WOMEN UNDER POLYGAMY
visitors. Those who seek an audience are received with courtesy and set at their ease. They are even permitted to sit by the Sultan on his divan.
Many of the Sultans may be described as having been domesticated. Almost all of them have proved good parents, and much attached to their children. Throwing aside the cares of the realm, they love to join the mothers and the children in the nursery, and to romp with the youngsters. The present Sultan is fond of horseback riding and sailing.
While a Jewess is never admitted to the Imperial Serai, there are several Christian women among the Sultan's train. They are well treated, and no intolerance is shown to their creed, which they are not asked to reject.
The daughters and sisters of the Sultan sometimes marry husbands without royal lineage. In these cases the husbands are extremely submissive to their wives; and they may not sit down in their presence without first asking permission.
The ladies of the Royal Harem wear costumes designed in Paris, and dress in the height of each changing fashion.[1] On State occasions of importance, they
- ↑ Lady Duff-Gordon, writing to "The London Budget," Nov. 23, 1913, says that in Paris "the harem influence continues to be strongly evident in the fashions of the winter. … The harem dress is the dress of allurement. No Occidental woman understands the mystery, the depth of allurement, as Oriental women do."
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