Tualookedathimandlovedhimmorethanever，fornowthathewastroubledsomenewlikenesstoRamesappeareduponhisfacewhichshehadneverseenbefore。
“Takeheart，nobleMermes，“shesaidgently，“theysaythatPharaohstayswithusyetawhile。“
“IthankAmen，“heanswered，“forhadhedied，hisbloodwouldhavebeenuponthehandsofmyHouse。“
“Notso，Mermes；itwouldhavebeenuponthehandsofthegods。Youspringfromaroyalline；say，whatwouldyouhavethoughtofyoursonifafterbeingstruckbythatfatNubian，hehadcoweredathisfeetandprayedforhislifelikeanyslave？“
Mermesflushedandsmiledalittle，thensaid:
“Thequestionisrather——Whatwouldyouhavethought，OQueen？“
“I？“answeredTua。“Well，asaqueenIshouldhavepraisedhimmuch，sincethenEgyptwouldhavebeensparedgreattrouble，butasawomanandafriendIshouldneverhavespokentohimagain。Honourismorethanlife，Mermes。“
“Certainlyhonourismorethanlife，“repliedMermes，staringattheceiling，perhapstohidethelookuponhisface，“andforalittlewhileRamesseemstobeinthewayofit。Butthosewhoaresethighhavefartofall，OQueen，and——forgiveme——heismyonlychild。NowwhenPharaohrecovers——“
“Rameswillbefaraway，“brokeinTua。“Go，bringhimhereatonce，andwithhimtheVizierandthechiefscribeoftheCouncil。Takethisring，itwillopenalldoors，“andshedrewthesignetfromherfingerandhandedittohim。
“Atthishour，yourMajesty？“saidMermesinadoubtfulvoice。
“HaveInotspoken，“sheansweredimpatiently。“WhenthewelfareofEgyptisatstakeIdonotsleep。“
SoMermesbowedandwent，andwhilehewasgoneTuacausedAstitosmoothherhairandchangeherrobeandornamentsforotherswhich，althoughshedidnotsayso，shethoughtbecameherbetter。Thenshesatherdowninachairofstateinherchamberofaudience，andwaited，whileAstistoodbesideheraskingnoquestions，butwondering。
Atlengththedoorswereopened，andthroughthemappearedMermesandtheVizierandthechiefofthescribes，bothofthemtryingtohidetheiryawns，fortheyhadbeensummonedfromtheirbedswhowerenotwonttodostatebusinessatsuchhours。AfterthemlimpedRames，forhiswoundhadgrownstiff，wholookedbewildered，butotherwisejustashehadleftthefeast。
Now，withoutwaitingforthegreetingsofceremony，TuabegantoquestiontheVizierastowhatstepshadbeentakeninfurtheranceofherdecrees，andwhenheassuredherthatthebusinesswasonfoot，wentintoitseverydetailwithhim，astotheshipsandtheofficersandtheprovisioningofthemen，andsoforth。NextshesetherselftodictatedespatchestothecaptainsandbaronswhoheldthefortressesontheUpperNile，communicatingtothemPharaoh\'sordersonthismatter，andthecommissionofRames，wherebyhe，whosehandshaddonetheill，wasputincommandofthegreatembassythatwenttomakeamends。
Thesebeingfinished，shesentawaythescribetospendtherestofthenightinwritingtheminduplicate，biddinghimbringthemtoherintheearlymorningtobesealed。NextaddressingRames，shecommandedhimtostartonthemorrowwiththosetroopswhichwerereadytoTakensitabovethefirstCataractoftheNile，whichwasthefrontierfortressofEgypt，andtherewaituntiltheremainderofthesoldiersjoinedthem，bearingwiththemherpresentstotheKingofKesh，andtheembalmedbodyofthePrinceAmathel。
Ramesbowedandsaidthatherordersshouldbeobeyed，andtheaudiencebeingfinished，stillbowingandsupportedbyMermes，begantowalkbackwardstowardsthedoor，hiseyesfixeduponthefaceofTua，whosatwithbenthead，claspingthearmsofherchairlikeoneindifficultyanddoubt。Whenhehadgoneafewstepssheseemedtocometosomedetermination，forwithaneffortsheraisedherselfandsaid:
“Return，CountRames，IhaveamessagetogiveyoufortheKingofKeshwho，unhappyman，haslosthissonandheir，anditisonethatnootherearsmusthear。Leavemeawhilewiththiscaptain，OMermesandAsti，andseethatnonelistentoourtalk。PresentlyIwillsummonyoutoconducthimaway。“
Theyhesitated，forthisthingseemedstrange，thennotingthelookshegavethem，departedthroughthedoorsbehindtheroyalseat。
NowRamesandtheQueenwereleftaloneinthatgreat，lightedchamber。Withbentheadandfoldedarmshestoodbeforeherwhileshelookedathimintently，yetseemedtofindnowordstosay。Atlengthshespokeinasweet，lowvoice。
“Itismanyyearssincewewereplaymatesinthecourtsofthetempleyonder，andsincethenwehaveneverbeenalonetogether，havewe，Rames？“
“No，GreatLady，“answeredRames，“foryouwereborntobeaqueen，andIambutahumblesoldierwhocannothopetoconsortwithqueens。“
“Whocannothope！Wouldyouwishtothenifyoucould？“
“OQueen，“answeredRames，bitinghislips，“whydoesitpleaseyoutomakeamockofme？“
“Itdoesnotpleasemetodoanysuchthing，forbymyfatherAmen，Rames，Iwishthatwewerechildrenoncemore，forthosewerehappydaysbeforetheyseparatedusandsetyoutosoldieringandmetostatecraft。“
“Youhavelearntyourpartwell，StaroftheMorning，“saidRames，glancingatherquickly。
“Notbetterthanyou，playmateRames，ifImayjudgefromyoursword-
playthisnight。Soitseemsthatwebothofusareinthewayofbecomingmastersofourtrades。“
“WhatamItosaytoyourMajesty？Youhavesavedmylifewhenitwasforfeit——“
“Asonceyousavedminewhenitwasforfeit，andatgreaterrisk。Lookatyourhand，itwillremindyou。Itwasbuttitfortat。And，friendRames，thisdayIcameneartobeingeatenbyaworsecrocodilethanthatwhichdwellsinthepoolyonder。“
“Iguessedasmuch，Queen，andthethoughtmadememad。HaditnotbeenforthatIshouldonlyhavethrownhimdown。Nowthatcrocodilewilleatnomoremaidens。“
“No，“answeredTua，rubbingherchin，“hehasgonetobeeatenbySet，DevourerofSouls，hashenot？ButIthinktheremaybetroublebetweenEgyptandKesh，andwhatPharaohwillsaywhenherecoversI
amsureIdonotknow。Maythegodsprotectmefromhiswrath。“
“Tellme，ifitpleasesyourMajesty，whatismyfate？IhavebeennamedGeneralofthisexpeditionovertheheadsofmany，Iwhoambutacaptainandayoungmanandanevil-doer。AmItobekilledonthejourney，oramItobeexecutedbytheKingofKesh？“
“Ifanykillyouonthejourney，Rames，theyshallrendermeanaccount，beitthegodsthemselves，andasforthevengeanceoftheKingofKesh——well，youwillhavetwothousandpickedmenwithyouandthemeanstogathermoreasyougo。Listennow，forthisisnotinthedecreeorintheletters，“sheadded，bendingtowardshimandwhispering。“EgypthasspiesinKesh，and，beingindustrious，Ihavereadtheirreports。Thepeopletherehatetheupstartracethatrulesthem，andtheking，whoaloneisleftnowthatAmathelisdead，isoldandhalf-witted，forallthatfamilydrinktoomuch。Soiftheworstcomestotheworst，doyouthinkthatyouneedbekilled，you，“sheaddedmeaningly，“who，iftheHouseofAmathelwerenot，wouldbydescentbeKingofKesh，as，ifIandmyHousewerenot，youmightbePharaohofEgypt？“
Ramesstudiedthefloorforalittle，thenlookedupandasked:
“WhatshallIdo？“
“Itseemsthatisforyoutofindout，“repliedTua，inherturnstudyingtheceiling。“WereIinyourplace，Ithinkthat，ifdriventoit，/I/shouldknowwhattodo。Onething，however，Ishould/not/
do。WhatevermaybethejudgmentofthedivineKingofKeshuponyou，andthatcaneasilybeguessed，IshouldnotreturntoEgyptwithmyescort，untilIwasquitesureofmywelcome。No，IthinkthatI
