Page 149 - Neglected Arabia Vol 1 (2)

r
(
NEGLECTED AKA HI A 11

Deauville kerchief or scarf picturesquely draped about her head
and shoulders.
We just hated to have Miss Luttou stop talking about her work
among Moslem women, eager though we were to see the Dispensary,
with its miniature charm and spotlessness. It was a disappointment
not to see Dr. Hosmon but we could not help rejoicing with her in
this long-hoped-for opportunity to tour inland at the invitation of
an influential Arab’s wife. So absorbed was I with all the impres-

»
i"

!
t
i

11AKUOK OF MASKAT 1 .
;
iioiis that I quite forgot to chatter with Nurse Mary (one of our .
Madapanalle girls) in the Tamil with which I have been bursting. i
U does so irritate me not to be able to speak or understand the i
jargon about me. .
Miss l.utton had previously sent word to the Sultan’s “castle”
i that we should come to see the Dowager-Sultana and her daughter
• a half past eight, and this was a puzzler. Then Miss Luttou
1 explained Arabian time which begins at one o’clock at sunset and
i >uurise, so that half past eight means half past two. (In the
Bible the "ninth hour” means three o’clock, you know.) In eager
anticipation of seeing a real Sultana (not a biscuit or a raisin) w e
excitedly retraced our steps, almost to the shore. At our approach,
heavy barred doors opened to us from within, and as we crossed
the courtyard from which rose a flagstaff, Miss Lutton shouted,
1