know. I was taken away and brought here. He wasn’t with me.”

“I do hope he’s all right. Where are we?”

“Somewhere along the north coast of Africa, I imagine.”

“What are they going to do with us? What are they talking about?”

“Probably bargaining.”

“Bargaining?”

“It looks as if we are being sold.”

“Like slaves!”

“It would seem so.”

“What shall we Jo?”

“I don’t know. Wait for our opportunity. We are helpless just now.

We’ll have to wait for the right moment and then . get away . if we can. “

“Shall we be together?”

“I don’t know.”

“Oh Simon … I do hope we don’t lose each other.”

“Let’s pray for it.”

“I’m very frightened, Simon.”

“I feel very much the same myself.”

“This old man … what is he?”

“A trader, I imagine.”

“A trader … in people?”

“That amongst other things … anything that comes to hand, I imagine, if it’s worth while. And that would include people.”

“We must get away somehow.”

“How?”

“Run … anywhere.”

“How far do you think we’d get? No, wait. If we can keep together, we will. Who knows, the opportunity may come. We’ll manage it.”

“Oh Simon, I believe we shall.”

I remember now the look which passed between us. I treasured it to remember in my darkest and most frightened moments. I was to think of it often during the weeks to come.

There are some things one does not wish to remember. One wants to shut them out and make believe they did not happen. Sometimes the mind helps so that they become a blurred memory. And that is what seemed to have happened to me.

I remember being in the trader’s house. It must have been for just one night. I recall my terrible apprehension, the ioz pictures supplied by a cruel imagination which continually taunted me as to what my fate would be. The old man seemed like a horrible ogre.

There was only one comfort to me. Simon was in the house. The transaction with the captain concerned us both.

Later on the day of our arrival the captain left the house and I never saw him again.

The next day I was enveloped in the robes in which I had arrived and my hair was completely hidden as before. Then Simon and I were taken through the streets of the Kasbah to the harbour where a ship was waiting. The old man was clearly in charge of us but he took no notice of us and I had the impression that he was only there to protect his property, which we now were.

We could not imagine where he was taking us.

Simon and I found one or two opportunities on board to talk to each other. Our main topic was Lucas.

Simon told me that there had been one or two meetings with the captain. They had not been ill-treated. He said they had been very interested in Lucas. Simon thought he had been taken away somewhere.

They had been separated and not able to talk but he fancied Lucas was hopeful-at least not unduly alarmed.

“I think he thought at one time that they might throw him overboard because he would be no use for work. I imagine that is what they want of me.”

I was silent, dreading to think what my fate might be.

Simon thought the place we had left was very probably Algeria.

“It used to be a refuge for pirates in the old days. They had the protection of the Turkish government. Perhaps it still remains a haven for them. The Kasbah must be an ideal spot for underhand business of any sort. I imagine few would want to venture there at certain times.”

He was probably right.

We pursued our journey along the Syrian coast to the

Dardenelles -and then to our destination which we learned in due course was Constantinople.

As we were approaching the Bosphorus, a woman came to my cabin. She had a girl with her and the girl was carrying what looked like an armful of diaphanous material. It turned out to be garments and these were laid out on the bunk. Then they turned their attention to me. I had seen these women about the ship and had wondered what their duties were. I soon realized they had come to the cabin to help me dress in these splendid garments.

There were long trousers made of flimsy silky material, baggy and caught in at the ankles. Over them went a gown of beautiful transparent material. It was sparkling with sequins which looked like stars. They unpinned my hair and spread it round my shoulders. They combed it and looked at one another, nudging and giggling.

When I was dressed they stood back and clapped their hands.

I said: “I want my other clothes.”

They could not, understand me. They just went on giggling and nudging each other. They stroked my hair and smiled at me.

The old man came into the cabin. He looked at me and rubbed his hands together.

My fear was greater than ever. I knew that Simon’s surmise was correct. We were going to be sold into slavery he as a strong man to work as directed while I was destined for a more sinister purpose.

I sensed that Simon was more worried about my fate than his own.

The cloak, yashmak and snood were brought in and my splendour was hidden from view. With Simon beside me, I was taken off the ship where a carriage was waiting for us and, with the old man and a younger one who, I imagined, was some sort of clerk or assistant, we were driven through the streets of Constantinople.

I was too concerned with my impending fate to take much note of my surroundings, but I learned later that there are two distinct parts of the city the Christian and the Turkish and these are connected by two bridges, rather clumsily constructed but adequate and very necessary. I was vaguely aware of mosques and minarets, and I felt, with great desolation, that we were very far from home.

It was to the Turkish section that we were taken.

I felt lost and very frightened. I kept looking at Simon to reassure myself that he was still there.

It seemed that we drove for a long time. It was like another world narrow streets, incredibly dirty, fine buildings, dazzlingly white spires reaching to the bluest of skies; mosques, bazaars, wooden houses little more than hovels, noise, people everywhere. They scattered before the oncoming carriage, and again and again I thought we should run someone down but they always managed to escape from under the horses’ feet.

At length we turned into a quiet avenue. The trees and bushes were bright with colourful flowers. We slowed down before a tall white building which stood back from the road.

When we alighted from the carriage a man in white robes came out to greet us. The old man bowed to him rather obsequiously and the greeting was returned in a somewhat condescending manner. We were taken inside, into a room which seemed dark after the brilliance of the sun. The windows were similar to those which I had seen before, recessed and heavily draped.

A tall man came forward. He wore a turban with a jewel in it and long white robes. He sat in a chair like a throne and I noticed that the old man had become more deferential than ever.

I thought in trepidation: Is this to be my new owner?

My cloak was removed and my hair displayed. The man in the chair was clearly impressed by it. I had never felt so humiliated in my life. He looked at Simon and nodded.

There had been two men standing at the door-guards, I supposed. One of them clapped his hands and a woman came in. She was somewhat plump, middleaged and elaborately dressed in the same style as I was.

She came to me, studied me, took a strand of my hair in her hands and smiled faintly. Then she rolled up the sleeves of my gown and prodded me. She frowned and, shaking her head, made little sounds which I was sure indicated disapproval.

The old man started to talk very quickly; the other was reasoning. The woman said a word or two and nodded judiciously. It was. maddening not to know what they were saying. All I could gather was that it was something about me and they were not as pleased with me as the old man had hoped they would be.

However, they appeared to come to^ some agreement. The old man was clasping his hands and the other was nodding. The woman nodded too.

She was explaining something to them. The man was listening intently to her and she seemed to be reassuring him.

She signed to me to follow her.

Simon was left behind. I gave him an agonized look and he started after me. One of the guards stepped forward and barred his way, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

I saw the helplessness in Simon’s face; then my arm was firmly taken by the plump woman and I was led away.

I was to learn that I was destined for the seraglio of one of the most important Pashas in Constantinople. All the men I had seen so far were merely his minions.

The harem is a community of women into which no man is allowed to appear except the eunuchs, such as this important gentleman I had seen bargaining with the old man. He, I discovered, was the Chief Eunuch, and I was to see him frequently.

It took me some time to realize that I had reason to be thankful for the hardship I had suffered, because my physical state was the reason why, during those weeks, I was left unmolested. My yellow hair had made me outstanding. I was a prize object because I was so different from the women around me. They were all dark-haired and dark-eyed. My eyes were a definite blue and they and my yellow hair set me apart.

It seemed to those whose duty it was to relieve the Pasha’s jaded senses that my very difference might make me especially acceptable.

There was something else which I discovered later they had noticed about me. These women were subservient by nature. They had been brought up in the certain knowledge that they were the inferior sex and their mission on Earth was to pander to men’s desires. Whereas there was a spirit of independence about me. I came of a different culture and it set me apart almost as much as did my blue eyes and yellow hair.

However, when I was stripped and subjected to one of the scented baths which had been prepared for me, it was seen by the watchful lady who was in charge of us all that my skin, where it had not been exposed to the sun, was very white and soft. Before I was offered up to the Pasha the whiteness of my skin must be restored to every part of my body.

Moreover, I had become very ill-nourished and the Pasha did not like women to be too thin. The potential was there but it had to be recovered; and this process would take a little time.

How grateful I was! I had time to adjust myself, to learn the ways of the harem and perhaps to find out what had happened to Simon. Who knew? I had been remarkably fortunate as yet; what if there might still be hope of escape before I had reached that state which would render me worthy of submission to the man who had bought me?

As soon as I learned that I was safe if only for a short time my spirits revived. Hope came flooding back. I wanted to learn all I could about my surroundings and naturally I wondered a great deal about my companions.

The most important person in the harem was Rani, the middleaged woman who had inspected me and decided that as yet I was unworthy to be submitted to the Pasha. If only we had had a common language I could have learned a great deal from her. The other women were very much in awe of her. They all flattered her and were most obsequious to her, for she was the one who selected those who were to be presented to the Pasha. When the order came she would give great thought to the matter and, during that time, it was amusing to see how they all tried to call attention to themselves. I was amazed to realize that that which I so much dreaded was greatly sought after by the rest.

There were some young girls in the harem who could not have been more than ten years old and women who must have been close on thirty. It was a strange life these girls lived, and I discovered later that some of them had been there since childhood . trained to give pleasure to some rich man.

There was little for them to do all day. I had to have my daily baths and to be massaged with ointments. It was a world remote from reality.