shouldstopinNapata，whichIamtoldisarichandpleasantcity，andtrytoputitsaffairsinorder，trustingthatEgypt，towhichitoncebelonged，wouldintheendforgivemeforsodoing。“
“Iunderstand，“saidRames，“thatwhateverhappens，Ialoneamtoblame。“
“Good，andofcoursetherearenowitnessestothistalkofours。Haveyoualsobeentakinglessonsinstatecraftinyoursparehours，Rames，muchasIhavetriedtolearnsomethingoftheartofwar？“
Ramesmadenoanswer，onlythesetwostrangeconspiratorslookedateachotherandsmiled。
“YourMajestyisweary。ImustleaveyourMajesty，“hesaidpresently。
“YoumustbewearierthanIam，Rames，withthatwound，whichIthinkhasnotbeendressed，althoughitistruethatwehavebothfoughtto-night。Rames，youaregoingonafarjourney。Iwonderifweshallevermeetagain。“
“Idonotknow，“heansweredwithagroan，“butformysakeitisbetterthatweshouldnot。OMorningStar，whydidyousavemethisnight，whowouldhavebeengladtodie？DidnotthatKaofyourstellyouthatIshouldhavebeengladtodie，ormymother，whoisamagician？“
“IhaveseennothingofmyKa，Rames，sinceweplayedtogetherinthetemple——ah！thosewerehappydays，weretheynot？Andyourmotherisadiscreetladywhodoesnottalktomeaboutyou，excepttowarnmenottoshowyouanyfavour，lestothersshouldbejealousandmurderyou。
Shallyouthenbesorryifwedonotmeetagain？Scarcely，Isuppose，sinceyouseemsoanxioustodieandberidofmeandallthingsthatweknow。“
NowRamespressedhishanduponhisheartasthoughtostillitsbeating，andlookedroundhimindespair。For，indeed，thatheartofhisfeltasthoughitmustburst。
“Tua，“hegaspeddesperately，“canyouforaminuteforgetthatyouareQueenoftheUpperandtheLowerLand，whoperhapswillsoonbePharaoh，themightiestmonarchintheworld，andrememberonlythatyouareawoman，andasawomanhearasecretandkeepitclose？“
“Wehavebeentalkingsecrets，Rames，asweusedtodo，youremember，longago，andyouwillnottellminewhichdealwiththeState。Why，then，shouldItellyours？Butbeshort，itgrowslate，orratherearly，andasyouknow，weshallnotmeetagain。“
“Good，“heanswered。“QueenNeter-Tua，I，yoursubject，daretoloveyou。“
“Whatofthat，Rames？Ihavemillionsofsubjectswhoallprofesstoloveme。“
Hewavedhishandangrily，andwenton:
“Idaretoloveyouasamanlovesawoman，notasasubjectlovesaqueen。“
“Ah！“sheansweredinanewandbrokenvoice，“thatisdifferent，isitnot？Well，allwomenlovetobeloved，thoughsomearequeensandsomearepeasants，sowhyshouldIbeangry？Rames，now，asinpastdays，Ithankyouforyourlove。“
“Itisnotenough，“hesaid。“Whatistheuseofgivinglove？Loveshouldbelent。Loveisanusurerthataskshighinterest。Nay，nottheinterestonly，butthecapitalandtheinteresttoboot。Oh，Star！
whathappenstothemanwhoissomadastolovetheQueenofEgypt？“
Tuaconsideredthisproblemasthoughitwereariddletowhichshewasseekingananswer。
“Whoknows？“sherepliedatlengthinalowvoice。“Perhapsitcostshimhislife，orperhaps——perhapshemarriesherandbecomesPharaohofEgypt。Muchmightdependonwhetherthequeenchancedtocareaboutsuchaman。“
NowRamesshooklikeareedintheeveningwind，andhelookedatherwithglowingeyes。
“Tua，“hewhispered，“canitbepossible——doyoumeanthatIamwelcometoyou，orareyoubutdrawingmetoshameandruin？“
Shemadenoanswertohiminwords，onlywithacertaingravedeliberation，laiddownthelittleivorysceptrethatsheheld，andsufferinghertroubledeyestorestuponhiseyes，bentforwardandstretchedoutherarmstowardshim。
“Yes，Rames，“shemurmuredintohisearaminutelater，“Iamdrawingyoutowhatevermaybefounduponthisbreastofmine，love，ormajesty，orshame，orruin，orthedeathofoneorbothofus，orallofthemtogether。Areyoucontenttotakethechancesofthishighgame，Rames？“
“Askitnot，Tua。Youknow，youknow！“
Shekissedhimonthelips，andallherheartandallheryouthwereinthatkiss。Then，gentlyenough，shepushedhimfromher，saying:
“Standthere，Iwouldspeakwithyou，andasIhavesaid，thetimeisshort。Hearkentome，Rames，youareright；Iknow，asIhavealwaysknown，andasyouwouldhaveknownalsohadyoubeenlessfoolishthanyouare。YoulovemeandIloveyou，forsoitwasdecreedwheresoulsaremade，andsoithasbeenfromthebeginningandsoitshallbetotheend。You，agentlemanofEgypt，lovetheQueenofEgypt，andsheisyoursandnootherman\'s。Suchisthedecreeofhimwhocausedustobebornuponthesameday，andtobenurseduponthesamekindbreast。Well，afterall，whynot？Iflovebringsdeathuponus，aswellmaychance，atleastthelovewillremainwhichisworthitall，andbeyonddeaththereissomething。“
“Onlythis，Tua，Iseekthewomannotathrone，andalas！throughmeyoumaybetornfromyourhighplace。“
“Thethronegoeswiththewoman，Rames，theycannotbeseparated。But，say，somethingcomesoverme；ifthathappened，ifIwereanoutcast，awanderer，withnothingsavethisshapeandsoulofmine，anditwereyouthatsatuponathrone，wouldyoustillloveme，Rames？“
“Whyasksuchquestions？“herepliedindignantly。“Moreover，yourtalkischildish。WhatthronecanIeversiton？“
Achangefelluponherathiswords。Sheceasedtobethemelting，passionatewoman，andbecameoncemorethestrong，far-seeingqueen。
“Rames，“shesaid，“youunderstandwhy，althoughittearsmyheart，I
amsendingyousofarawayandintosomanydangers，doyounot？Itistosaveyourlife，forafterwhathaschancedto-nightinthisfashionorinthathereyouwouldcertainlydie，as，haditnotbeenforthatplanofmineyoumusthavediedtwohoursago。Therearemanywhohateyou，Rames，andPharaohmayrecover，asIpraythegodshewill，andover-ridemywill，foryouhaveslainhisguestwhowasbroughtheretomarryme。“
“Iunderstandallofthesethings，Queen。“
“Thenawake，Rames，looktothefutureandunderstandthatalso，if，asIthink，youhavethewit。Iamsendingyouwithastrongescort，amInot？Well，thatKingofKeshisoldandfeeble，andyouhaveaclaimuponhiscrown。Takeit，man，andsetitonyourhead，andasKingofKeshaskthehandofEgypt\'sQueeninmarriage。Thenwhowouldsayyounay——notEgypt\'sQueen，Ithink，orthepeopleofEgyptwhohungerfortherichSouthernLandwhichtheyhavelost。“
Soshespoke，andasthesehighwordspassedherlipsshelookedsosplendidandsoroyalthat，dazzledbythegreatnessofhermajesty。
Ramesbowedhimselfbeforeherasbeforethepresenceofagod。Then，awarethatshewastryinghiminthebalanceofherjudgment，hestraightenedhimselfandspoketoherasprincespeakstoprince。
“StarofAmen，“hesaid，“itistruethatthoughherewearebutyourhumblesubjects，thebloodofmyfatherandofmyselfisashighasyours，andperhapsmoreancient，anditistruethatnowyonderAmathelisdead，aftermyfather，invirtueofthosewhowentbeforeusIhavemorerightthananyothertotheinheritanceofKesh。Queen，Ihearyourwords，IwilltakeitifIcan，notforitsownsake，buttowinyou，andifIfailyouwillknowthatIdieddoingmybest。
Queen，wepartandthisisafarjourney。Perhapswemaynevermeetagain；atthebestwemustbeseparatedforlong。Queen，youhavehonouredmewithyourlove，andthereforeIaskapromiseofyou，notasawomanonly，butasQueen。Iaskthathoweverstraitmaybethecircumstances，whateverreasonsofStatemaypushyouon，whileIliveyouwilltakenoothermantohusband——no，notevenifheoffersyouhalftheworldindower。“
