In order to husband my strength, I took a little rest at noon.

I was accustomed, after luncheon, to lie down in the inner courtyard of my house, and there for an hour I bathed myself in the African shade, as dense and cool as water.

One day, as I was lying there on a divan in my courtyard, just as I was lighting a cigarette, I saw Selim approaching.

With his beautiful bronze arm he lifted the door-curtain, and came towards me in his blue robe.

He did not speak, but smiled with his shy and innocent smile, and the deep red of his lips disclosed his dazzling teeth.