The air was heavy with the scent of musk, sandalwood, patchouli and attar of roses. The girls would sit by the fountains, talking idly; sometimes I would hear the tinkle of a musical instrument. They picked the flowers; they entwined them in their hair; they studied their faces in little hand mirrors; they gazed at their reflections in the pools; sometimes they played games; they would chatter together, giggle, tell fortunes.

They slept in a large and airy room on divans; there were beautiful clothes for them to wear. It was an extraordinary life to while away the days, thinking of nothing but how to beautify themselves, how to idle through the day hoping that that evening they might be selected to share the Pasha’s bed.

There was a great deal of rivalry for this honour. I soon sensed that.

I attracted a great deal of attention. I was so different from them and I supposed it was almost a certainty that, when I was considered worthy, I should be chosen for my very strangeness, if for nothing else.

Meanwhile the attempts to wipe out the results of the hardships I had suffered went on. I felt like a goose being fattened up for Christmas.

I found it difficult to eat the highly spiced food. It was a little game, trying to dispose of it without Rani’s knowing what I was doing.

It was an exciting day when I found out that one of the more mature women and I think one of the most beautiful was French. Her name was Nicole and I noticed from the first that she was different from the others. She also seemed to be the most important, under Rani, of course.

One day I was sitting by the fountain when she came up and sat beside me, She asked me in French if I spoke the language.

Communication at last! It was wonderful. My French was not very adequate but at least it existed and we were able to talk.

“You are English?” she asked.

I told her I was.

“And how did you come here?”

In halting French I told her of the shipwreck and how we had been picked up.

She replied that she had been in the harem for seven years. She was Creole and had come from Martinique to go to school in France. On the way she, too, had been shipwrecked and taken by corsairs, brought here and sold, just as I had been.

“You have been here all those years?” I said.

“How have you endured it?”

She shrugged her shoulders.

“At first,” she said, ‘there is great fear. I was only sixteen years old. I hated the convent. It was easy here. I liked the clothes . the idle life, I suppose. And . I was different. as you are. The Pasha liked me. “

“You were the favourite of the harem, I believe,” I said.

She nodded.

“Because,” she said, “I have Samir.”

I had seen Samir a beautiful child of about four years old. He was made much of by the women. He was the eldest of the harem children.

There was one other Feisal, who was about a year younger and also a very attractive boy. I had seen him with a woman, a few years younger, I imagined, than Nicole. Her name was Fatima.

Fatima was a voluptuous beauty with masses of black hair and languid dark eyes. She was self-indulgent in the extreme, indolent and vain.

She would sit by the pool for hours, eating sweetmeats and feeding them to one of the little King Charles spaniels who were her constant companions Fatima cared passionately for four beings herself, Feisal and her two little dogs.

Both the boys were taken away at times and there was a great deal of preparation then. They went to see the Pasha. There were two other little boys in the harem but they were as yet only babies. There were no girls. At first I wondered why it was that all the Pasha’s children were boys.

Nicole was very informative. She told me that if a woman gave birth to a girl child she went away, to her family perhaps. The Pasha was not interested in daughters, only sons; and if a woman gave birth to a son who was beautiful and intelligent such as Samir she was in high favour.

Samir, being the eldest, would be the Pasha’s heir. That was why the other women were jealous of her. She had first been set above them by the Pasha’s preference but that could be fleeting whereas Samir was always there, a reminder to the Pasha that he could beget fine boys; and he favoured the women who helped him prove this.

She told me that she had secretly taught Samir French and when the Pasha had discovered this she had been terrified of what he would do.

But she had heard through the Chief Eunuch that he was pleased that the boy should learn as much as he could and she might continue teaching him.

It surprised me that a woman of the Western world could so adjust herself to this way of life and that she could be proud of her position and intensely hate anyone who tried to snatch it from her.

But how pleased I was to be able to talk to her and discover something of those around me.

I learned of the tremendous rivalry between her and Fatima who had great ambitions for her son Feisal.

“You see,” said Nicole, ‘but for Samir, Feisal would be the Pasha’s heir and she would be First Lady. She wants very much to take my place. “

“She will never do that. You are more beautiful and much cleverer.

Moreover, Samir is a wonderful boy. “

“Feisal is not bad,” she admitted.

“And if I were to die …”

“Why should you die?”

She shrugged her shoulders.

“Fatima is a very jealous woman. Once, long ago, one of the women poisoned another. It would not be difficult.”

“She would not dare.”

“One woman dared.”

“But she was discovered.”

“It was long ago. Before the Pasha’s day, but they still talk about it. They took her out. They buried her up to her neck in the grounds out there. They left her in the sun … to die. It was her punishment.”

I shivered.

“I would wish the same for Fatima if she harmed my son.”

“You must make sure that she does not.”

“It is what I intend to do.”

Life was easier now that I had made contact with Nicole.

There were our beautiful clothes, our scents, our unguents, our sweetmeats, our lazy days; we were like birds of paradise in cages.

After the hardships I had suffered this was a strange life to come to.

I wondered how long it would go on.

The Pasha was away-news which delighted me.

A lethargy fell upon the harem. They lay about, dreamily admiring themselves in hand mirrors which they carried in the pockets of their capacious trousers, nibbling their sweetmeats, singing or playing their little musical instruments, quarrelling together.

Two of them quarrelled very fiercely, rolling on the mosaic floor, tugging at each other’s hair and kicking wildly until Rani came and beat them both, sent them off in disgrace and said they would not have a chance with the Pasha for three months. That soon sobered them.

Then he returned and there was great excitement. They all became docile and eager to please, displaying their charms, although there were only their companions and the occasional eunuch to see them.

Rani selected her six. I saw her eyes rest on me, and horror was replaced by relief when I realized that she considered me still not ripe for the great honour.

The six girls were selected two who had been before and found special favour, and four novices.

We all watched them being prepared. They were bathed first, their skins anointed, and scent rubbed into their hair. Henna was applied to the soles of their feet and the palms of their hands. Their lips were reddened with beeswax and their eyes made large with kohl. Flowers were set in their hair, bracelets on their wrists and ankles before they were dressed in sequinned garments.

We all waited to see who would be sent back.

It was one of the youngest who was chosen on that occasion.

“She will give herself airs when she returns,” Nicole said to me.

“They always do … particularly the young ones. I thought it might be your turn.”

I must have betrayed my revulsion, for she said: “You do not want?”

“I wish with all my heart that I could get away.”

“If he saw you … you would be the one.”

“I … no … no …”

“It will come. Perhaps soon …”

“I would do anything … anything to escape.”

She was thoughtful.

Nicole told me that if one was to receive those little privileges which were such a part of harem life, one must be on good terms with two people. One was Rani, of course; the other was the Chief Eunuch.

“He is the important one. He is the Pasha of the Harem. I have made him a very good friend of mine.”

“I can see you are very wise.”

“So long I have been here. It is the only home I know.”

“And you are reconciled to all this … to being one of many?”

“It is the way of life here,” she replied.

“Samir is my son. He will be Pasha one day. I shall be the Pasha’s mother and that is a very honourable state, I can tell you.”

“Would you not like a normal marriage … a husband and children … not all the time wondering if someone will replace you?”

“I have always known this.” She waved her arms, indicating the harem.

“It is so with all of them here. They know nothing else. They want to be the Pasha’s favourite. They want to have a son who surpasses all others … and makes

for his mother the grand position from which none can shake her. “

“Can that be?”

“It can be.”

“And that is your ambition?”

“My ambition is in Samir. Tell me of your ambition.”

“To get away from here. To get back to my home … to my own people.

To find those who were with me when I was shipwrecked. “

“It is almost certain that you will be the chosen of the Pasha. When Rani thinks you are ready, she will send you to him. He will like you because you are different. He must be tired of these dark-skinned beauties. You are something quite new. If you have a son … your future is made.”

“I would do anything to escape it. Nicole, I am frightened. I do not want this. It is not what I have been brought up to understand. I feel unclean … cheapened … just a slave … a woman without a personality … and no life of her own.”

“You talk strangely and yet I understand. I did not begin as one of them either.”

“But you have accepted this way of life.”

“I was too young for anything else and now there is Samir. I want this for him. He will be Pasha one day. That is what I want more than anything.”

“You will get your wish. He is the eldest.”

“Sometimes I am afraid of Fatima. When she goes to the Pasha she takes with her a powerful draught. I know she brews it. There is a way of rousing a man’s desire. I have heard it talked of. It is made of crushed rubies, peacock’s bones and the testicles of a ram. They are mixed and slipped into the wine. I think when she goes to the Pasha she tries this.”

“Where … where would she find these things?”

“Rani has a secret cupboard in which are many strange things. Herbs .

potions … all sorts of mixtures. Rani knows much of these things. She may have this draught among her scents and unguents.”

“But you say it is a secret cupboard.”

“She keeps it locked, but there may be means of finding the key.

Fatima would be wise in this matter. I know her. She would do anything . just anything. That is why I am afraid. “

“But when does she see the Pasha?”

“We are the mothers of his favourite sons … she and I. He sends for us now and then … a sort of courtesy visit … to talk of our sons and to spend the night. Oh, I fear that woman. She is determined.