“Igiveit，“sheanswered。“IfyoushouldlearnthatIamwedtoanymanupontheearththenspituponmynameasawoman，andasQueencastmeoffandoverthrowmeifyoucan。Dealwithme，Rames，asinsuchacaseIwilldealwithyou。Onlybesureofyourtidingsereyoubelievethem。Nowthereisnothingmoretosay。Farewelltoyou，Rames，tillwemeetagainbeneathorbeyondthesun。Ourroyalpactismade。Come，sealitandbegone。“
Sheroseandstretchedouthersceptretohim，whichhekissedasherfaithfulsubject。Next，withaswiftmovement，sheliftedthegolden/ur？us/circletfromherbrowandforamomentsetitonhishead，crowninghimherking，andwhileitrestedthereshe，theQueenofEgypt，bentthekneebeforehimanddidhimhomage。Thenshecastdowncrownandsceptre，andaswomanfelluponherlover\'sbreastwhilethebrightraysofmorning，flowingsuddenlythroughtheeasternwindow-
placeofthatsplendidhall，struckuponthemboth，clothingtheminarobeofgloryandofflame。
Soon，verysoon，itwasdoneandTua，seatedthereinlight，watchedRamesdepartintotheoutershadow，wonderingwhenandhowshewouldseehimcomeagain。Forherheartwasheavywithinher，andeveninthishouroftriumphantloveshegreatlyfearedthefutureanditsgifts。
CHAPTERVII
TUACOMESTOMEMPHIS
SothatdayRamesdepartedforTakensitwithwhatshipsandmencouldbegottogetherinsuchhaste。There，atthefrontierpost，hewaitedtilltherestofthesoldiersshouldjoinhim，bringingwiththemthehastilyembalmedbodyofPrinceAmathelwhomhehadslain，andtheroyalgiftstotheKingofKesh。Then，withoutamoment\'sdelay，hesailedsouthwardswithhislittlearmyonthelongjourney，fearinglestifhetarried，ordersmightcometohimtoreturntoThebes。AlsohedesiredtoreachNapatabeforetheheavynewsofthedeathoftheKing\'sson，andwithoutwarningoftheapproachofEgypt\'sembassy。
WithTuahehadnomorespeech，althoughashisgalleywasrowedunderthewallsofthepalace，atawindowoftheroyalapartmentshesawawhitedrapedfigurethatwatchedthemgoby。Itwasstandingintheshadowsothathecouldnotrecognisetheface，buthishearttoldhimthatthiswasnoneotherthantheQueenherself，whoappearedtheretobidhimfarewell。
SoRamesrosefromthechairinwhichhewasseatedonaccountofthehurttohislegandsalutedwithhissword，andorderedthecrewtodolikewisebyliftinguptheiroars。Thentheslenderfigurebowedinanswer，andhewentontofulfilhisdestiny，leavingNeter-Tua，MorningStarofAmen，tofulfilhers。
Beforehesailed，however，MermeshisfatherandAstihismothervisitedhiminaplaceapart。
“Youwerebornunderastrangestar，myson，“saidMermes，“andIknownotwhitheritwillleadyou，whopraythatitmaynotbeameteorwhichblazessuddenlyintheheavensanddisappearstoreturnnomore。
AllthepeopletalkofthefavourtheQueenhasshownyouwho，insteadoforderingyoutobeexecutedforthedeedyoudidwhichrobbedherofaroyalhusband，hassetyouincommandofanarmy，you，amereyouth，andreceivedyouinsecretaudience，anhonourgrantedtoveryfew。Fatethathaspassedmebygivesthedicetoyouryounghand，buthowthecastwillfallIknownot，norshallIlivetosee，orsoI
believe。“
“Speaknosuchevil-omenedwords，myfather，“answeredRamestenderly，forthesetwolovedeachother。“TomeitseemsmorelikelythatitisIwhoshallnotlive，forthisisastrangeanddesperateventureuponwhichIgo，totelltoagreatkingthenewsofthedeathofhisonlysonatmyownhand。Mother，youareversedinthebooksofwisdomandcanseethatwhichishiddentooureyes。Haveyounowordofcomfortforus？“
“Myson，“answeredAsti，“Ihavesearchedthefuture，butwithallmyskillitwillopenlittleofitssecretstomysight。YetIhavelearnedsomething。Greatfortunesliebeforeyou，andIbelievethatyouandIshallmeetagain。Buttoyourbelovedfatherbidfarewell。“
AtthesewordsRamesturnedhisheadasidetohidehistears，butMermesbadehimnottogrieve，saying:
“Greatisthemysteryofourfates，myson。Sometherebewhotellusthatwearebutbubblesbornofthestreamtobeswallowedupbythestream，cloudsbornoftheskytobeswallowedupbythesky，theoffspringofchancelikethebeastsandthebirds，gnatsthatdanceforanhourinthesunlightandaregone。ButIbelieveitnot，whoholdthatthegodsclotheuswiththisrobeoffleshfortheirownpurpose，andthatthespiritwithinushasbeenfromthebeginningandeternallywillbe。ThereforeIlovenotlifeandfearnotdeath，knowingthatthesearebutdoorsleadingtotheimmortalhousethatispreparedforus。Theroyalbloodyouhavecametoyoufromyourmotherandmyself，butthatourlotsshouldhavebeenhumble，whileyours，mayhap，willbesplendid，doesnotmovemetoenvywhoperchancehavebeenthatyoumaybe。YougoforthtofulfilyourfortuneswhichI
believearegreat，Ibideheretofulfilminewhichleadmetothetomb。Ishallneverseeyouinyourpower，ifpowercomestoyou，norwillyourtriumphantfootstepsstirmysleep。
“Yet，Rames，rememberthatthoughyoutreadonclothofgoldandthebowednecksofyourenemies，thoughlovebeyourcompanionanddiademsyourcrown，thoughflatteriesfloataboutyoulikeincenseinashrinetill，atlength，youdeemyourselfagod，thosefootstepsofyoursstillleadtothatsamedarktombandthroughitontoJudgment。Begreatifyoucan，butbegoodaswellasgreat。Takenoman\'slifebecauseyouhavethestrengthandhatehim；wrongnowomanbecausesheisdefencelessorcanbebought。Rememberthatthebeggarchildplayinginthesandmayhaveadestinymorehighthanyourswhenalltheearthlycountisreckoned。Rememberthatyousharetheairyoubreathewiththecattleandtheworm。Goyourroadrejoicinginyourbeautyandyouryouthandthegoodgiftsthataregivenyou，butknow，Rames，thatattheendofitI，whowaitintheshadowofOsiris，I
yourfather，shallaskanaccountthereof，andthatbeyondmestandthegodsofJusticetotestthewebthatyouhavewoven。Now，Rames，myson，myblessingandtheblessingofhimwhoshapedusbewithyou，andfarewell。“
ThenMermeskissedhimonthebrowand，turning，lefttheroom，nordidtheyevermeetagain。
ButAstistayedawhile，andcomingtohimpresently，lookedRamesintheeyes，andsaid:
“Mournnot。Separationsarenonewthing，deathisnonewthing；allthesesorrowshavebeenontheearthformillionsofyears，andformillionsofyearsyetshallbe。Liveoutyourlife，rejoicingifthedaysbegood，contentiftheybebutill，regrettingnothingsaveyoursins，fearingnothing，expectingnothing，sinceallthingsareappointedandcannotbechanged。“
“Ihear，“heansweredhumbly，“andIwillnotforget。WhetherI
succeedorfailyoushallnotbeashamedforme。“
Nowhismotherturnedtogoalso，butpausedandsaid:
“Ihaveagiftforyou，Rames，fromonewhosenamemaynotbespoken。“
“Giveittome，“hesaideagerly，“Ifearedthatitwasallbutadream。“
“Oh！“repliedAstiscanninghisface，“sotherewasadream，wasthere？DiditfalluponyoulastnightwhenthedaughterofAmen，myfoster-child，instructedyouinsecret？“
“Thegift，“saidRames，stretchingouthishand。
Then，smilinginherquietfashion，hismotherdrewfromthebosomofherrobesomeobjectthatwaswrappedinlinenand，touchingherforeheadwiththeroyalsealthatfastenedit，gaveittoRames。Withtremblingfingershebrokethesealandtherewithinthelinenlayaringwhichforsomeyears，asRamesknew，Tuahadwornuponthefirstfingerofherrighthand。Itwasmassiveandofplaingold，anduponthebezelofitwascutthesymbolofthesun，oneithersideofwhichkneltamanandawomancrownedwiththedoublecrownofEgypt，andholdingintheirrighthandstheloopedSignofLifewhichtheystretcheduptowardsthegloryofthesun。
