Page 153 - Neglected Arabia Vol 1 (2)

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NEGLECTED A KAMA 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

ts

11AKUOK OF MASK AT

duns that I quite forgot to chatter with Nurse Mary (one of our
Madapanalle girls) in the Tamil with which I have been bursting.
It does so irritate me not to be able to speak or understand the
jargon about me.
Miss I Ail ton had previously sent word to the Sultan’s '‘castle” r
• that we should come to see the Dowager-Sultana and her daughter
at half past eight, ami this was a puzzler. Then Miss Lutlmi
j explained Arabian time which begins at one o’clock at sunset and
? >unrisc, so that half past eight means half past two. (In the
liible the “ninth hour” means three o'clock, you know.) In eager
anticipation of seeing a real Sultana (not a biscuit or a raisin) we
excitedly retraced our steps, almost to the shore. At our approach,
heavy barred doors opened to us from within, and as we crossed
ihc courtyard from which rose a flagstaff, Miss Lutton shouted,
i

a