French and Oriental Love in a Harem

The "Rights of Woman" have clearly been divulged to them. They talk of

walking out by themselves, of visiting the popular theatres and

music-halls, and even Mabille, the illuminations of which struck their

fancy very much the other night, as we were passing the Avenue Montaigne

in the carriage, on our way back from the Bois. One little instance will

illustrate the situation for you. Mohammed's rank and titles have ceased

to impress them with any respect; and the day before yesterday Zouhra

actually had the impudence to say "Chut!" to him.

This expression will clearly indicate to you an astonishing progress in

the refinements of our language; but it will also, no doubt, afford you

a text upon which to declaim in that cruelly sarcastic style which your

Philistine genius revels in. I will, therefore, anticipate you by

replying: In the first place, that Mohammed does not understand French--a fact

which considerably diminishes the gravity of Zouhra's disrespect; In the second, that I never doubted but what their stay in Paris would

open my houris' minds to new ideas; And in the third, that neither did I doubt but what they would acquire,

in consequence, more precise notions upon the extent of their rights.

Woman, like any other animal susceptible of education, possesses the

most subtle faculties of imitation. Now if, her weak nature being

overcome by those impulses towards mischief and malice with which she is

peculiarly endowed, she is tempted to commit trivial derelictions of

conduct--derelictions which, after all, are but faults of

discernment--is there any reason why we should make such a fuss about

it?

In the midst of the supremely refined existence which my sultanas lead,

I seem to discover in these innocent little vagaries a frank simplicity

of character, more nearly related to purity of conscience than are the

accomplished manners of our most polished coquettes.

While on this subject I must reply to the sarcasms contained in your

last letter.

Let me tell you first of all that I have never laid claim to the

character of a superior being inaccessible to human vanities, as you are

trying to make out. I am quite willing to admit with you that I, like

any other man, am possessed by "the stupid satisfaction which every man

experiences in watching the success of the woman he loves." It is quite

possible that the effect produced by my odalisques upon the idle crowd

(or as you term it la haute badauderie) of Paris, has suddenly

invested them with new charms in my eyes. You say that the mystery with

which they are enshrouded, and the silly conjectures which I hear people

make about them as they pass by, have excited me and turned my head like

that of a simpleton.