“Doyouknowwhoworethatringinlongpastdays？“askedAstiofRameswhopressedittohislips。
HeshookhisheadwhorememberedonlythatTuahadwornit。
“Itwasyourforefatherandmine，Rames，thelastoftheroyalrulersofourline，whoreignedoverEgyptandalsoovertheLandofKesh。A
whileagotheembalmersre-clothedhisdivinebodyinthetomb，andthePrincess，whowaspresenttherewithyourfatherandmyself，drewthisringoffhisdeadhandandofferedittoMermes，whowouldnottakeit，seeingthatitisaroyalsignet。Sosheworeitherself，andnowforherownreasonsshesendsittoyou，perhapstogiveyouauthorityinKeshwherethatmightysealisknown。“
“IthanktheQueen，“hemurmured。“Ishallwearitalways。“
“Thenletitbeonyourbreasttillyouhavepassedthefrontier，lestsomeshouldaskquestionsthatyoufindithardtoanswer。Myson，“
shewentonquickly，“youdaretolovethisqueenofours。“
“IntruthIdo，Mother。Didnotyou，whoknoweverything，knowthat？
Alsoitisyourfaultwhobroughtusuptogether。“
“Nay，myson，thefaultofthegodswhohavesodecreed。But——doessheloveyou？“
“Youarealwayswithher，Mother，askheryourself，ifyouneedtoask。Atleast，shehassentmeherownring。Oh！Mother，Mother，guardhernightandday，forifharmcomestoher，thenIdie。Mother，queenscannotgivethemselveswheretheywillasotherwomencan；itispolicythatthruststheirhusbandsonthem。Keepherunwed，Mother。
Thoughitshouldcostherherthrone，stillIsaylethernotbecastintothearmsofoneshehates。Protectherinhertrial，ifsuchshouldcome；andifstrengthfailsandthegodsdeserther，thenhideherinthewebofthemagicthatyouhave，andpreserveherundefiled，forsoshallIblessyournameforever。“
“Youflyatararebird，Rames，andtherearemanystrongerhawksaboutbesidesthatoneyouslew；yes，royaleagleswhomaystrikedownthepairofyou。YetIwilldomybest，whohavelongforeseenthishour，andwhopraythatbeforemyeyesshutindeath，theymayyetbeholdyouseatedonthethroneofyourforefathers，crownedwithpowerandwithsuchloveandbeautyashaveneveryetbeengiventoman。Nowhidethatringuponyourheartandyoursecretinit，asI
shall，lestyoushouldreturnnomoretoEgypt。Moreover，followyourroyalStarandnoother。Whatevercounselshemayhavegivenyou，followitalso，stirringnottorightorleft，forIsaythatinthatmaidenbreastofherstheredwellsthewisdomofthegods。“
Thenholdingupherhandsoverhisheadasthoughinblessing，Asti，too，turnedandlefthim。
SoRameswentandwasnomoreseen，andbydegreesthetalkastothematterofhisvictoryoverthePrinceofKesh，andastohisappointmentbythewhimofthemaidenQueentocommandthesplendidembassyofatonementwhichshehaddespatchedtotheoldKing，thedeadman\'sfather，diedawayforlackofanythingtofeedon。
Tuakepthercounselwell，norwasaughtknownofthatmidnightinterviewwiththeyoungCounthergeneral。Moreover，Napatawasfaraway，sofarthatstartingattheseasonwhenitdid，theembassycouldscarcereturntilltwoyearshadgoneby，ifeveritdidreturn。
Alsofewbelievedthatwhoevercameback，Rameswouldbeoneofthem，sinceitwassaidopenlythatsosoonashewasbeyondthefrontiersofEgypt，thesoldiershadorderstokillhimandtakeonhisbodyasapeace-offering。
Indeed，allpraisedthewitandwisdomoftheQueen，whobythispoliticdevice，hadridherselfofatroublesomebusinesswithaslittlescandalaspossible，andavoidedstainingherownhandsinthebloodofafoster-brother。Hadsheorderedhisdeathforthwith，theysaid，itwouldhavebeensupposedalsothatshehadputhimawaybecausehewasofaroyalrace，onewho，inthefuture，mightprovearival，oratleastcausesomerebellion。
Meanwhilegreaterquestionsfilledthemouthsofmen。WouldPharaohdieandleaveNeter-Tua，theyoungandlovely，toholdhisthrone，andifso，whatwouldhappen？ItwasathousandyearssinceawomanhadreignedinEgypt，andnonehadreignedwhowerenotwed。Thereforeitseemednecessarythatahusbandshouldbefoundforherassoonasmightbe。
ButPharaohdidnotdie。Onthecontrary，thoughveryslowly，herecoveredandwasstrongerthanhehadbeenforyears，forthefitthatstruckhimdownseemedtohaveclearedhisblood。Forsomethreemonthshelayhelplessasachild，amusinghimselfasachilddoeswithlittlethings，andtalkingofchildrenwhomhehadknowninhisyouth，orwhensomeofthesechancedtovisithimasoldmen，askingthemtoplaywithhimwithtopsorballs。
Thenonedaycameachange，andrisingfromhisbedhecommandedthepresenceofhisCouncillors，andwhentheycame，inquiredofthemwhathadhappened，andwhyhecouldremembernothingsincethefeast。
Theyputhimoffwithsoftwords，andsoonhegrewwearyanddismissedthem。ButaftertheyhadgoneandhehadeatenhesentforMermes，theCaptainoftheGuardofAmenandhisfriend，andquestionedhim。
“ThelastthingIremember，“hesaid，“wasseeingthedrunkenPrinceofKeshfightingwithyourson，thathandsome，fiery-eyedCountRameswhomsomefool，orenemy，hadsettowaituponhimattable。Itwasadog\'strick，Mermes，forafterallyourbloodispurerandmoreancientthanthatofthepresentkingsofKesh。Well，thehorrorofthesightofmyroyalguest，thesuitorformydaughter\'shand，fightingwithanofficerofmyownguardatmyownboard，struckmeasabutcherstrikesanox，andafteritallwasblackness。Whatchanced，Mermes？“
“This，Pharaoh:MysonkilledAmathelinfairfight，thenthoseblackNubiangiantsintheirfuryattackedyourguard，butledbyRamestheEgyptians，thoughtheywerethelessermen，overcamethemandslewmostofthem。Iamanoldsoldier，butneverhaveIseenafinerfray——“
“Afinerfray！Afinerfray，“gaspedPharaoh。“WhythiswillmeanawarbetweenKeshandEgypt。Andthen？DidtheCouncilorderRamestobeexecuted，asyoumustadmithedeserved，althoughyouarehisfather？“
“Notso，OPharaoh；moreover，Iadmitnothing，thoughhadheplayedacoward\'spartbeforeallthelordsofEgypt，gladlywouldIhaveslainhimwithmyownhand。“
“Ah！“saidPharaoh，“therespeaksthesoldierandtheparent。Well，I
understand。Hewasaffronted，washenot，bythatbedizenedblackman？
WereIinyourplaceIshouldsayasmuch。But——whathappened？“
“YourMajestyhavingbecomeunconscious，“explainedMermes，“herMajestytheQueenNeter-Tua，GloriousinRa，tookcommandofaffairsaccordingtoherOathofCrowning。ShehassentanembassyofatonementoftwothousandpickedsoldierstotheKingofKesh，bearingwiththemtheembalmedbodyofthedivineAmathelandmanyroyalgifts。“
“Thatisgoodenoughinitsway，“saidPharaoh。“Butwhytwothousandmen，whereofthecostwillbeverygreat，whenascorewouldhavesufficed？Itisanarmy，notanembassy，andwhenmyroyalbrotherofKeshseesitadvancing，bearingwithittheill-omenedgiftofhisonlyson\'sbody，hemaytakealarm。“
Mermesrespectfullyagreedthathemightdoso。
“Whatgeneralisincommandofthisembassy，asitpleasesyoutocallit？“
“TheCountRames，myson，isincommand，yourMajesty。“
Nowweakashewasstill，Pharaohnearlyleaptfromhischair:
“Rames！Thatyoungcut-throatwhokilledthePrince！RameswhoisthelastoftheoldrightfuldynastyofKesh！Rames，amerecaptain，incommandoftwothousandofmyveterans！Oh，Imuststillbemad！Whogavehimthecommand？“
