TRAVELS IN CIRCASSIA. 329 



from the shore, we reached a substantial-looking 

 mansion, the residence of Ismail Bey, who was visited 

 in his room, where he was confined to his bed, by 

 some of the members of our party, and arrangements 

 were made for our departure on the morrow. He 

 was public-spirited enough to turn out his harem for 

 our inspection, and his wives and daughters came 

 trooping out, much to their and our satisfaction. 



At first they kept at a respectful distance, and 

 tittered immensely among themselves, and got behind 

 one another with a great affectation of coyness. 

 When, however, they saw that presents were to be 

 obtained by nearer advances, they crept forward, 

 sending the little children on as pioneers, who ad- 

 vanced timidly, keeping their fingers in their mouths 

 like civilised infants, until within reach of the prize, 

 when they clutched it ravenously, and rushed back 

 triumphant. At last we were surrounded by a galaxy 

 of beauty, and showed them their own lovely counte- 

 nances in looking-glasses, and explained the mysteries 

 of intricate housewives, or taught them to look 

 through opera -glasses. One of our party who had 

 come well provided with such articles soon became 

 immensely popular. At last the shades of evening, 

 and our sense of what was due to the owner of so 

 much charming property, warned us to terminate the 

 scene ; and after many expressions of unbounded ad- 

 miration, we parted with mutual regret. One or two 

 of these girls were very beautiful ; their soft dark 