She would do anything . anything. Her hopes are in Feisal. The Pasha is fond of him. The Chief Eunuch tells me this. Chief Eunuch does not like Fatima. That is not good for her. She is very foolish sometimes . and foolish women do rash things. When she was favoured she gave herself such airs. She thought she was First Lady already. She was disrespectful to Chief Eunuch . so they are now enemies. Silly Fatima. If she could, she would harm Samir and me in some way. “

“But Samir is the eldest and so bright and clever.”

That I know, but it is in the hands of the Pasha. Now he likes Samir.

He is proud of Samir. He is the eldest and the favourite. While he is so, all is well. But it is the Pasha who decides and he will have many sons. If Fatima could do me or Samir some harm it would be done. “

“I cannot believe she would attempt it.”

“It happened once … in the harem.”

“But it will not again. Everyone knows what happened last time. That would be enough to deter them.”

“I do not know. Fatima is a determined woman. She would risk much for Feisal and her own advantage. I must be watchful.”

“I will be watchful, too.”

“And now there will be you. You will have a son. That son would be different. He would be like you. In Samir and

“Feisal, well, there is a likeness. But your son would be quite different. “

I was filled with horror at the thought of it and recoiled from her.

“It’s true,” she said.

“And do you really mean that you would not want this?”

“I could almost wish I had not been saved from the ship. I wish we had stayed on the island. If only I could get away … Oh, Nicole, if only that were possible. I would do anything … anything.”

She was staring ahead of her, deep in thought.

A few days later I was sitting by the fountain when she approached and sat down beside me.

“I have something for you,” she said.

“For me?” I asked in surprise.

“I think you will be pleased. Chief Eunuch gave it to me for you. It is from the man who came with you.”

“Do you mean … Nicole, where is it?”

“Be careful. We may be watched. Fatima watches everything. Rest your hand on the seat. In a moment I will slip a paper into it.”

“No one is looking.”

“How can you be sure? There are watchful eyes everywhere. These women seem idle. They are idle … but because they have nothing to do, they invent intrigue … even when it is not there. They are bored . looking for excitement… and when it does not come they try to make it. They have nothing to do but watch and gossip. Do as I say if you want this note.”

“Oh, I do. I do.”

“You must be careful then. Chief Eunuch says it is very important. He could lose his life for doing this. He does it for me … because I ask.”

My hand was lying on the seat. She laid hers beside it and after a few moments a crumpled paper was slipped under mine.

“Do not look at it now. Hide it…”

I slipped it into my trouser pocket. I could scarcely sit still. But she said it would be unwise of me to get up and hurry away. Someone might suspect something and that could mean dire consequences for us all.

I knew that for a man to communicate with the women of the harem could result in a cruel and lingering death, not only for the man but for the woman concerned. This had been the rule for centuries and I could believe that it still prevailed in this place which seemed to have slipped back-or never emerged from-another era.

I had to suppress my impatience until at length I felt I could wander off without arousing any undue curiosity. They were used to my being alone when I was not with Nicole, for she was the only one to whom I could talk. I went into the room where we slept. It was deserted, so I sat on my divan and brought out the piece of paper.

Rosetta [I read], I am nearby. I was brought here with you and I am working in the gardens just outside the harem. I was able to do a service for an important person and his pride demands he repay me. This is how he is doing it, by bringing this note to you. We are close. I am thinking hard. I will do something. Never fear. Don’t give up hope.

I felt limp with relief. I screwed up the paper. I wanted to keep it, to hide it away under my clothes, to feel it against my skin, to remind me that he had written it and that he was nearby and thinking of me.

But I must destroy it. It was dangerous and if it were discovered it could destroy us. It was dangerous. I tore it into as many pieces as I could. I would scatter them .

few pieces at a time so that it would never be discovered.

Later I talked to Nicole.

“You are happier,” she said.

“What I brought you pleased you.”

“Oh yes, but it is difficult to see how there can be change. Does anyone ever escape from here?”

“Husbands are sometimes found if the Pasha is no longer interested and knows he never will be again. A few have been returned to their families.”

“But does anyone ever run away?”

She shook her head.

“I do not think that would be possible.”

“Nicole,” I said, “I must. I must.”

“Yes,” she said slowly, ‘you must. If you do not, soon you will be sent to the Pasha. Your skin is becoming very white. You have put on flesh and no longer look like a skeleton. You are different from when you came. Rani is pleased with you. It will be soon . perhaps next time he sends. “

“He is away now.”

“Yes, but he will come back. When he comes back he always sends … Rani will say, ” Yes, the fair one, she is ready now. How pleased he will be with me for giving him such a prize . something he has not had before. ” He will like you, I dare say. He may keep you with him.

You will surely have a child. The Pasha will like you very much because you are different. He may like your child more than Feisal . more than Samir. Chief Eunuch says that Pasha is very interested in the West. in England particularly. He wants to know more of it. He wants to hear about the great Queen. “

“No … no,” I cried.

“I hate it. I won’t stay here. I’ll get away somehow. I don’t care what they do to me … but I won’t stay for that. I’ll do anything … anything. Nicole, can you help me?”

She looked steadily at me and a smile played about her lips.

She said slowly: “The Chief Eunuch is a friend of mine. He would not want me to be replaced as Chief Lady. He wants me to stay the mother of the next Pasha. Then we work together. We are friends, you see. I learn from him of outside and he learns from me of here … inside.

I know what goes on here. I can tell him. He pays me back with information from outside. Perhaps . “

“Perhaps?”

“Well, just perhaps … I might discover something.”

I took her arm and shook her.

“If you can help me, Nicole, if you know something …”

“I will help,” she said.

“No one must replace Samir. Besides, we are good friends.”

Hope. It was the last thing left to me and I was learning that it can mean everything to those in desperate straits.

The note and what I had heard from Nicole gave me that much-needed hope now.

I thought of all the dangers through which I had passed since that night when disaster had overtaken the Atlantic Star. I had had amazing good luck. Could it continue? Nicole would help if she could, I knew.

It was not only that we were friends but she thought I might be a threat to her position. Nicole was a realist. But the Chief Eunuch favoured her. No doubt he had his reasons. But did it matter what they were, as long as they worked in my favour?

I was desperate. I needed all the help I could get.

I had reason to hope. Two of the most important people in the seraglio were on my side. And Simon was not far off.

Indeed there was hope. For the first time since I had entered this place, escape did not seem a complete impossibility.

Rani was indicating pleasure in my appearance. She grunted with satisfaction when she massaged my person.

My heart sank. In the cold light of reason, escape seemed remote. I had allowed myself to be carried away on a wave of euphoria.

How could I escape?

That afternoon I went into the dormitory and lay on my divan. The blinds were drawn and the heavy drapes made the room cool and dark.

Someone crept into the room. Through half-closed eyes I saw Nicole.

“You are sick?” she whispered.

“Sick with fear,” I replied.

She sat down on the divan.

“I am afraid that nothing is going to save me,” I went on.

She said: “Rani plans … next time … she will send you.”

“I … I won’t go.”

She shrugged her shoulders, a habitual gesture with her.

“Chief Eunuch says that he will be away for a week. When he comes back he will send …”

“A week. Oh Nicole, what can I do?”

“We have a week,” she said.

“What can we do?”

She regarded me steadily.

“Chief Eunuch likes your man. He wants to help him. They have talked. Rani wants very much to show you to the Pasha. She wants him to know that when you came here you were not very good … apart from your hair and that was without lustre. Now it shines. She has made you fit for the Pasha and now that you are as you are, you should be sent to him. He will be thankful to the man who brought you, who was the Chief Eunuch, but it is Rani who has nursed you back to health. But… as I say … we have a week.”

“What could we do? Please tell me.”

“Your friend will have to take care.”

“What would they do to him if they knew he had written to me?”

“Most certainly make a eunuch of him. They may do that in any case.

That is the fate of a number of young men who are sold to the pashas.

They are put into the gardens and there for a while they are normal young men, but if they are needed to work in the harem . well, how could he trust a normal young man among so many women? Hence the eunuchs. It would very likely be the fate of your friend. He will not be in the gardens for ever. Eunuchs make good servants. They can go among the harem women without temptation. “

“I cannot see what can be done.”

“You will do what you are told to do. You must remember that if you start this … you may be discovered and if you are … anything would be better.”

“I wonder if Simon will be ready to take such risks. When I think what might happen to him …”

“If you are going to escape,” she said, ‘you must not dwell on failure. Soon Rani will send you to the Pasha. Remember that. “

I was silent, wondering how I could endure such a fate. Moreover, Nicole was talking in riddles. What plans could there be?

She was vague. Sometimes I thought she was talking so to comfort me.

As the days passed, my apprehension naturally grew greater. I told myself that I must in due course face the inevitable.

The Pasha was back. I noticed Rani’s eyes on me, speculatively. She rubbed her hands together with a certain satisfaction and I knew the time had come; and when the Chief Eunuch visited Rani that evening I knew my fate had been decided.

As was the custom, five others were selected with me, for it would not do for Rani to choose for the Pasha; he must make his own decision as to which one he would honour.

Among the five was a very pretty young girl whose name I discovered was Aida. She must have been about twelve years old slender but just budding into womanhood; she had long dark hair and big eyes which managed to combine an impression of virginal innocence and dawning knowledge which I imagined would be very attractive to a man whose senses might well be jaded by excess.

I was interested in Aida because I was pinning my hopes on her. I felt certain that she had a good chance of being selected. The girl was so excited; she danced round the gardens, making no secret of her glee.