“TheQueenNeter-Tua，StarofAmen，shegavehimthecommand，O
Pharaoh。Immediatelyafterthefrayinthehallsheutteredherdecreeandcausedittoberecordedintheusualfashion。“
“SendfortheQueen，“saidPharaohwithagroan。
SoTuawassummoned，andpresentlysweptingloriouslyarrayed，andonseeingherfathersittingupandwell，rantohimandembracedhimandforalongtimerefusedtolistentohistalkofmattersofState。Atlength，however，hemadehersitbyhimstillholdinghishand，andaskedherwhyinthenameofAmenshehadsentthathandsomeyoungfirebrand，Rames，incommandoftheexpeditiontoKesh。Thensheansweredverysweetlythatshewouldtellhim。Andtellhimshedid，atsuchlengththatbeforeshehadfinished，Pharaoh，whosestrengthasyetwassmall，hadfallenintoadoze。
“Now，youunderstand，“shesaidashewokeupwithastart。“Theresponsibilitywasthrustuponme，andIhadtoactasIthoughtbest。
TohaveslainthisyoungRameswouldhavebeenimpossible，forallheartswerewithhim。“
“Butsurely，Daughter，youmighthavegothimoutoftheway。“
“Myfather，thatiswhatIhavedone。IhavesenthimtoNapata，whichisverymuchoutoftheway——manymonths\'journey，Iamtold。“
“Butwhatwillhappen，Tua？EithertheKingofKeshwillkillhimandmytwothousandsoldiers，orperhapshewillkilltheKingofKeshashekilledhisson，andseizethethronewhichhisownforefathersheldforgenerations。Haveyouthoughtofthat？“
“Yes，myfather，Ithoughtofit，andifthislastshouldhappenthroughnofaultofours，wouldEgyptweep，thinkyou？“
NowPharaohstaredatTua，andTualookedbackatPharaohandsmiled。
“Iperceive，Daughter，“hesaidslowly，“thatinyouarethemakingsofagreatqueen，forwithinthesilkenscabbardofawoman\'sfollyI
seethestatesman\'sswordofbronze。Onlyrunnottoofastlestyoushouldfalluponthatswordanditshouldpierceyou。“
NowTua，whohadheardsuchwordsbeforefromAsti，smiledagainbutmadenoanswer。
“Youneedahusbandtoholdyouback，“wentonPharaoh；“somegreatmanwhomyoucanloveandrespect。“
“Findmesuchaman，myfather，andIwillwedhimgladly，“answeredTuainasweetvoice。“Only，“sheadded，“IknownotwherehemaybesoughtnowthatthedivineAmathelisdeadatthehandoftheCountRames，ourgeneralandambassadortoKesh。“
SowhenhegrewstrongerPharaohrenewedhissearchforahusbandmeettomarrytheQueenofEgypt。Now，asbefore，suitorswerenotlacking，indeed，hisambassadorsandcouncillorssentintheirnamesbytwosandthrees，butalwayswhentheyweresubmittedtoher，Tuafoundsomethingagainsteveryoneofthem，tillatlastitwassaidthatshemustbedestinedforagodsincenomeremortalwouldserveherturn。
Butwhenthiswasreportedtoher，TuaonlyansweredwithasmilethatshewasdestinedtothatroyalloverofwhomAmenhadspokentohermotherinadream；nottoagod，buttotheChosenofthegod，andthatwhenshesawhim，shefeltsureshewouldknowhimatonceandlovehimmuch。
AftersomemonthshadgonebyPharaoh，quitewearyofthisplay，askedtheadviceofhisCouncil。TheysuggestedtohimthatheshouldjourneythroughthegreatcitiesofEgypt，bothbecausethechangemightcompletelyre-establishhisdivinehealth，andinthehopethatonhertravelstheQueenNeter-Tuawouldmeetsomeoneofroyalbloodwithwhomshecouldfallinlove。Forbynowitwasevidenttoallofthemthatunlessshedidfallinlove，shewouldnotmarry。
SothatverynightPharaohaskedhisdaughterifshewouldundertakesuchajourney。
Sheansweredthatnothingwouldpleaseherbetter，assheweariedofThebes，anddesiredtoseetheothergreatcitiesoftheland，tomakeherselfknowntothosewhodwellinthem，andineachtobeproclaimedasitsfutureruler。AlsoshewishedtolookupontheoceanwhereofshehadheardthatitwassobigthatallthewatersoftheNileflowingintoitdayandnightmadenodifferencetoitsvolume。
ThusthenbeganthatpilgrimagewhichafterwardsTuarecordedinthehistoryofherreignonthewallsofthewonderfultemplesthatshebuilt。HerownwishwasthattheyshouldsailsouthtothefrontiersofEgypt，sincethereshehopedthatshemighthearsometidingsofRamesandhisexpedition，whereoflatterlynocertainwordhadcome。
Thisproject，however，wasover-ruledbecauseinthesouththerewerenogreattowns，alsotheinhabitantsoftheborderingdesertwereturbulent，andmightchoosethatmomenttoattack。
SointheendtheywentdownandnotuptheNile，tarryingforawhileateverygreatcity，andespeciallyatAtbu，theholyplacewheretheheadofOsirisisburied，andtensofthousandsofthegreatmenofEgypthavetheirtombs。HereTuawascrownedafreshintheveryshrineofOsirisamidsttherejoicingsofthepeople。
ThentheysailedawaytoOn，theCityoftheSun，andthencetomakeofferingsattheGreatPyramidswhichwerebuiltbysomeoftheearlykingswhohadruledEgypt，toservethemastheirtombs。
Neter-TuaenteredthePyramidstolookuponthebodiesofthesePharaohswhohadbeendeadforthousandsofyears，andwhosedeedswereallforgotten，thoughherfatherwouldnotaccompanyhertherebecausethewaysweresosteepthathedidnotdaretotreadthem。
Afterwards，withAstiandasmallguardoftheArabchiefsofthedesert，shemountedadromedaryandroderoundtheminthemoonlight，hopingthatshewouldmeettheghostsofthosekings，andthattheywouldtalkwithherastheghostofhermotherhaddone。Butshesawnoghosts，norwouldAstitrytosummonthemfromtheirsleep，althoughTuaprayedhertodoso。
“Leavethemalone，“saidAsti，astheypausedintheshadowofthegreatestofthepyramidsandstaredatitsshiningfaceengravedfrombasetosummitwithmanyamysticwriting。
“LeavethemalonelesttheyshouldbeangryasAmenwas，andtellyourMajestythingswhichyoudonotwishtohear。Contemplatetheirmightyworks，suchasnomonarchcanbuildto-day，andsufferthemtorestthereinundisturbedbyweakerfolk。“
“Doyoucallthesemightyworks？“askedTuacontemptuously，forshewasangrybecauseAstiwouldnottrytoraisethedead。“Whataretheyafterall，butsomanystonesputtogetherbythelabourofmentosatisfytheirownvanity？Andofthosewhobuiltthemwhatstoryremains？Thereisnoneatallsavesomevainlegends。Nowif/I/liveIwillrearagreatermonument，forhistoryshalltellofmetilltimebedead。“
“Perhaps，Neter-Tua，ifyouliveandthegodswillit，thoughformypartIthinkthattheseoldstoneswillsurvivethestoryofmostdeeds。“
OnthemorrowofthisvisittothePyramidsPharaohandtheQueenhisdaughtermadetheirstateentryintothegreatwhite-walledcityofMemphis，wheretheywereroyallyreceivedbyPharaoh\'sbrother，thePrinceAbi，whowasstilltherulerofallthistownanddistrict。AsitchancedthesetwohadnotmetsinceAbi，manyyearsbefore，cametoThebes，askingashareinthegovernmentofEgyptandtobenominatedassuccessortothethrone。
Likeeveryotherlordandprince，hehadbeeninvitedtobepresentatthegreatceremonyoftheCrowningofNeter-Tua，butatthelastmomentsenthisexcuses，sayingthathewasill，whichseemedtobetrue。Atanyrate，thespiesreportedthathewasconfinedtohisbed，thoughwhethersicknessorhisownwilltookhimthitheratthismoment，therewasnothingtoshow。AtthetimePharaohandhisCouncilwonderedalittlethathehadmadenoproposalforthemarriageofoneofhissons，ofwhomhehadfour，totheirroyalcousin，Neter-Tua，butdecidedthathehadnotdonesobecausehewassurethatitwouldnotbeaccepted。Fortherest，duringallthisperiodAbihadkeptquietinhisownGovernment，whichheruledwellandstrongly，remittinghistaxestoThebesatthepropertimewithaceremonialletterofhomage，andevenincreasingtheamountofthem。
