The seclusion of the women, through the jealousy of their lords, renders it quite difficult for the casual traveler to gain access to the inner courts of Oriental houses. Conversation with the ladies of the harem is a thing impossible. Missionaries do not enjoy much greater facilities than transient visitors. They are the bearers of a new and hostile religion, and harem doors are securely shut against them.
It is in the fullness of the information, which Miss Rogers gives us concerning these unexplored Moslem homes, that we find the chief value of her work. She possesses rare qualities of character, and during the three years of her residence in Palestine enjoyed the amplest facilities for the observations she desired to make. Her brother was British Consul at Hâifa, and was popular among the natives from Nazareth to Jerusalem. She was scrupulously careful never to offend the religious prejudices of the people, and as she was their guest, not only received from them the most cordial hospitality, but was permitted to converse freely with women of all classes and ranks. Miss Rogers is an artist, and many a time won her way to hearts of sheikh and warrior by her accurate sketches; the wit of her pencil now and then provoking bursts of merriment from the immovable old Orientals who entertained her. This artistic gift renders her descriptions graphic and circumstantial, thus fairly photographing on her pages the domestic scenes she presents. Of quick perceptions, unwearying perseverance, an inexhaustible stock of good-humor, a heart full of humanity, with a frank and fearless manner, she was admirably adapted to perform the work she undertook.
With special pleasure do I call the attention of the
