The initiate may not enter lightly upon
her mysteries. For, if a bad complexion be inexcusable, to be ill-
painted is unforgivable; and, when the toilet is laden once more with
the fulness of its elaboration, we shall hear no more of the proper
occupation for women. And think, how sweet an energy, to sit at the
mirror of coquetry! See the dear merits of the toilet as shown upon
old vases, or upon the walls of Roman ruins, or, rather still, read
Bo"ttiger's alluring, scholarly description of `Morgenscenen im
Puttzimmer Einer Reichen Ro"merin.' Read of Sabina's face as she comes
through the curtain of her bed-chamber to the chamber of her toilet.
The slavegirls have long been chafing their white feet upon the marble
floor. They stand, those timid Greek girls, marshalled in little
battalions. Each has her appointed task, and all kneel in welcome as
Sabina stalks, ugly and frowning, to the toilet chair. Scaphion steps
forth from among them, and, dipping a tiny sponge in a bowl of hot
milk, passes it lightly, ever so lightly, over her mistress' face. The
Poppaean pastes melt beneath it like snow. A cooling lotion is poured
over her brow, and is fanned with feathers. Phiale comes after, a
clever girl, captured in some sea-skirmish on the Aegean.
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