Fatima grumbled that she was already giving herself airs.

I said to Nicole: “She is very pretty. Surely he will prefer her?”

Nicole shook her head.

“Pretty, yes … but so are hundreds of others … and very like her.

All the same hair . eyes . delight . eagerness. You will stand out among them. And the Chief Eunuch says the Pasha is very interested in England. He admires the English Queen. “

All of which depressed me and I felt sick with fear. What was the Pasha like? He must be fairly young. He had only recently become his father’s heir. He spoke a little English, so Nicole had learned from the Chief Eunuch. Perhaps I could talk to him . interest him in England, become a sort of Scheherazade, holding him off with my interesting tales of English life.

That day seemed endless. There were moments when I almost convinced myself that I was dreaming. How could this be happening to me? How many girls living quietly conventional lives in England had suddenly found them selves transported to a Turkish harem?

Then I told myself I must prepare for my fate. The Pasha would notice the difference in me. First I must pray that he did not choose me. If he did not, it might be decided that I was unfit for the harem. What then? Perhaps I could persuade them to let me go. Aida was so pretty.

She was so suitable to this way of life, and moreover she enjoyed it.

Rani came to me. It was time for the preparations to begin.

She smoothed my hair with her hands, almost crowing over it. She seized it and pulled it slightly; she stroked it. Then she clapped her hands and two of her girls appeared.

She stood up and beckoned.

I was taken to the bath and submerged under jets of perfumed water.

When I was dry I must lie down while the unguents, smelling of musk and patchouli, were rubbed into my skin. My hair was scented. The smell of it made me feel sick and I knew that I should never smell it again without recalling that numbing fear I felt at that time.

I was dressed in lavender silk garments with the wide trousers caught in at the ankles with jewelled bands. Over the trousers I wore a tunic which fell to the waist. It was in silk with a layer of fine gauze over it. Sequins had been sewn in profusion over the silk and shone mysteriously through the gauzy material, giving a subtle sheen. I had to admit that the costume had great charm.

On my feet were sandals with curled points at the toes. They were in satin and bejewelled.

Then my hair was combed so that it fell about my shoulders and a garland of mauve flowers was put on my head and others about my ankles. My lips were reddened, my eyes carefully lined with kohl so that they looked enormous and a deeper blue.

I was ready for submission.

Wild thoughts came into my mind. What would happen if I refused to go, or if I tried to escape from the harem? How? The gates were locked and guarded by the Pasha’s eunuchs . big men, all chosen for their size. How could I escape?

I had to face the truth. There was no escape.

Rani took my hand and shook her head at me. She was admonishing me for some reason. It must be because I looked so miserable. She was telling me to smile, to show happiness and appreciation of the great honour which might well be mine this night.

That was something I could not do.

Nicole was standing by. She was one of those who had helped to dress me. She said something to Rani, who appeared to consider.

Then Rani nodded and gave Nicole a key. Nicole left us.

I sat on the divan. I felt quite helpless. I had been brought so far for this. I had a vision of myself . chosen by the Pasha . bearing a child who would be the rival of Samir and Feisal. I had a father who was an important man, a professor attached to the British Museum. I wanted to tell them that, if the Pasha attempted to treat my father’s daughter as though she were a slave girl, there would be trouble. I was English. The great Queen did not allow her subjects to be treated in this way.

I was trying to give myself courage. I knew I was talking a great deal of nonsense to myself. What did these people care who I was? They were the rulers here. I was nothing.

Perhaps I could tell him how eager the other girls were to share his bed. Why not take one of those who were so willing, and let this one go? Would it be possible to explain to him? Would he listen? And if he did, would he under stand?

Nicole came back. She was carrying a goblet in her hand.

“Drink this,” she said.

“You will feel better.”

“No. I won’t.”

“I tell you it will do you good.”

“What is it?”

One of the other girls added her persuasion. She wrapped her arms about herself and swayed to and fro.

“She is telling you that it will make you want love. It will make things easier for you. In any case, it was Rani who ordered it. She thinks you are not eager and the Pasha likes women to be eager.”

A sort of aphrodisiac, I thought.

“I will not,” I said.

Nicole came close to me.

“Don’t be a fool,” she hissed. She was looking into my eyes, trying to tell me something. Take,” she went on.

“You will find it … good … just what you need now. Drink … drink …I am your friend.”

There was some hidden meaning in her words. I took the goblet and drank the contents. It was revolting.

“Soon …” said Nicole.

“Soon …”

After a few moments I began to feel very ill. Nicole had disappeared with the goblet. I tried to stand but I could not. I felt giddy.

One of the girls called for Rani, who came in great consternation. I could feel the sweat running down my face and I caught a glimpse of myself in one of the mirrors. I was very pale.

Rani was shouting to everyone. I was put on to a divan. I felt very ill indeed.

Nicole had appeared. I fancied she was smiling secretively.

I was not presented to the Pasha. I lay on my divan feeling sick unto death. I really believed my last moment had come.

I thought of Nicole smiling her secret smile. She had done this. She had feared that I would please the Pasha and bear a child who would oust Samir. Could this be so . or was she truly my friend? Whatever the answer, she had saved me from the Pasha that night.

In a day or so I began to recover and with my recovery came the belief that Nicole had done this to save me from what I had dreaded. True, at the same time she was helping herself. Why not? Nicole was French and took a realistic view of life. The fact that she could serve herself and me at the same time would make the idea doubly attractive to her.

As I began to feel better, I realized I had riot been so ill as I had believed. If I had, I could not have regained my health so quickly.

Nicole told me that when Rani had sent her to the cupboard to bring the aphrodisiac which was given to some girls before they went to the Pasha for the first time, she had substituted it for a draught which she knew would make me too sick to be sent.

“Was it not what you wanted?” she demanded.

“Did you not say that anything … anything …”

“I did. I did. And I thank you, Nicole.”

“I told you I was your friend. Aida was the chosen one. She has not yet returned. She must be in high favour. She would never have been if you had been there.”

“I am so glad. She longed to be chosen.”

“The little horror will be unbearable when she comes back. It is a great honour to be kept there in the Pasha’s apartments. She will be too important to speak to us … insufferable. You will see.”

I was slowly recovering from my sickness and Rani from her disappointment. But she was a little reconciled because Aida had found such favour.

After three days, Aida returned. She had become a very important personage. She swept into the harem, her manner completely changed; she was languid and regarded us all with contempt. She had a pair of beautiful ruby earrings and a magnificent ruby necklace about her throat. Rani’s attitude towards her had changed. Little Aida had become one of the important ladies of the harem.

She was certain she was pregnant.

“Silly creature,” said Nicole.

“How could she know yet?”

All the same, Nicole was worried.

“It may be you are safe for a little while,” she comforted me.

“For if he liked her so much as to keep her for three days and nights he might send for her again. That was what happened to me in my day.

The most grateful woman in the harem must be Aida and that gratitude should be for you.”

“Perhaps he wouldn’t have chosen me. He might have liked her better.”

Nicole looked at me disbelievingly.

It was with great relief that I heard, through Nicole, who had it from the Chief Eunuch, that the Pasha had gone away for three weeks.

Three weeks! A great deal could happen in that time. Perhaps I should hear something from Simon. If it were possible to devise some means of getting out of this place . and if anyone could do it, surely he could.

A few days passed. Aida was making herself very unpopular. She wore her rubies all the time and would sit by the pool taking them in her hands and admiring them, reminding everyone of the favour she had found and how she pitied them all for not having the beauty and charm necessary to enslave the Pasha.

She appeared languid and assumed the ailments of pregnancy.

Nicole laughed at her. So did the others. One of them had quarrelled with her so violently that they fought and Aida’s face was maliciously scratched by the other.

That sent Aida into floods of tears. When the Pasha returned she could not go to him with a wound on her face.

Rani was angry and the two girls were shut away for three days. Rani would have liked to beat them, Nicole told me, but she was afraid of bruising their bodies, particularly Aida’s. One thing about a harem was that its inmates were not submitted to physical violence while they were part of it.

However, it was a relief, said Nicole, to be free of the arrogant little creature if only for three days.

Aida emerged not in the least repentant. She was as languid as ever, even more sure that she was pregnant and carried a male child. She slept in the ruby necklace and kept the earrings in a jewelled case beside her bed. As soon as morning came she put them on.

In spite of myself, I was caught up in the intrigues of the harem. My friendship with Nicole had done that. She told me that violent quarrels blew up now and then, and that there was great jealousy between the girls. Aida, like Fatima, was one who created trouble.

They had been chosen and they could not forget it. If Aida were pregnant and bore a male child, that would add greatly to the rivalries.

“But Samir is the eldest,” said Nicole.

“He must remain first favourite son.”

I said I was sure he would.

I sensed that Nicole was less confident. She was going to work all the time on Samir’s behalf, but she knew the matter was one which she must constantly bear in mind.

At this time Nicole’s thoughts seemed to be fixed entirely on Aida.

She was not the only one. Fatima’s were too. They had been the main rivals, both possessing sons with a claim on the Pasha’s wealth. Now they both watched Aida.

It was unusual for one girl to satisfy the Pasha for three nights in succession also for her to be kept in his apartments. So there could be no doubt that Aida had made a certain impression on him.

