“Silent Gossip” of a group of Turkish Women
They will often spend an afternoon in silent communion.
Turkish Ladies in their Garden with their Children’s Governesses
Little boys remain in the Harem until they are eight, after that they are counted as men.
Then it was, however, that, in spite of its being forbidden, I inaugurated a series of “white dinner parties”[16] for girls only. This created a scandal throughout the town. Our parents disliked the idea intensely, but we remained firm, and were happy to see our efforts crowned with success. Later, when we were married, we continued those dinners as long as we dared, and then it was we discussed what we could do for the future of women.
And what delightful evenings we spent together! Those soirées were moments when we could be ourselves, open our hearts to one another, and try to brighten for a little our lives. The fourteen friends I most loved in Turkey were all of the company of “white diners,” and all those fourteen girls have played some special rôle in life.
*****
I am sending you a letter, written by a friend whom I shall never see again.