SoitcameaboutthatPharaoh，whobynaturewaskindlyandunsuspicious，hadlongagoputawayallmistrustofhisbrother，whoseambitions，hewassure，hadcometoanendwiththebirthofanheiresstothethrone。
Yet，whenescortedonlybyfivehundredofhisguard，forthiswasapeacefulvisit，Pharaohrodeintothemightycityandsawhowimpregnablewereitswallsandhowstrongitsgates；sawalsothatthestreetswerelinedwiththousandsofwell-armedtroops，doubtswhichhedismissedasunworthy，didcreepintohisheart。Butifhesaidnothingofthem，Tua，whorodeinthechariotwithhim，wasnotsosilent。
“Myfather，“shesaidinalowvoicewhilethecrowdsshoutedtheirwelcome，fortheywerealoneinthechariot，thehorsesofwhichwereled，“thisuncleofminekeepsagreatstateinMemphis。“
“Yes，Daughter，whyshouldhenot？Heisitsgovernor。“
“Astrangerwhodidnotknowthetruthmightthinkhewasitsking，myfather，andtobeplain，ifIwerePharaoh，andhadchosentoenterhere，itwouldhavebeenwithalargerforce。“
“Wecangoawaywhenwelike，Tua，“saidPharaohuneasily。
“Youmean，myfather，thatwecangoawaywhenitpleasesthePrinceyourbrothertoopenthosegreatbronzegatesthatIheardclashbehindus——thenandnotbefore。“
Atthismomenttheirtalkcametoanend，forthechariotwasstayedatthestepsofthegreathallwhereAbiwaitedtoreceivehisroyalguests。Hestoodattheheadofthesteps，ahuge，coarse，vigorousmanofaboutsixtyyearsofage，onwhosefat，swarthyfacetherewasstill，oddlyenough，someresemblancetothedelicate，refined-
featuredPharaoh。
Tuasummedhimupinasingleglance，andinstantlyhatedhimevenmorethanshehadhatedAmathel，PrinceofKesh。Alsoshewhohadnotfearedtheempty-headed，drunkenAmathel，waspenetratedwithastrangeterrorofthismanwhomshefelttobestrongandintelligent，andwhosegreat，greedyeyesrestedonherbeautyasthoughtheycouldnottearthemselvesaway。
Nowtheywereascendingthesteps，andnowPrinceAbiwaswelcomingthemtohis“humblehouse，“givingthemtheirthronenames，andsayinghowrejoicedhewastoseethem，hissovereigns，withinthewallsofMemphis，whileallthetimehestaredatTua。
Pharaoh，whowastired，madenoreply，buttheyoungQueen，staringbackathim，answered:
“Wethankyouforyourgreeting，butthen，myuncleAbi，whydidyounotmeetusoutsidethegatesofMemphiswhereweexpectedtofinditsgovernorwaitingtodeliverupthekeysofPharaoh\'scitytotheofficersofPharaoh？“
NowAbi，whohadthoughttoseesomeshrinkingchildclothedintheemblemsofaqueen，lookedastonishedatthistallandroyalmaidenwhohadsosharpatongue，andfoundnowordstoanswerher。SoshesweptpasthimandcommandedtobeshownwheresheshouldlodgeinMemphis。
TheyledhertoitsgreatestpalacethathadbeenpreparedforPharaohandherself，aplacesurroundedbypalmgrovesinthemidstofthecity，buthavingstudieditwithherquickeyes，shesaidthatitdidnotpleaseher。Sosearchwasmadeelsewhere，andintheendshechoseanothersmallerpalacethatoncehadbeenatempleofSekhet，thetiger-headedgoddessofvengeanceandofchastity，whereofthepylontowersfrontedontheNilewhichatitsfloodwashedagainstthem。
Indeed，theywerenowpartofthewallofMemphis，forthegreatunusedgatewaybetweenthemhadbeenbuiltupwithhugeblocksofstone。
Surroundingthispalaceandoutsideitscourts，laytheoldgardensofthetemplewherethepriestsofSekhetusedtowander，enclosedwithinaloftylimestonewall。Here，sayingthattheairfromtheriverwouldbemorehealthyforhim，TuapersuadedPharaohtoestablishhimselfandhisCourt，andtoencamptheguardsunderthecommandofhisfriendMermes，intheoutercolonnadesandgardens。
WhenitwaspointedouttotheQueenthat，owingtothelackofdwelling-rooms，nonewhichwerefittingwereleftforhertooccupy，sherepliedthatthismatterednothing，sinceintheoldpylontowerweretwosmallchambershollowedinthethicknessofitswalls，whichwereverypleasingtoher，becauseoftheprospectoftheNileandthewideflatlandsandthedistantPyramidscommandedfromtheloftyroofandwindow-places。Sothesechambers，inwhichnonehaddweltforgenerations，werehastilycleanedoutandfurnished，andinthemTuaandAstiherfoster-mother，tookuptheirabode。
CHAPTERVIII
THEMAGICIMAGE
ThatnightPharaohandTuarestedinprivacywiththosemembersoftheCourtwhomtheyhadbroughtwiththem，butonthemorrowbeganaroundoffestivalssuchashistoryscarcelytoldofinEgypt。Indeed，thefeastwithwhichitopenedwasmoresplendidthananyTuahadseenatThebesevenatthetimeofhercrowning，oronthatdayofbloodandhappinesswhenAmathelandhisNubianguardswereslainandsheandRamesdeclaredtheirlove。AtthisfeastPharaohandtheyoungQueensatinchairsofgold，whilethePrinceAbiwasplacedonherrighthand，andnotonthatofPharaohasheshouldhavebeenashostandsubject。
“Iamtoomuchhonoured，“saidTua，lookingathimsideways。“WhydoyounotsitbyPharaoh，myuncle？“
“WhoamIthatIshouldtaketheseatofhonourwhenmysovereignscometovisitme？“answeredAbi，bowinghisgreathead。“Letitbereservedforthehigh-priestofOsiris，thatHolyOnewhom，afterPtah，weworshiphereaboveallotherdeities，forheisclothedwiththemajestyofthegodofdeath。“
“Ofdeath，“saidTua。“Isthatwhyyouputhimbymyfather？“
“Indeednot，“repliedAbi，spreadingouthishands，“thoughifachoicemustbemade，Iwouldratherthathesatnearonewhoisoldandmustsoonbecalledthe\'ever-living，\'thanatthesideoftheloveliestqueenthatEgypthaseverseen，towhomitissaidthatAmenhimselfhasswornalonglife，“andagainhebowed。
“YoumeanthatyouthinkPharaohwillsoondie。Nay，denyitnot，PrinceAbi，Icanreadyourthoughts，andtheyareill-omened，“saidTuasharplyand，turningherheadaway，begantowatchthoseabouther。
SoonshenoticedthatbehindAbiamongsthisotherofficersstoodatall，grizzledmancladintherobesandcapofanastrologer，whoappearedtobestudyingeverything，andespeciallyPharaohandherself，forwhenevershelookedrounditwastofindhisquick，blackeyesfixeduponher。
“Whoisthatman？“shewhisperedpresentlytoAsti，whowaitedonher。
“Thefamousastrologer，Kaku，Queen。IhaveseenhimbeforewhenhevisitedThebeswiththePrincebeforeyourbirth。Iwilltellyouofhimafterwards。Watchhimwell。“
SoTuawatchedanddiscoveredseveralthings，amongthemthatKakuobservedeverythingthatsheandPharaohdid，whattheyate，towhomtheyspoke，andanywordswhichfellfromtheirlips，suchasthosethatshehadutteredaboutthegodOsiris。Allofthesehenoteddownfromtimetotimeonhiswaxentablets，doubtlessthathemightmakeuseofthemafterwardsinhisinterpretationoftheomensofthefuture。
Now，amongtheladiesoftheCourtwhofannedPharaohandwaitedonhimwasthatdancinggirlofAbi\'swhomanyyearsbeforehadbetrayedhimatThebes，Merytra，LadyoftheFootstool，nowawomanofmiddleage，butstillbeautiful，ofwhom，althoughTuadislikedher，Pharaohwasfondbecauseshewascleverandwittyofspeechandamusedhim。