Moreover, she had been long enough with him to become pregnant and there was a good possibility that she might have achieved this happy state. Therefore she was an object of concern to all, but especially to Nicole and Fatima.

It was in the early hours of the morning and I was half asleep. I was just aware of a sliver of a waning moon shining into the dormitory.

Through half-closed eyes, I thought I saw a movement in the room. An outline of a figure bending over one of the divans in the corner.

Sleep claimed me and I thought no more of the incident at the time.

The next day there was consternation. Aida’s ruby earrings had disappeared. She wore the necklace all the time, she reminded us, but the earrings had been kept in the jewelled box beside her divan.

Rani came into the dormitory, demanding to know what all the fuss was about. Aida was shrieking in her fury, accusing everyone. Someone had stolen her earrings. She would tell the Pasha. He would not have thieves in his harem. We should all be whipped and sent away. Her beautiful earrings must be restored to her. If they were not returned this day she would ask the Pasha to punish us all.

Rani was angry.

“Little fool,” said Nicole.

“Doesn’t she know yet that she must not anger important people? I suppose she thinks she is so important she can do without their support.”

The dormitory was searched, but the earrings were not found.

Fatima said it was a terrible thing and even the children should be searched. There were some children who were born thieves and if her Feisal were proved to be such, she would see that he was severely punished.

Rani said the earrings would no doubt soon be found. They could not be far off. There would be no point in anyone stealing someone else’s jewellery. When would the thief be able to wear it?

I was with Nicole in the gardens.

She said: “Serve her right. The arrogant little idiot. She will not get very far.”

“Someone must have taken the earrings.”

“As a joke perhaps?”

I said slowly: “I remember something now. I was only half awake. It was someone standing in the room … yes … and it was by Aida’s divan.”

“When?”

“Last night. I thought I was dreaming. I was in that state when I was not sure whether I was awake or asleep. I

have had strange dreams . since I’ve been here . and particularly after taking that stuff you gave me to drink. Half sleeping . half waking . hallucinations almost. I am not really sure whether I dreamed this. “

“Well, if you saw someone at Aida’s bedside and in the morning her earrings have gone … the chances are that you were not dreaming.”

Just at that moment Samir came up. He was holding something bright in his hands.

“Look,” he said.

“Maman, pretty things …”

She took the jewelled box from his hands and opened it. There lay the ruby earrings.

Nicole exchanged a glance with me, fearful and full of meaning.

“Where did you find this, Samir?” she asked in a voice which trembled.

“In my boat.”

His toy boat, the pride of his life. He was hardly ever without it. He used to sail it in the pools.

Nicole looked at me and said: “I must take it to Rani immediately.”

I put out a hand to stop her. I looked at Samir hesitantly. She knew what I meant.

She said to him: “Go away and play. Don’t tell anyone what you found.

It’s not important. But don’t say a word. Promise, Samir. “

He nodded his head and darted off.

I said: “It’s coming back. It could have been Fatima whom I saw last night. What if she stole the earrings? The more I think of it, the more I believe that this is what it is all about. Didn’t she say we should all be searched … and she mentioned the children. Fatima is foolish sometimes. She has no subtlety. It is easy to read her mind. She wants to damage you . and Samir. So she stole the earrings, put them in the boat and wants it to be believed that Samir stole them.”

“Why?”

“To make a thief of him.”

“But he is a child.”

“Then perhaps I am wrong. What would have happened if the earrings had been found in his boat? He would have said he did not know how they got there, but would he have been believed? It might be reported to the Pasha. Aida would have reported it, if she went back to him … as she well might. Perhaps the boy would be punished. The Pasha would be displeased with him. Do you see what I mean? But perhaps I am wrong.”

“No … no. I do not believe that you are wrong.”

“I think she may say that Samir stole them and when the theft was discovered, he was afraid and gave them up.”

Then what. ? “

“Let’s get rid of them … at once. Drop them … anywhere. It would not do for them to be found with you. What explanation could you give?

How did they come to be in Samir’s boat? they would ask. Samir must have put them there, they would say. It would be an unpleasant business. Leave them . near the pool. The case will be conspicuous and soon found, then Samir will not come into it. I feel sure it is better that he does not. “

“You are right,” she said.

“Then the sooner it is out of your possession the better.”

She nodded. Cautiously she put the case down by the pool and we walked away.

I said: “I feel sure it was Fatima. I am trying to remember what I saw in the night. It would have been so easy for her to slip off her divan when everyone was asleep … and take the case.”

“It was Fatima. I know it. She was the one. Oh, how I hate that woman.

One day I will kill her. “

The case was found. Aida said she could not understand it. She had left it beside her divan. Someone must have taken it, and then become frightened and thrown it away.

Rani said the earrings were found and that was an end of the matter.

But it was not really so. The enmity between Fatima and Nicole grew alarmingly. It was almost certain that Aida was not pregnant and that deepened the rivalry between the mothers of Samir and Feisal. Aida was sullen. Someone said she had pretended her earrings were stolen to call attention to the fact that the Pasha had once liked her enough to present them to her. There was a great deal of wrangling and petty spite in the harem. Perhaps because there was so little for them to do.

Nicole was undoubtedly grateful to me. She could clearly see the danger through which she and Samir had passed, for if the boy could have been branded as a thief, his favour might have been tarnished with the Pasha, if not lost forever. It was a mean act and worthy of Fatima, Nicole was sure.

She became more open with me. I had always known that there was a special friendship between her and the Chief Eunuch, but now she told me that they had been on the ship together and there had been a friendship between them then. She did not say that they had been in love, but the seeds of it might have been sown. When she had been taken into the harem he had been sold to the Pasha at the same time.

They had then been in urgent need of eunuchs and that had been his fate. He was tall, handsome and clever so he had risen quickly to his present rank. Nicole passed on information to him from the harem and he gave her news of what was happening outside. They had both made the most of the life into which they had been thrust.

Now I knew how close they had been before they had been taken into captivity, I understood their relationship much better. It had taken some time for them to become resigned to this life; but he had become Chief Eunuch and she planned to be First Lady of the Harem in due course.

The relationship between myself and Nicole had deepened.

It was I who had saved her son from a situation which could have been damning to their chances. It was clear to me that I was accepted as her friend, and she wanted to repay me for what I had done for her.

I tried to make her understand that there should be no thought of payment between friends. She replied that she realized that, but if she could do anything for me, she would; and she knew that what I wanted more than anything was to escape from my present position. Once, long ago, she had felt exactly the same, and that gave her a special understanding of my case.

The first thing she did was, to bring me a note. I think she had told her friend the Chief Eunuch the story of the earrings and enlisted his help; and for her sake he helped to bring this about.

The note was smuggled to me as before, and when I was quite alone I read it.

Don’t give up hope. Through a friend of mine I have heard what is happening on the other side of the wall. If an opportunity comes, I’ll be ready. So must you be. Don’t despair. We have friends. I do not forget you. We shall succeed.

What a comfort it was to read that.

Sometimes in a pessimistic mood, I asked myself what he could do. Then I assured myself that he would do something. I must go on hoping.

Nicole was watchful of Samir. I found myself watching him, too. He and I had become friends. He knew that I was with his mother a good deal and that there was a special understanding between us; it seemed to me that he wanted a share in it.

He was an enchanting child, and good-looking, healthy; and loving all people, he believed they loved him, too.

When I was sitting by the pool alone he came up to me and showed me his boat. We floated it on the pool and he watched its progress with dreamy eyes.

“It’s come from a long, long way,” he said.

“From where?” I asked.

“From Mar … Mart…”

I said on sudden inspiration: “Martinique.”

He nodded happily.

“It’s going to a place in France,” he said.

“It’s Lyons. There’s a school there.”

I guessed his mother had told him her story, for he went on:

“Pirates.” He began to shout.

“They are trying to take us but we won’t let them, will we? Bang, bang. Go away, you horrid pirate. We don’t like you.” He waved his hand at imaginary vessels. He turned to smile at me.

“All right now. Don’t be frightened. They’ve all gone now.”

He pointed to a tree and said, “Figs.”

“Do you like figs?” I asked.

He nodded vigorously.

His mother came up. She had heard the last remark.

“He is greedy where figs are concerned, aren’t you, Samir?” she said.

He hunched his shoulders and nodded.

I remembered that later.

I was sitting by the pool, thinking that the days were passing quickly and wondering when the Pasha would be coming back. Could I hope to escape again? There could not be another draught like the last. Rani would surely suspect if there were. And if I did take it, what effect would it have on me: how much did Nicole know about such potions?

Moreover, I imagined that Rani would prepare the aphrodisiac this time. She was no fool. It might well be that she had a suspicion of what happened. Was there any hope? I wondered. Could Simon offer me anything but words of comfort?

Samir came up to me. He was holding a fig.

“Oh,” I said.

“What a nice fig, Samir.”

“Yes,” he answered.

“Fatima gave it to me.”

“Fatima!” A shiver of alarm ran through me.

“Give it to me, Samir,” I said.

He held it behind his back.

“It’s not yours. It’s mine.”

“Just show it to me.”

He stepped back a pace and, bringing out his hand, held up the fig.

I went to take it from him, but he ran and I went after him.

He ran full tilt into his mother, who caught him laughingly and looked at me.

“Fatima gave him a fig,” I said.

She turned pale.

“He’s holding it now. He wouldn’t give it to me.”

