I shall always regret not having had the opportunity of seeing the Empress alone; it seemed to me that so much of what I might have told her had been left unsaid, and I know she would have been so glad to listen.—Your affectionate
Zeyneb.
CHAPTER XIII
TURKISH HOSPITALITY—A REVOLUTION FOR CHILDREN
Nice, March 1907.
I can assure you, I do not exaggerate our Oriental hospitality. Go to Turkey and you will see for yourself that everywhere you will be received like a Queen. Everyone will want to be honoured by your presence in their home.
The most modest household has its rooms for the mussafirs or guests. In wealthy establishments, the guest is given the choicest furniture, the daintiest golden goblets and bon-bon dishes, the best and finest linen and embroideries, a little trousseau for her own use, and slaves in constant attendance.
I never remember sitting down to a meal without guests being present. All our rooms for the mussafirs were filled, and in this matter my family was by no means the exception; everyone received with the same pleasure. In England, I believe, you do have guest-rooms, but here in France they do not understand the elements of hospitality.