Forthisreason，inspiteofherhistory，hehadadvancedhertowealthandhonour，andkeptherabouthispersonasacompanionofhislighterhours。Somethinginthiswoman\'smannerattractedTua\'sattention，forcontinuallyshelookedattheastrologer，Kaku，whosuddenlyawoketoherpresenceandsmiledasthoughherecognisedanoldfriend。Then，whenitwastheturnofanothertotakeherplacebehindPharaoh，MerytradrewalongsideofKaku，andundershelterofherbroadfan，spoketohimquickly，asthoughsheweremakingsomearrangementwithhim，andhenoddedinassent，afterwhichtheyseparatedagain。
Thefeastworeonitswearycoursetill，atlength，thedoorsopenedandslavesappearedbearingthemummyofadeadman，whichtheysetuponitsfeetinthecentreofthehall，whereonatoast-mastercried:
“Drinkandbemerry，allyegreatonesoftheearth，whoknownothowsoonyeshallcometothislastlowlystate。“
Nowthisbringinginofthemummywasaveryancientrite，butonethathadfallenintogeneraldisuse，sothatasitchancedTua，whohadneverseenitpractisedbefore，lookedonitwithcuriositynotunmingledwithdisgust。
“Whyisadeadkingdraggedfromhissepulchrebackintotheworldoflife，myUncle？“sheasked，pointingtotheroyalemblemswithwhichthecorpsewasclothed。
“Itisnoking，yourMajesty，“answeredAbi，“butonlythebonesofsomehumbleperson，orperhapsablockofwoodthatwearsthe/ur？us/
andcarriesthesceptreinhonourofPharaoh，ourchiefguest。“
NowTuafrowned，andPharaoh，whohadoverheardthetalk，said，smilingsadly:
“Asomewhatpoorcompliment，mybrother，toonewho，likemyself，isoldandsicklyandnotfarfromhiseternalhabitation。YetwhyshouldIgrumbleatitwhoneednosuchreminderofthatwhichawaitsmeandallofus？“andheleanedbackinhischairandsighed，whileTualookedathimanxiously。
ThenAbiorderedthemummytoberemoved，declaring，withmanyapologies，thatithadbeenbroughtthereonlybecausesuchwastheancientcustomofMemphis，which，unlikeThebes，didnotchangeitsfashions。Headdedthatthissamebodyorfigure，forheknewnotwhichitwas，havingnevertroubledtoinquire，hadbeenlookeduponbyatleastthirtyPharaohs，allasdeadasitto-day，sinceitwasthesamethatwasusedattheroyalfeastsbefore，longago，theseatofgovernmentwasmovedtoThebes。
“Ifso，“brokeinTua，whowasangry，“itistimethatitshouldbeburied，iffleshandbone，orburnedifwood。ButPharaohiswearied。
Haveweyourleavetodepart，myUncle？“
Withoutanswering，Abirose，asshethoughttodismissthecompany。
Butitwasnotso，forheraisedagreat，goldencupofwineandsaid:
“Beforewepart，myguests，letMemphisdrinkawelcometothemightyLordoftheTwoLandswho，forthefirsttimeinhislongandgloriousreign，honoursitwithhispresencehereto-day。Ashesaidtomebutnow，myroyalbrotherisweakandagedwithsickness，norcanwehopethatoncehisvisitisended，hewillreturnagaintotheWhite-walledCity。Butasitchancesthegodshavegivenhimaboonwhichtheydeniedforlong，thelovelydaughterwhoshareshisthrone，andwho，aswebelieveandpray，willreignafterhimwhenitpleaseshimtoascendintothekingdomofOsiris。Yet，myfriends，itisevilthatthesafeandlawfulgovernmentofEgyptshouldhangononefraillife。
ThereforethisisthetoasttowhichIdrink——thattheQueenNeter-
Tua，MorningStarofAmen，HathorStronginBeauty，whohasrejectedsomanysuitors，maybeforeshedepartsfromamongus，findonetoherliking，somehusbandofroyalblood，skilledintheartofrule，whosestrengthandknowledgemayservetosupportherwoman\'sweaknessandinexperienceinthatsadhourwhenshefindsherselfalone。“
Nowtheaudience，whowellunderstoodtheinnermeaningandobjectsofthisspeech，roseandcheeredfuriously，astheyhadbeenschooledtodo，emptyingtheircupstoPharaohandtoTuaandshouting:
“Weknowtheman。Takehim，gloriousQueen，takehim，DaughterofAmen，andreignforever。“
“Whatdotheymean？“mutteredPharaoh，“Idonotunderstand。Thankthem，mydaughter，myvoiceisweak，andletusbegone。“
SoTuarosewhenatlengththerewassilenceand，lookingroundherwithflashingeyes，saidinherclearvoicethatreachedthefurthestrecessesofthehall:
“ThePharaoh，myfather，andI，theQueenoftheUpperandtheLowerLands，returnthankstoyou，ourpeopleofthiscity，foryourloyalgreetings。ButasforthewordsthatthePrinceAbihasspoken，weunderstandthemnot。MyprayeristhatthePharaohmaystillreigningloryformanyyears，butifhedepartsandIremain，learn，Opeople，thatyouhavenaughttofearfromtheweaknessandinexperienceofyourQueen。Learnalsothatsheseeksnohusband，norwhensheseekswillsheeverfindonewithinthewallsofMemphis。Restyouwell，O
peopleandyou，myUncleAbi，asnowwithyourgoodleavewewilldoalso。“
Then，turning，shetookherfatherbythehandandwentwithoutmorewords，leavingAbistaringathisguestswhilehisguestsstaredbackathim。
WhenTuahadreachedthepylontower，whereshelodged，andherladieshadunrobedherandgone，shecalledAstitoherfromtheadjoiningchamberandsaid:
“Youarewise，mynurse，tellme，whatdidAbimean？“
“IfyourMajestycannotguess，thenyouaredullerthanIthought，“
answeredAstiinherquick，dryfashion，adding；“however，Iwilltrytotranslate。ThePrinceAbi，yournobleuncle，meansthathehastrappedyouhere，andthatyoushallnotleavethesewallssaveashiswife。“
NowfurytookholdofTua。
“Howdarehespeaksuchwords？“shegasped，springingtoherfeet。“I，thewifeofthatoldriver-hog，myfather\'sbrotherwhomightbemygrandfather，thathideous，ancientlumpofwickednesswhoboaststhathehasahundredsonsanddaughters；I，theQueenofEgypt，whosebirthwasdecreedbyAmen，I——howdareyou？“andsheceased，chokinginherwrath。
“Thequestionis——howhedares，Queen。Still，thatishisplotwhichhewillcarrythroughifheisable。Isuspecteditfromthefirst，andthatiswhyIalwaysopposedthisvisittoMemphis，butyouwillrememberthatyoubademebesilent，sayingthatyouhaddeterminedtoseethemostancientcityinEgypt。“
“Youshouldnothavebeensilent。Youshouldhavesaidwhatwasinyourmind，evenifIorderedyoufrommypresence。NeitherAbinoranyofhissonsproposedformyhandwhentheothersdid，therefore/I/
suspectednothing——“
“Afterthefashionofwomenwhohavealreadygiventheirhearts，Queen，andforgetthattheyhaveotherthingstogive——akingdom，forinstance。Thesnakedoesnotroarlikethelion，yetitismoretobefeared。“
“OnceIamoutofthisplaceitisthesnakethatshallhavecausetofear，Asti，forIwillbreakitsbackandthrowitwrithingtothekites。Nurse，wemustleaveMemphis。“
“Thatisnoteasy，Queen，sincesomeceremonyisplannedforeachofthenexteightdays。IfPharaohweretogoawaywithoutattendingthem，hewouldangerallthepeopleoftheNorthwhichhehasnotvisitedsincehewascrowned。“
“Thenletthembeangered；Pharaohcandoashewills。“
“Yes，Queen，atleast，thatisthesaying。ButdoyouthinkthatPharaohwishestobringaboutacivilwarandriskhiscrownandyours？Listen:Abiisverystrong，andunderhiscommandhehasagreaterarmythanPharaohcanmusterinthesetimesofpeace，forinadditiontohistrainedtroops，allthethousandsoftheBedouintribesofthedesertlookonhimaslord，andathiswordwillfallonthewealthofEgyptlikefamishedvulturesonafattedox。Moreover，hereyouhavebutaguardoffivehundredmen，whereasAbi\'sregiments，summonedtodoyouhonour，andhisshipsofwarblocktheriverandthesouthernroad。HowthenwillyouleaveMemphiswithouthisgoodleave；howwillyouevensendmessengerstosummonaidwhichcouldnotreachyouunderfiftydays？“
