The house resembled a gigantic lantern in the blue of night with light exuding from its many lattices. Descending from the harem carriage which had brought her, together with two women and the girl Fatûmah, her own slaves, she was met by Yûsuf, whom she had not seen all day. He introduced to her two men⁠—a new experience, which seemed an earnest of less strict seclusion. One, who bore a torch, bowed low with eyes downcast. He was the gardener. The other⁠—a most honest-looking youth⁠—gazed awestruck at her shrouded form, his large brown eyes dilated to the very utmost, while a vast ecstatic smile bared all his teeth⁠—a smile which told of infinite fidelity.

“His name,” said Yûsuf, “is Ghandûr⁠—my faithful friend. He is your water-carrier, and will be always within call in case you have some errand out of doors.”