She snatched it from him. His face puckered.

“It’s all right,” she said.

“I’ll find you another.”

“But that’s mine. Fatima gave it to me.”

“Never mind.” Her voice shook a little.

“You shall have a bigger and better one. This one’s not very nice. It has worms in it.”

“Show me?” cried Samir excitedly.

“First of all, I’ll get you a nice one.”

She put the fig into my hands.

“I’ll be back,” she said.

She took Samir off and a few minutes later returned without him.

“What do you think?” I asked.

“She’s capable of anything.”

So think I. “

“Rosetta, I am going to test this.”

She sat on the stones holding the fig in her hand and staring moodily before her. One of Fatima’s little dogs came into sight.

She laughed suddenly and called to him. He came up and looked. She held out the fig to the dog who swallowed it at one gulp, and looked at us hopefully for more.

“Why should she give him a fig?” she asked.

“She might have been sorry about the earrings and wanted to please him.”

She looked at me scornfully. Then her eyes went to the dog. He had crept into a corner and was being sick.

She was triumphant.

“She is wicked … wicked … she would have killed Samir.”

“We can’t be sure.”

“It’s proof enough. Look at the dog.”

“It might have been something else.”

“He was well enough before he took the fig.”

“Do you think she would go so far? What would happen to her if she were discovered?”

“Death for murder.”

“She would think of that.”

“Fatima never thinks ahead. She would think only of getting rid of Samir so that Feisal could be the Pasha’s favourite.”

“Nicole, do you seriously believe she would go to such lengths?”

The dog was now writhing on the ground. We stared at it in horror.

Suddenly its legs stiffened and it lay on its side.

“It could have been Samir,” whispered Nicole.

“If you hadn’t seen him with the fig … I will kill her for this.”

Aida came up.

“What’s the matter with the dog?” she said.

“He’s dead,” said Nicole.

“He ate a fig.”

“A what?”

“A fig.”

“How could he die of that? It’s Fatima’s dog.”

“Yes,” said Nicole.

“Go and tell her that her dog has died through eating a fig.”

I was really alarmed. I had been apt to feel somewhat contemptuous of their rivalries, but when they led to attempted murder, that was another matter.

It was not to be expected that that would be the end of the affair.

Nicole was not the sort to let such a thing pass.

Her remarks about the fig and the death of the dog would be enough to show Fatima that she suspected her. And she had been the one who had given the fig to Samir -the fig which afterwards had poisoned the dog.

There was open warfare between Nicole and Fatima. Everyone was talking about the death of Fatima’s little dog who had died after eating a fig.

Rani was worried. She hated trouble in the harem and liked to believe that she could keep everything in order.

Smouldering looks passed between Nicole and Fatima and we were all waiting for the trouble to start.

I begged Nicole to be careful. It would be best for her to tell Rani or the Chief Eunuch what she suspected; and they could deal with the matter.

She said: “J want to deal with Fatima. They might not believe she did what she did. They will say it was some other thing which caused the dog’s death. They wouldn’t want the Pasha to know that there had been attempted murder in the harem.”

I said fearfully: “He will be back soon. Surely he will hear something about it then?”

“No. He would not hear such a thing. Besides, they will try to make it all die down before he gets back. But I am not going to let it. She tried to prove my son a thief and when that failed she tried to poison him.”

“At neither time did she succeed.”

“No. Thank God. And it was due to you. You have been my good friend and when I can I will repay you. Yes, I will repay you for the good you have done me and her for the evil. But repayment there shall be.”

It could not go on.

Fatima approached Nicole in the gardens.

She said: “You are spreading evil tales about me.”

I had picked up enough of the language to understand a little now and then, so I could make out roughly what was being said.

“Nothing could be more evil than the truth,” cried Nicole.

“You tried to kill my son.”

“I did not.”

“You liar! You poisoned a fig and tried to kill him. Instead your dog died. It was proved.”

“I did not give the fig to him. The child is a liar as well as a thief.”

With that Nicole brought up her hand and dealt Fatima a stinging blow on the side of her face.

With a cry Fatima leaped upon her. I was terrified, for in her hand I saw a knife. Fatima had come prepared for battle.

Several women screamed.

“Fetch Rani,” someone said.

“Fetch the Eunuch. Call them.”

Fatima had plunged the knife into Nicole’s thigh and her trousers were drenched with blood. It seemed to be spurting all around.

Rani had come and was shrieking to them to stop. With her was the Chief Eunuch. He was a big strong man, and was soon dragging a kicking, screaming Fatima away from Nicole, who lay on the ground bleeding profusely.

Two other eunuchs who were tending the gardens appeared Rani ordered them to take Fatima away. The Chief Eunuch knelt beside Nicole. He said something to Rani.

Then he lifted Nicole tenderly in his arms and carried her into the building.

I was horrified. I had known that there would be trouble sooner or later between them, but I had not thought of fighting with knives.

There had of course only been one and that had given Fatima the advantage. Now I was worried about Nicole. I had grown fond of her.

She was the only one with whom I could communicate. She it was who had made life tolerable for me.

Then I thought of Samir. Poor child, what would become of him?

He was bewildered and came to me to be comforted.

“Where is my Maman?” he asked plaintively.

“She is ill.”

“When will she be better?”

“We must wait and see,” I told him one of the most unsatisfactory answers possible, as I remembered from my own childhood.

Fatima was under restraint. I wondered what would happen to her. The incident would not be lightly passed over, of that I was sure. To do so would be to undermine law and order in the harem and that was something neither Rani nor the Chief Eunuch would allow.

From what little I could understand, the women were discussing the poisoned fig and Fatima’s attack on Nicole;

Aida and her pretensions were no longer the main topic of conversation.

Rani was seething with anger because Fatima obviously had access to her closet where the drugs were kept. I wondered how often these had been used with discretion to remove some unwanted person from the harem. I imagined orders coming from the Pasha, through the Chief Eunuch, of course, that someone was to be quietly removed. It must have happened now and then. The secrets of the closet should be closely guarded and the fact that Fatima had succeeded in getting access to it must give cause for alarm.

The Chief Eunuch was in constant communication with Rani. I saw him frequently in the harem.

Nicole was kept in a room by herself. I was allowed to visit her, presumably because she asked that I should. They were very anxious that she should recover and were ready to do anything to help her to that end.

I was shocked at the sight of her. Her thigh was encased in bandages and she was very pale; there were dark bruises on her forehead.

“That snake would have finished me … if she could … and she nearly did,” she said.

“How is Samir?”

“He asks for you.”

A smile illuminated her face.

“I did not want him to see me … like this.”

“I think he would like to see you anyway.”

“Perhaps then …”

“I’ll tell him. He will be overjoyed.”

“You are looking after him for me?”

“As well as I can, but it is you he wants.”

“That wicked witch is shut away, I know. That is a great relief to me.”

“Yes. She is not with us any more.”

“Thank God for that. I could not lie here knowing she was there … and I powerless. How much does Samir know of the danger he was in?”

“He is too young,” I said.

“Children are sharper than you think. They listen. There is little they miss. Sometimes they put the wrong construction on things … but Samir will know something is wrong. He will sense danger.”

“I will look after him. You must not worry about him … and when you think he should come to see you, I am sure they will allow it.”

“Oh yes. They do not want me to die. The Pasha would ask questions. He would wonder how well Rani was looking after us. She might be

replaced. That is always in her mind. He would remember me because I am the mother of his boy.”

“And what of Fatima? She also is the mother of his boy.”

“He never really liked Fatima. She is a fool. She always was. She is the mother of Feisal, true. But that is all. Feisal is a good-looking boy, but that does not mean Fatima will be kept in favour because of that if she is a menace in the harem. I did not have a knife. She was the one who produced it. She might have killed me. It was what she intended to do. As it is … I have lost a lot of blood. The wound is deep. It is going to take a long time to heal.”

The next day I took Samir to her.

He leaped on to the divan and they hugged each other. I felt the tears in my eyes as I watched them. The child’s joy was great. She was there. She was still ill, he knew, but she was there.

He sat beside her and she asked what he was doing? How was the boat going?

“The pirates nearly took her,” he said.

“Really?”

“Yes, but I saved her in time.”

“That is good news.”

“When are you getting up?”

“Very soon.”

“Today?”

“Well, not today.”

“Tomorrow?”

“We’ll have to see.” There it was again. Samir sighed, recognizing the vagueness of the reply.

“You’ve got Rosetta,” she told him.

He turned and smiled at me and held out his hand. Nicole was biting her lip and lowering her ey s. She was as touched as I was and in that moment I was sure she felt as great an affection for me as I did for her.

The next day when I was with her. Rani brought in the Chief Eunuch.

Nicole spoke to him in French. She told him what I had done and that it was my prompt action which had saved Samir.

“I owe Samir’s life to her,” she said.

“I must repay her for what she has done for me.”

He nodded and I believe the look which passed between them was one of love.

The tragedy of their lives was brought home to me more vividly than ever. But for that one incident which had befallen them, everything could have been so different for them. In my imagination I saw the ship. I could picture the meetings . the friendship which sprang up as it can on board ship where people see each other every day if they wish. Relationships blossom in such an atmosphere. And that was how it would have been with those two young people. What would have happened if they had been al lowed to stay together? I pictured them at sea . warm evenings, sitting on deck, the starlit sky, the gentle swishing of the calm sea as they drifted along. Romance in the air. And then . shipwreck . sold into slavery and the end of a love-story which had only just begun.

