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other, she started off toward the church while the rest of the family followed, clapping and singing.

5.
    COME TO BED.
    T he family had retired and left the lower room for the bride and groom. Over the mattress they had set a canvas bower on four sticks with flowers drooping down. Miriam and Nadeem continued to sit like a king and queen. All evening, Miriam had wished she could go to sleep in her familiar bed, but now she was wide-awake. Nadeem got up and disappeared into the other room. She thought of how he had removed the paste from her face, the last ritual she had endured. He had anchored his fingers behind her ears and wiped her cheeks with his thumbs. She had been faintly comforted. Now the muscles in her face ached from false smiles. Phase after phase of events, each one nailing her in place.
    “Come to bed.” She jumped and stood immediately. He handed her the nightshirt his mother had bought as part of her trousseau. There was only the glow of the oil lamp, but she could see he was as tense as she. He left the room and she ran outside, thankful that the heavy door was unbolted. She breathed in, grateful for the sweet-scented air, and waited.
    “You don’t wish to sleep?” He stood a few feet away.
    “No.” He deserved a kinder tone.
    “What is it? The strange house?”
    She wished he would stop talking and leave her alone. “Yes.”
    “You are welcome here. This is your home now,” he said anxiously. Then, laughing nervously, he added, “It’s a nice home, too. Our mattress comes from France.” He made a deprecating sound. “My mother succumbs to every promise of European merchandise. This mattress has little springs in it that make it unique. Like . . . they say it’s like sleeping on a cloud. Perhaps you’ll have an opinion in the morning.” He waited for her to speak but she made no sound. “Aren’t you anxious to try it?”
    “No.”
    “Were you planning to stand here all night?” His voice had begun to relax.
    “Perhaps.”
    “Then I will have to stand with you.”
    “Why?” She was mildly surprised.
    “In case of wolves. Or hyenas. Or swooping bats.”
    “Swooping bats?” She turned to him for the first time.
    “Yes. Come here closer to me.”
    She didn’t move, so he came closer to her and took her hand. He spoke in a serious tone and she knew he was talking of their situation. “Don’t be upset, Miriam.”
    “I’m not upset.”
    “But you’re not happy.”
    “I’m quite happy,” she said stubbornly. He put his arm around her shoulder and, for the first time, she didn’t stiffen.
    “I’m not so brave either, you know. We’re new to it together.” She felt the accumulated exhaustion of the previous week like an oppressive weight. She had no will left and pride wasn’t enough to withstand the pull of events. It was done. She was a married woman and had to obey her husband. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. He took the opportunity to turn her toward him and hold her in a loose embrace. “Let’s go inside.”
    “Arrange your nightgown.” Words made it worse. She made no attempt to move. “Arrange your nightgown.” He said it kindly, repentantly. She turned and faced the wall. What worse thing could he do if she disobeyed him? She tried not to think of the whole world doing this. In every house. In every country. The sultan. Dr. Malouf. She was aware of him pulling down the skirt he had so recently pulled up. One of her arms was out of its sleeve and he tried gently to put it in its rightful place. When the gown was safely down, he kissed her cheek. “Everything will be all right.”
    When dawn came she felt the bed shift and saw that he was sitting up, facing away from her. He felt the mattress move and turned to smooth her hair. Just go , she thought. Then I can walk outside.
    He brought one of the new dresses he had purchased for her and a new undershirt, which he placed on the bed. “These are for you.” He left and she put on the clothes because she had