The Day of Resis

by Lillian Frances Mentor

Enola was led by a priest to one of the semi-circular chambers and the curtains were drawn. Each of the others was shown to one of these recesses.

Enola, upon entering the chamber, looked about her and was surprised to see the preparations made for her. In the centre of the chamber was a beautiful designed square onyx table, supported by four spheres. Upon this table, in great profusion lay girdles and circles of gold, all heavily studded with diamonds and opals, similar to those worn by the native women but of more exquisite design; also gold pins, bottles of gold, filled with delightful perfumes, golden combs and highly polished mirrors of silver. Upon a smaller table at the far end of the chamber was a ewer filled with perfumed water. Near this table, resting on an onyx sphere, was placed an extinguished lamp of fine workmanship. Couches were in various places in this luxurious apartment; upon one of them lay a gown of silk and gold with short flowing sleeves, and near it another gown of pinkish white silk which was evidently meant to be worn as an undergarment.

Across the end of the chamber were hung heavy silk curtains, which, when parted, disclosed a bath sunken in the floor. About the bath stood six of the maidens who had conducted the party to the temple. The maidens stood motionless watching Enola as if waiting for her to come to the bath. Enola hesitated for a moment, then determined to accept the situation and walked towards the bath. The maidens disrobed her, and leading her into the bath, forced her gently backward in a reclining position with her head resting on an onyx head-piece, and then poured the perfume from the golden vessels over her body, rubbing her gently with a silken towel while doing so.

She being tired and worn out, the luxury of the perfumed bath, with the pleasing treatment of the maidens, rested and refreshed her.

After remaining in the bath for some time the maidens raised her in their arms, and carrying her to a couch laid her down and rubbed the moist skin until it was perfectly dry. They then sprinkled scented powder over her body, rubbing it gently; then motioning her to arise, the undergarment was thrown over her shoulders, after which one of the maidens dressed her hair in a low knot on the back of her head. A band of gold was placed over her forehead and then the outer robe was donned. This was fastened in at the waist by a girdle of gold; the necklace from Harding’s neck was brought to her, but Enola noticed that none of the maidens touched it with their naked hands, and she soon divined that in some way her royal reception was connected with the necklace and its flame-colored stone. Enola was then led to an alcove before which a curtain was hung, and then the curtain being drawn aside she found the alcove faced on either side with polished silver mirrors. She was surprised at the lovely picture she presented, in rich gown and golden bands around her head and waist, making her appear like an ancient Egyptian goddess.

The long tramp through the cavern with its scarcity of water and clean garments had left Enola in a pitiable plight, and this sudden change was most gratifying to the natural pride of the woman. Enola was next conducted to a couch and a pair of sandals were fitted to her shapely feet; these were laced as far as the knee with silken cords. One of the maidens left them for a few moments, and upon her return, motioned to Enola and the others to follow her. They passed into the quadrangular court and from here into one of the other semi-circular chambers. Here on a long onyx table was spread a sumptuous repast.

Enola was led to a seat or couch at the head of the table, and half reclining upon the soft cushions, while waiting for her friends, looked in wonderment at the elaborate prodigality in the equipment of the room.

The sides of the chamber were hung with heavy silk curtains alternating white and red, on which scenes of the chase, of banqueting and of worship were gorgeously embroidered with gold thread. Exquisite sculptures rested upon spherical pedestals. Lion, tiger and leopard skins covered the floor, and upon the ceiling, beautifully carved, was an immense eagle with outstretched wings, the tips reaching almost to the ends of the chamber. In the talons of the eagle was a scroll upon which were engraved strange hieroglyphics. At one end of the chamber a human skeleton was standing, the only discordant object in the entire furnishings. The table was of semi-circular form, and was covered with flowers, fruits and chalices of wine. The flowers were held in high, beautifully carved vases of gold and were profuse and fragrant. In the center of the table a tiny fountain threw forth a spray of perfumed water.

Enola was lost in admiration and did not hear a slight noise behind her, and was suddenly startled by the immense figure of the King as he entered and stood before her. She motioned him to the couch and he sank down beside her. He kept his eyes intently upon her, but noticing his look of respectful admiration Enola was half amused, and soon began a conversation by signs all of which were readily understood by the King. The rest of the party now came in, each of the ladies accompanied by three maids, and the men by two male servitors each.

Nellie and Mrs. Graham were attired much the same as Enola; Mr. Graham, Mr. Bruce and Harry were dressed as the native men, but their garments were of a finer quality of silk.