The princess had on black silk open-worked gloves, over which were several finger rings.  Round the wrists sparkled costly bracelets of precious stones and pearls.  On her feet she wore white silk stockings.

She was not remarkably beautiful; her cheek bones were rather too prominent; but altogether her appearance was very attractive.  Her eyes were large, handsome, and intellectual, her figure pretty, and her age—­fifteen years.

Her face was a very delicate white and red; and the eyebrows were covered with blue streaks, which, in my opinion, rather disfigured than adorned them.  On the temple a little of her brilliant black hair was to be seen.

Our conversation was carried on by signs.  Dr. Cassolani, who spoke Persian very well, was not allowed to cross the threshold today, and the princess had received me, consequently, unveiled.  During this stupid interview, I found time enough to look at the distant view from the windows.  It was here that I first saw how extensive the town was, and what an abundance of gardens it possessed.  The latter are, indeed, its peculiar ornament, for it contains no fine buildings; and the large valley in which it lies, together with the mountains round, are naked and barren, and present no attractions.  I expressed my surprise at the great size of the town and the number of the gardens.

Towards the end of the audience, a quantity of fruits and sweetmeats were brought, of which, however, I alone partook—­it being fast time.

Leaving the princess, I was conducted to her husband, the viceroy.  He was seventeen, and received me seated upon an easy chair at a bow-window.  I had to thank my character of authoress, that a chair was placed ready for me.  The walls of the large room were panelled with wood, and ornamented with several mirrors, gilt-work, and oil-paintings of heads and flowers.  In the middle of the saloon stood two large empty bedsteads.

The prince wore a European dress:  trousers of fine white cloth, with broad gold lace; a dark blue coat, the collar, facings, and corners of which were richly embroidered with gold; white silk gloves and stockings.  His head was covered by a Persian fur cap nearly a yard high.  This is not, however, his ordinary dress; he is said to change his mode of dressing oftener than his wife, and sometimes to wear the Persian costume, sometimes to envelop himself in cashmere shawls, as his fancy may be.

I should have supposed that he was at least twenty-two.  He has a pale, tawny complexion, and, altogether, no attractive, amiable, or intellectual expression; never looks straightforward and openly at you, and his glance is savage and repulsive.  I pitied, in my mind, all those who were his subjects.  I would rather be the wife of a poor peasant than his favourite princess.