And so I became a _Hanoum_. My dear Adilé was my sister, and though
after years of habit I was always throwing myself down at her feet, she
would make me get up and sit at her side, either on the divan or in the
carriage. Mourad's love for me had put aside the barrier which had
separated us. There was, however, now a terrible one between my slaves
and myself. Most of them were poor girls from my own country and of my
own rank. Until now we had been companions and friends, but I felt that
they detested me at present as much as they used to love me, and I was
afraid of their hatred. They had all of them undoubtedly hoped to find
favour in the eyes of their young master, and now that I was raised to
so high a position their hatred was terrible. I did my utmost: I
obtained all kinds of favours for them; but all to no purpose, for they
were unjust and unreasonable.
My great refuge and consolation was Mourad's love for me--he was now
just as gentle and considerate as he had been tyrannical and
overbearing. My sister-in-law was married on the same day that I was,
and went away to Salonica, and so I lost my dearest friend.