Outside the conquerors were crying out, even louder than before, “More Turkish losses, more Turkish losses.” I folded up the letter and put it back in its envelope with a heart too bitter for tears.
*****
What did it all mean? What was the warning that fate was sending to me in this cruel manner? Désenchantée I left Turkey, désenchantée I have left Europe. Is that rôle to be mine till the end of my days?—Your affectionate friend,
Zeyneb.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] Yali = a little summer residence resorted to when it is too hot to remain in Constantinople itself.
[2] The Turkish women with whom I lived in Constantinople read the Bible by the advice of the Imam (the Teacher of the Koran) to help them in the better understanding of the Koran. I may add that Zeyneb’s knowledge of our Scriptures, and her understanding of Christ’s teaching, would put to shame many professing Christians in our Western Churches.
[3] French time.
[4] When I asked a Turkish friend to write in my album, to my surprise and pride she wrote from memory a passage from Ships that Pass in the Night.