The "Rights of Woman" have clearly been divulged to them. They talk of
walking out by themselves, of visiting the popular theatres and
music-halls, and even Mabille, the illuminations of which struck their
fancy very much the other night, as we were passing the Avenue Montaigne
in the carriage, on our way back from the Bois. One little instance will
illustrate the situation for you. Mohammed's rank and titles have ceased
to impress them with any respect; and the day before yesterday Zouhra
actually had the impudence to say "Chut!" to him.
This expression will clearly indicate to you an astonishing progress in
the refinements of our language; but it will also, no doubt, afford you
a text upon which to declaim in that cruelly sarcastic style which your
Philistine genius revels in. I will, therefore, anticipate you by
replying: In the first place, that Mohammed does not understand French--a fact
which considerably diminishes the gravity of Zouhra's disrespect; In the second, that I never doubted but what their stay in Paris would
open my houris' minds to new ideas; And in the third, that neither did I doubt but what they would acquire,
in consequence, more precise notions upon the extent of their rights.
Woman, like any other animal susceptible of education, possesses the
most subtle faculties of imitation. Now if, her weak nature being
overcome by those impulses towards mischief and malice with which she is
peculiarly endowed, she is tempted to commit trivial derelictions of
conduct--derelictions which, after all, are but faults of
discernment--is there any reason why we should make such a fuss about
it?
In the midst of the supremely refined existence which my sultanas lead,
I seem to discover in these innocent little vagaries a frank simplicity
of character, more nearly related to purity of conscience than are the
accomplished manners of our most polished coquettes.
While on this subject I must reply to the sarcasms contained in your
last letter.
Let me tell you first of all that I have never laid claim to the
character of a superior being inaccessible to human vanities, as you are
trying to make out. I am quite willing to admit with you that I, like
any other man, am possessed by "the stupid satisfaction which every man
experiences in watching the success of the woman he loves." It is quite
possible that the effect produced by my odalisques upon the idle crowd
(or as you term it la haute badauderie) of Paris, has suddenly
invested them with new charms in my eyes. You say that the mystery with
which they are enshrouded, and the silly conjectures which I hear people
make about them as they pass by, have excited me and turned my head like
that of a simpleton.