Could I not understand better than anyone? Had it not happened to me?

And poor Nicole! Cruelly separated, yet to live not far apart.

Actually to see each other often: she the member of a harem to bear a child to an imperious master; he to lose his manhood because he was tall and strong and could be of use to that ruthless man. How dared some people inflict such horror on others! How dared they take us from a civilized world and submit us to their barbarous way of life! But they did dare. They had the opportunity and for the moment the upper hand and with it they tampered with our lives.

Nicole was getting better. She was exceptionally healthy and Rani was a skilled nurse. She knew exactly how to treat the wounds. I wondered how much practice she had had in a community where very idleness bred violence?

I took Samir to see Nicole every day. He was happier now. He was no longer afraid. His mother was ill for a while but she was there, he could see her, and I was a fair substitute.

One day she said to me: “The Chief Eunuch has just been to see me. He tells me much. They are eager to get this matter settled before the Pasha returns. Then he need not be told.”

“What of Fatima?”

“Rani will let it be known that she had to be sent away … back to her family. For some time she has been complaining of her conduct. It might even be said that she threatened me with a knife. If there are scars there would need to be an explanation. So much depends. There will be time to decide. But Fatima will be sent away.”

“What of Feisal?”

“He will remain. He is the Pasha’s son. He cannot leave.”

“Oh … poor child.”

“He will be better off here than with his foolish mother.”

“Who will care for him?”

“The other women will. No one has any quarrel with Feisal. He cannot help having such a mother. Fatima will remain locked up for the time being. Quite right, too. She is a wild animal.”

“But what a terrible punishment for the child.”

“Fatima deserves to lose her life. She would have taken Samir’s. Every time I think of that, I remember how much I owe you. I do not care to owe. I have spoken to Jean … to the Chief Eunuch. He understands it may be that he can help. Yes … I think he will help.”

My heart started to beat so fast that I could scarcely speak.

“How …” I stammered.

“The Pasha has been delayed. He will not be back for two more weeks.

It must be done before then. “

“Yes?”

“I told you, Fatima will be sent away. A carriage will come to take her. The Chief Eunuch will unlock the gates. The carriage will be waiting outside. It is to take her back to her family. Her presence is no longer required in the harem.”

“Does that happen often?”

Nicole shook her head.

“It is the ultimate disgrace. If she had killed me it would have been death. It may be that she will decide to kill herself,” she added with relish.

“Oh no!” I cried.

She laughed at me.

“She must not, for if she did it would spoil our plans. Listen.”

She paused for a few seconds. I could not hide my eagerness to hear more. Hope was suddenly surging up within me.

“All women are heavily veiled when they go out. It is only the lower classes who are not. One woman, therefore, looks very like another.

Oh, I shall miss you . for we are good friends, are we not? But it is what you want. You would never have been a true harem woman. You have too much esprit. You cannot forget your pride . your dignity . no, not for all the rubies in the world. “

“Nicole, tell me what you mean. Don’t keep me in suspense. You have been such a good friend to me. I don’t forget that you saved me once with that potion you gave me.”

“And made you most uncomfortable for a while.”

“It didn’t matter. It saved me. It gave me a respite.”

“A bagatelle. Did you not save Samir for me?”

“We have helped each other. Now … please … please, tell me what you have to say.”

“The Chief Eunuch will help … if it can be done.”

“How? What?”

“He will come to take Fatima away. She would be heavily cloaked and wearing a yashmak … and if behind those concealing garments it was not Fatima but Rosetta … why? What of that?”

“Is it… possible?” I breathed.

“It might be. He would take you through the gates. Nobody would have any idea that it was not Fatima but you. Everyone will have heard she is going back to her family.”

“And where is Fatima to be at this time?”

“In her room. She is to be ready at a certain time, but the carriage will come half an hour early. It makes no difference, the Chief Eunuch will say, and he is the one who makes the arrangement. He will come to see me. You will be here in this room … ready waiting. He will walk out with you and if anyone sees you … a few might dare to but they will be warned to stay in and not pry on Fatima’s shame … they will think you are Fatima. The Chief Eunuch will unlock the gates and you will walk through with him. He will then lock the gates and you will get into the carriage which is waiting outside. It will all go according to plan, except that you will be the one who leaves instead of Fatima.”

“Where would he take me?”

“To the British Embassy. You will tell your story. They will send you home. You cannot give the name of the Pasha because you do not know it. Besides, a foreign country cannot interfere in the affairs of another. The duty of the Embassy would be solely to get you home.”

“I can’t believe it. It sounds too easy.”

“It is not easy. It is clever and well planned. The Chief Eunuch is a very clever man.”

“And when it is found out what he has done … what will happen then?”

“It was a natural mistake. Everyone knew of your reluctance. You managed to pose as Fatima. He came to get a woman from the harem. The only one who could make trouble would be Rani and she will not be so foolish as to quarrel with the Chief Eunuch. She may suspect what she will, but she can do nothing. It is not as though the Pasha knows of your existence. You were to be a surprise for him. So there is no difficulty on that score. He will probably be told that there was trouble in the harem, and that Fatima attacked me with a knife. In the circumstances it seemed wise in the eyes of the Chief Eunuch and Rani to send her to her home. Depend upon it, very soon after you have gone, Fatima will be sent off.”

“Oh, Nicole, I can’t believe this. For so long I have hoped and tried to think of possibilities. And now … you and the Chief Eunuch are planning to do this for me. I’m not dreaming, am I?”

“As far as I know you are wide awake.”

“The Chief Eunuch is risking such a lot for me.”

“No,” she said softly.

“For me.”

“Nicole, what can I say to you? That you should do this for me …”

“I like to pay my debts. This has to work … or I shall not have done so.”

“You owe me nothing. Anything I did …”

“I know what you mean. But you have done so much for me and it is my joy to give you what you most want.”

“Your escape could have been arranged.”

“There are times in life when it is too late and that time for me is now. It is too late for … us … but not for you. Now… be prepared. Betray nothing. If it is going to work, the utmost caution is necessary.

“I know. I just want to think of what I have to do. You have surprised me. Just now I feel bemused.”

“Think about it,” she said.

“You will have to go very carefully. It is very important that this should work.”

I could not sleep. I could not eat. I went over and over the plan in my mind. To be free once more! Not to have this terrible fear hanging over me . it was a relief too great to be realized at first. To be mistress of my own destiny once more, an individual who made her own decisions, no longer a minion depending on the whim of a master who could command my presence and submission at any time he thought fit.

I thought of Simon. How was he faring? When I was free I must let it be known what had happened to him. He must be rescued. People could not be sold into slavery. That had been abolished. There should be no slaves in the civilized world. Oh . but I had forgotten. Simon did not want to be found. He was in hiding. He might be working as a slave in the Pasha’s garden, but at least he was not on trial for a crime he had not committed.

And what of Lucas? What had happened to him?

But I must not think beyond escape. I must remember that this was for what I had longed and prayed and that it was now about to happen.

Miraculously, I had acquired powerful friends and they were in a position to help me and would do so.

It would be hazardous, I knew, but I must not allow my mind to be sidetracked. I must hold myself in complete readiness for when the moment came.

A few days passed. Then Nicole said to me: “Tomorrow is the day.

Fatima is now in a room alone, waiting to be taken away. She will be angry and very frightened. She will be sent home in disgrace. She will lose Feisal. Rani says she is lucky. She might have been punished by death. If Samir had died . if I had died . then it would have been murder. You saved her from that. She has been in the harem for several years. It is a terrible disgrace. She would kill herself if she could, I know. But enough of her. The Chief Eunuch will come as if to take her but he will take you instead. “

“But she will be left here.”

“Naturally. He cannot take you both. But the trick will not be detected until you are well away. It is the Chief Eunuch’s job to find the women and Rani’s to look after them and prepare them for him. What the Pasha does not know he cannot miss.”

“But what of Rani? She has taken such pains.”

“Oh, she will be angry, but she knows she must not make trouble with the Chief Eunuch. It may be that Fatima will stay after all. On the other hand they might decide to send her away. So, who knows? You may be doing her another good turn. I do not know how it will work out, but that is not your affair. There will be a lot of chatter … much gossip … but these women are too interested in themselves to think long of others.

It will pass. “

“And if Fatima stays after all, what of you and Samir?”

“Even Fatima learns lessons sometimes. If she stays, she will be meek, never fear.

She has come too near to disaster to court it again. “

“I hope she stays. I hope for Feisal’s sake.”

“You forget she would have murdered my son … me too, if she had had the chance.”

“I know. But she did it for love of her son.”

“And for herself. She so much wants to be First Lady.”

“You will be that, Nicole.”

“I intend to be. My Samir will one day be Pasha of that I am determined. But the important thing now is to make our plan work. It will, of course. The Chief Eunuch will see to that.”

“Oh, Nicole, I wish you could come with me.” She shook her head.

“I would not. if I could. My life is now here. Years ago, before Samir came, it would have been different. I have felt all you feel now .

but fate was too much for me. There was nothing I could do and now

this is my life. Samir is to be the Pasha. That is what I want now more than anything. That is what I pray for. “

“And I pray that you will succeed.”

She nodded fiercely.

