I kept my underwear on when 1 put the costume on, but Bertha didn't. And I started to scold her, but she just gave me that "When on Gamont" business again. Well, we went into the palace, and it was beautiful, I must say that for it, but a little gaudy-soft music and water splashing in fountains and men and women lolling around in little dark alcoves Two huge men in turbans took us to reclining harem-chairs, and I guess I went to sleep When I woke up Bertha was gone. I yelled for Ahmed and Pol and they came running from somewhere pulling their clothes on. I guess they were napping too. So we looked for Bertha through long dark hallways with men in turbans in front of the doors They wouldn't let me in, so I just called out at each door we came to. Then we came to a door that said "Sultan's Chamber," and it was open, and inside there was Bertha, stark naked, sitting on a big red velvet pourty cushion thing. I told the boys to shut their eyes and went in. Bertha just kept grinning, and saying, "The Sultan chose me, the Sultan chose me " I got her dressed and the boys helped me take her back to the hotel. I told Pol to stay in the room with her all day tomorrow and make sure she stayed quiet and rested. 264 Tkrecsday, Jehannesdu, neSheustim 28 After yesterday's scare and today's shock, I know I'll live forever, because if they didn't kill me, nothing will There is a Bene Gessent House on Gamont' Why didn't Mother Caius tell me? I think I know Ahmed was driving me in the carnage through the streets, and I was looking at the places-or Plantation, Gay Paree-when I saw a little shop called "Ve Haf Vays" and I told Ahmed to stop I'd been wanting to get some souvenirs for the sisters at home, and this was a leather-goods store with beautiful belts and boots in die window. Not much of a selection though- everything was black, besides there were too many buckles and straps and things They even had whips, though why anyone would want to whip a sweet gentle creature like a thorse I don't know. Anyway, there I was in front of the store when I saw the B.G. emblem on the house on die comer I couldn't believe my eyes But I was so happy I went right up to the door and knocked. A little old sister opened the door, but she seemed surprised to see me-she said "They usually send younger ones." Then she shook her head and said "No accounting for taste" and led me into the parlor. And all over the walls of the parlor were these pictures of women. Well, I woa't try to describe them, but let me tell you I recognized some. There was that nice young (and smart) Helen Mohiam, and it's beyond me why she would let them take a picture of her sun-bathing. The head of the house (X will not call her Mother) came in, her face all painted and her eyelashes all long and black with some stuff on diem. She says, "You're not one of my girls Who are you?" "No," I said, "I'm Sister Matilda, the head laundress from Wallach come to see your house.