CHAPTER NINEPerdita arrived at the Kasbah in an open carriage with two outriders.
She carried with her a large amount of presents for the ladies of the Harem. There were ribbons, necklaces, bangles and a variety of pretty little boxes and decorative mirrors, all of which she had bought in London on the Marquis’s instructions before leaving England.
“Whenever you visit anyone in an Arab country, you always take them a present,” he had explained. “And, as we have no idea how many ladies the Sultan has in his Harem, be careful to buy enough or some concubine will undoubtedly take umbrage that she has been left out.”
Perdita carried her gifts in a native woven basket that Sir Drummond Hay had provided for her.
“They will certainly be delighted to see you,” the Chargé d’Affaires said with a