“I intend to,” she said.

“You may think I have impossible ambitions. But it did happen once .. some time ago.

There was a girl like myself. Her name was Aimee Dubucq de Rivery. She came from Martinique, as I did, and was on her way home from her school in France. She was shipwrecked and sold into a Sultan’s harem.

I read of her long ago and it has often seemed to me that I am reliving her story. I knew how she felt . how desperate at first until she became reconciled, how she sublimated everything to her son’s future. She succeeded and he became Sultan. You see, her fate is so like mine. She succeeded and so will I. “

“You will, Nicole,” I said.

“I know you will.”

The day had come.

Ever since her injury, Nicole had had a small room to herself, apart from the dormitory. The clothes I was to wear had been smuggled into this room on those occasions when the Chief Eunuch had come to see how she was progressing.

I dressed in them and then I looked like any other woman who might be encountered in the streets. I was a little tall, it was true, but I suppose some could be found who were my height.

The Chief Eunuch arrived. He saw that I was ready. He said: “We must be careful. Follow me.” I went with him out of the room, taking one last farewell of Nicole. No one was about. He had given orders that everyone must stay in the dormitory and there must be no prying. No one was to see the departure of the disgraced member of the community.

It was simpler than I had dared hope. We went towards

the gates together. I lowered my head, as though in humiliated sorrow.

A guard unlocked the gates and we passed through, the Chief Eunuch ahead, I a pace or two behind. The carriage was waiting. The Chief Eunuch pushed me in and hurriedly got in beside me. The driver immediately whipped up the horse and we drove away.

We came to the road and drove on for some minutes. Then the carriage pulled up.

I wondered what was happening. Surely I was not going to be put out here, so close to the Pasha’s domain? I was too bewildered at this stage to think clearly, but I was filled with apprehension at the notion.

The Chief Eunuch got out of the carriage and at the same time the driver leaped down from his seat. The Chief Eunuch immediately took his place and the driver got into the carriage beside me.

I thought I was dreaming.

“Simon!” I whispered.

He just put his arms round me and we clung together.

In those moments I felt I had awakened from a long nightmare. Not only was I free of all the fears which had beset me since my capture, but Simon was here.

I heard myself say: “You … too!”

“Oh, Rosetta,” he whispered.

“There is so much to be thankful for.”

“When … ? How …?” I began.

He replied: “We’ll talk later. For the time … this is enough.”

“Where is he taking us?”

“We’ll see. He is giving us a chance.”

We did not speak further. We just clasped hands tightly as though we feared we might be separated.

It was not yet dark and through the carriage window I recognized some of the landmarks I had noticed on my journey to the Pasha’s domain. I glimpsed the Castle of the Seven Towers, the mosques, the tumbledown wooden houses.

I felt a great relief when we crossed the bridge which I knew separated the Turkish from the Christian part of the city. We were then on the north side of the Golden Horn.

We went on for some little while before the carriage stopped abruptly and the Chief Eunuch descended from the driver’s seat. He signed for us to get out. He lifted his hand in a gesture which somehow signified that this was the end of his obligation.

“We don’t know how to thank you,” said Simon in French.

He nodded.

“Embassy over there. Tall building. You see.”

“Yes, but…”

“Go … go now. They may look for you.”

Almost abruptly he climbed up into the driver’s seat.

“Good luck,” he cried; and the carriage started back.

Simon and I were alone in Constantinople.

I felt a great elation. We were free . both of us. We only had to walk into the Embassy and tell our story and we should be kept in safety, our families informed of our whereabouts and then we should be sent home.

I turned to Simon.

“Can you … believe it!” I cried.

“It’s hard to. I’ll take you to the Embassy. You’ll have to explain that you have escaped from a harem.”

“It seems so incredible.”

“They will believe you. They will know what goes on … particularly in the Turkish section.”

“Let’s go, Simon. Let’s tell them. Soon … we’ll be on our way home.”

He stood still and looked at me steadily.

“I can’t go to the Embassy.”

“What… ?”

“Have you forgotten that I am escaping from English justice? They would send me back to . you can guess what. “

I stared at him in dismay.

“Do you mean you are going to stay here?”

“Why not? For a while, perhaps, till I make plans. It’s as good a place as any for a fugitive from justice. But I think I shall try to make my way to Australia. I’ve had experience on a ship. I think that is the most likely place.”

“Simon. I can’t go without you.”

“Of course you can. You’ll be sensible … when you have thought about it.”

“Oh no …”

“Rosetta, I am going to take you to the Embassy right away. You’ll go in. You’ll explain. They’ll do everything possible to help you.

They’ll get you home . soon. We were brought here to the Embassy for that purpose. “

“For both of us,” I said.

“Well, how were they to know that I could not take advantage of it?

But you can. And you will be foolish beyond all reason not to . and without delay. In fact, I shall insist that you do. “

“I could stay here with you. We’d find a way …”

“Listen, Rosetta. We’ve had great good luck … the greatest in the world. You can’t turn your back on this chance now. It would be utter folly. We found valuable friends. Nicole for you, the Chief Eunuch for me. You were of service to her and I was lucky enough to strike up a friendship with him. Our cases were similar. It gave us something in common. He had been taken … the same as I was. We could talk in his language. When he knew that you and I were together, it seemed significant. He with the French girl … you with me. It gave us a fellow feeling. Don’t you see, it’s stupendous good fortune. We might have spent our lives in that place. You a slave girl at the Pasha’s command … me guarding the harem with the eunuchs … perhaps becoming one of them. It could have been like that, Rosetta. And we have escaped. Let us thank our guardian angels for taking such care of us. Now we have to make sure that it was not done for us in vain.”

“I know. I know. But I can’t go without you, Simon.”

He looked about us. We were close to a church, which, on closer inspection, proved to be an English one.

There was a tablet on the wall. Simon drew me to it and we read that the church had been built as a dedication to those men who had fallen in the Crimean War.

“Let’s go in,” said Simon.

“There we can think and perhaps talk.”

It was quiet in the church. Fortunately there was no one there. I should have looked incongruous in my Turkish garb. We sat in a pew near the door, ready to escape if necessary.

“Now,” said Simon, ‘we have to be sensible. “

“You keep saying that, but…”

“It is so necessary to be.”

“You can’t ask me to leave you, Simon.”

“I shan’t forget you said that.”

“It has been so long. I have wondered and wondered what was happening to you … and now that we are at last together…”

“I know,” he said. There were a few moments of silence, then he went on: “The Chief Eunuch kept me informed. I knew the French girl had saved you from the Pasha by giving you a dose of a certain medicine.

He supplied the medicine for her to give to you. “

“He told you that!”

“Yes. I had spoken of you. I had told him of our shipwreck … how we had been together that time on the island. He said it reminded him of his own experience. And … the French girl had been taken into the harem. I think because it was so similar and there was a chance for us, he wanted us to have it. He used to say, ” It will be the same story for you unless you get out of here. ” There seemed no hope.

Then this chance came. What fantastic good fortune we have had, Rosetta. “

“I can’t believe that we’re here together now. It seems from the start we have been looked after. First the ship … then the island, and now this.”

“We have had our opportunities and taken them. And now we must not turn away from them when they are offered to us.”

“I cannot leave you here.”

“Remember it was my original plan to get away from England. What would happen if I returned now?”

“You cannot stay here. They may look for you. What if they found you?

The penalty for escaping is. “

“They won’t find me.”

“We could prove you were innocent. Together we could do it.”

“No. It is not the time.”

“Will it ever be?”

“Perhaps not. But if I went back with you I should be arrested at once. I should be in the same position that I was in before I got out.”

“Perhaps you should never have gone.”

“Just think: if I hadn’t we should never have met. We should never have been on that island together. Looking back, it seems like a sort of paradise to me.”

“An uncomfortable paradise. Do you forget how hungry we were … how we longed for the sight of a ship?”

“And then we found we were in the hands of corsairs. No, I am not likely to forget.”

“The island was no paradise.”

“But we were together.”

“Yes,” I said.

“Together, and that is how we should stay.”

He shook his head.

“This is your chance, Rosetta. You have to take it.

I am going to make you take it. “

“But I want so much to stay with you, Simon. More than anything I want that.”

“And I want you to be safe. It will be so easy for you.”

“No, it will be the hardest thing I ever did.”

“You are letting your emotions of the moment get the better of your good sense. Tomorrow you would regret it. There will be a bed for you at the Embassy. There will be sympathetic listening to your story and all the help necessary to get you comfortably home.”

“And leave you behind!”

“Yes,” he said shortly.

“Now I will take you to the Embassy. Oh, Rosetta, don’t look like that. It’s the best for you. That is what I want. It’s a great opportunity … such as comes once in a lifetime.

You must not fail to take it. You are emotionally overwrought. You do not understand your true feelings. Later you will be able to assess them. Now you must go. I ask it. I have to fend for myself. That will be difficult enough. But I shall manage . alone. “

“You mean I would be a burden.”

He hesitated and then looked at me steadily.

“Yes,” he said.

I knew then that I had to go.

“It is best for you, Rosetta,” he went on gently.

“I shall never forget you. One day perhaps …”

I did not speak. I thought: I shall never be happy again. We have been through too much . together.

He took both my hands in his and held me against him for a few moments.

Then, together, we left the Memorial Church and made our way to the gates of the Embassy.