It was a beautiful summer day. The sun was shining brightly on the glossy leaves of the olive-trees in Osman's garden, and the plants were loaded with blossoms.
Osman had just picked a bunch of flowers when he heard his mother's voice.
"How would you like a day by the Sweet Waters of Europe, my child?"
The little boy looked in the direction of the voice. His mother was moving slowly down the garden path.
"That would be lovely, mamma, but can't Selim go with us?"
"Certainly, and I have sent word to some of my friends to join us, too. We will have a merry time. I am tired of the house, and I long for a row on the beautiful river. Let Fatima go for Selim, and make yourself ready at once."
The little boy's mother was already dressed for the excursion. So, while the servants were preparing the lunch and Osman was getting ready, she sat down on a cushion under the trees and idly waited.
She was richly clad in a pink silk mantle with wide sleeves and deep cape. It was so long it reached down to her ankles.
A small, bright-coloured cap, trimmed with pearls, was fitted closely to her head. The thin muslin veil, fastened to this cap, was brought around her face so no part of it could be seen except her soft, kind eyes.
She did not have long to wait before her friends and Selim arrived to join in the day's outing. The slaves, with wraps and carpets, were also ready, and, at a sign from their mistress, the party started out.