CHAPTER XIX
HAREM INTRIGUES AND SCANDALS
Polygamy, as exemplified by the harem system, favours intrigue. Even the ikbal of a great and influential pasha, though much petted and lavishly endowed with money and fine jewels, often sighs for a real and romantic love affair. She may have entered the harem at a tender age, knowing very little indeed of the needs of her heart and dormant emotional nature. Her owner may show her much favour and kindness, and treat her with a courteous respect. And yet discontent and restlessness assail her. She may loathe the very hand that caresses her.
While the rulers of the harem exercise the most cautious and elaborate selection in the purchase of their mistresses, no such choice is open to the woman. Sold in childhood, they enter married life without any experience of men. No wonder that harems are often hotbeds of intrigue between the inmates and the outside world.
It may be urged that under monogamic marriage
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