BOOK III
WIDOWED (1890–1896)

El Maraa min ghayr Zaujuhá mislahá tayarán maksús el Jenáhh.

(“The woman without her husband is like a bird with one wing”)

CHAPTER I
THE TRUTH ABOUT “THE SCENTED GARDEN”

Now I indeed will hide desire and all repine,

And light up this my fire that neighbours see no sign:

Accept I what befalls by order of my Lord,

Haply he too accept this humble act of mine.

Alf Laylah wa Laylah

(Burton’s “Arabian Nights”).