By clever mechanical contrivances the supply of water was so nicely regulated that a stream to the depth of four feet was always flowing through the bath.
This water was highly perfumed with attar of roses, and was so delicious to the senses that it was an intoxicating pleasure to bathe.
One day the ladies of Sherif el Habib’s household were disporting themselves in the bath, when by some accident the working gear got out of order and the water began to rise.
The ladies were not alarmed, for all were good swimmers.
Gradually the water increased in volume until it was six feet deep.
How merrily the ladies laughed!
How delighted they were at this new experience!
They could no longer touch the marble bottom of the bath.
Like children paddling in the surf, they laughed and made fun of each other.
They floated and swam about, dived and turned somersaults as though they were amphibious animals.