Nowwhenshesawthegreatnessofthedanger，Tuagrewquitecalmandanswered:
“Youhavedonewrong，Asti；ifyouforesawallthesethingsofwhichI
neverthought，youshouldhavewarnedPharaohandhisCouncil。“
“Queen，Ididwarnthem，andMermeswarnedthemalso，buttheywouldnotlisten，sayingthattheywerebuttheidledreamsofonewhostrivestopeepintothefutureandseesfalsepicturesthere。More，Pharaohsentformehimself，andwhilstthankingmeandMermesmyhusband，toldmethathehadinquiredintothematterandfoundnocausetodistrustAbiorthoseunderhiscommand。Moreover，heforbademetospeaktoyourMajestyaboutit，lest，beingbutyoungandawoman，youmightbefrightenedandyourpleasurespoilt。“
“Whowashiscounsellor？“askedTua。
“Astrangeone，Ithink，Queen。Youknowhiswaiting-woman，Merytra，sheofwhomheissofond，andwhostoodbehindhimwithafanthisnight。“
“Aye，Iknowher，“repliedTua，withemphasis。“Shewaseverwhisperingwiththattallastrologeratthefeast。ButdoesPharaohtakecounselwithwaiting-ladiesofhisprivatehousehold？“
“Withthiswaiting-lady，itseems，Queen。Perhapsyouhavenotheardallherstory。intheyearbeforeyourbirthMerytracameuptheNilewithAbi。Shewasthenquiteyoungandverypretty；oneofAbi\'swomen。ItseemsthatthePrincestruckherforsomefault，andbeingclevershedeterminedtoberevengeduponhim。Soonshegotherchance，forsheheardAbidisclosetotheastrologerKaku，thatsamemanwhomyousawto-nighttalkingwithher，aplanthathehadmadetomurderPharaohanddeclarehimselfking，fromwhichKakudissuadedhim。Havingthissecretandbeingbold，shefledatoncefromtheshipofAbi，andthatnighttoldPharaoheverything。ButheforgaveAbi，andsenthimhomeagainwithhonourwhoshouldhaveslainhimforhistreason。OnlyMerytraremainedintheCourt，andfromthattimeforwardPharaoh，whotrustedherandwascaughtbyherwitandbeauty，madeitahabittosendforherwhenhewishedtohavenewsofMemphiswhereshewasborn，becausesheseemedalwaystoknoweventhemostsecretthingsthatwerepassinginthatcity。Moreover，oftenherinformationprovedtrue。“
“Thatisnottobewonderedat，Nurse，seeingthatdoubtlessitcamefromthisKaku，Abi\'sastrologerandmagician。“
“No，Queen，itisnottobewonderedat，especiallyasshepaidbacksecretforsecret。Well，IbelievethatafterIhadwarnedPharaohofwhatIknew，nevermindhow，hesentforMerytra，wholaughedthetaletoscorn，andtoldhimthatAbihisbrotherhadlongagoabandonedallambitions，beingwellcontentwithhisgreatplaceandpowerwhichoneofhissonswouldinheritafterhim。ShetoldhimalsothatthetroopswerebutassembledtodothegreaterhonourtoyourMajestieswhohadnomoreloyalorlovingsubjectthanthePrinceAbi，whomforherpartshehatedwithgoodcause，asshelovedPharaohandhisHouse——withgoodcause。Iftherewereanydanger，sheaskedwouldshedaretoputherselfwithinthereachofAbi，themanthatshehadoncebetrayedbecauseherheartwaspureandtrue，andshewasfaithfultoherking。
SoPharaohbelievedher，andIobeyedtheordersofPharaoh，knowingthatifIdidnotdosohewouldgrowangryandperhapsseparatemefromyou，mybelovedQueenandfosterling，which，nowthatRameshasgone，would，Ithink，havemeantmydeath。YetIfearthatIhaveerred。“
“Yes，Ifearalsothatyouhaveerred，Asti，buteverythingisforgiventothosewhoerrthroughlove，“answeredTuakindlyandkissingher。“Oh，myfather，Pharaoh！Whatgodfashionedyousoweakthatanevilspiritinawoman\'sshapecanplaytheruddertoyourpolicy！Leavemenow，Asti，forImustsleepandcallonAmentoaidhisdaughter。Thesnareisstrongandcunning，but，perchance，inmydreamshewillshowmehowitmaybebroke。“
ThatnightwhenthefeastwasendedMerytra，Pharaoh\'sfavouredwaiting-maid，didnotreturnwiththerestoftheroyalretinuetothetemplewherehelodged。AstheywentfromthehallinstateshewhisperedafewwordsintotheearofthechiefButleroftheHouseholdwho，knowingthatshehadtheroyalpasstocomeinandoutasshewould，answeredthatthegateshouldbeopenedtoher，andlethergo。
SocoveringherheadwithadarkcloakMerytraslippedbehindacertainstatueintheante-hallandwaitedtillpresentlyatallfigure，alsowrappedinadarkcloak，appearedandbeckonedtoher。
Shefolloweditdownsundrypassagesandupanarrowstairthatseemedalmostendless，until，atlength，thefigureunlockedamassivedoor，andwhentheyhadpassedit，lockeditagainbehindthem。
NowMerytrafoundherselfinaveryrichlyfurnishedroomlitbyhanging-lamps，thatevidentlywastheabodeofonewhowatchedthestarsandpractisedmagic，forallaboutwerestrange-lookingbrazeninstrumentsandrollsofpapyruscoveredwithmysterioussigns，andsuspendedabovethetableasplendiddiviningballofcrystal。Merytrasankintoachair，throwingoffherdarkcloak。
“Ofatruth，friendKaku，“shesaid，sosoonasshehadgotherbreath，“youdwellverynearthegods。“
“Yes，dearMerytra，“heansweredwithadrychuckle，“Ikeepakindofhalf-wayhousetoheaven。PerchedhereinmysolitudeIseeandmakenoteofwhatgoesonabove，“andhepointedtotheskies，“andretailtheinformation，orasmuchofitasIthinkfit，tothegroundlingsbelow。“
“Ataprice，Isuppose，Kaku。“
“Mostcertainlyataprice，andImayadd，agoodprice。Noonethinksmuchofthephysicianwhochargeslowfees。Well，youhavemanagedtogethere，andafteralltheseyearsIamgladtoseeyouagain，lookingalmostasyoungandprettyasever。Tellmeyoursecretofeternalyouth，dearMerytra。“
Merytra，whowasvain，smiledatthisartfulflattery，although，intruth，itwaswelldeserved，foratanagewhenmanyEgyptiansareold，sheremainedfreshandfair。
“Anexcellentconscience，“sheanswered，“agoodappetiteandthevirtuous，quietlife，whichisthelotoftheladiesofPharaoh\'sCourt——thereyouhavethesecret，Kaku。Ifearthatyoukeeptoolatehours，andthatiswhyyougrowwhiteandwitheredlikeamummy——notbutthatyoulookhandsomeenoughinthoselongrobesofyours，“sheaddedtogildthepill。
“Itismylabours，“hereplied，makingawryface，forhetoowasvain。“Mylaboursforthegoodofothers，alsoindigestionandthedraughtsinthisaccursedtowerwhereIsitstaringatthestars，whichgivemerheumatism。Ihavegotbothofthemnow，andmusttakesomemedicine，“andfillingtwogobletsfromaflask，hehandedheroneofthem，saying，“drinkit，youdon\'tgetwinelikethatinThebes。“
“Itisverygood，“saidMerytrawhenshehaddrunk，“butheavy。IfI
tookmuchofthatIthinkIshouldhave\'rheumatism，\'too。Nowtellme，oldfriend，amIsafe，inthisplace？No，notfromPharaoh，hetrustsmeandletsmegowhereIwilluponhisbusiness——butfromhisroyalbrother。Heusedtohavealongmemory，andfromthelookofhimIdonotthinkthathistemperhasimproved。YoumayrememberacertainslapinthefaceandhowIpaidhimbackforit。“
“Heneverknewitwasyou，Merytra。Beingamassofself-conceit，hethoughtthatyouranawaybecausehehadbanishedyoufromhisroyalpresenceandpresentedyou——tome。“
“Oh，hethoughtthat，didhe！Whatavainfool！“
“Itwasaverydirtytrickyouplayedme，Merytra，“wentonKakuwithindignation，fortherichwinecoursingthroughhisbloodrevivedthestingofhisloss。“YouknowhowfondIalwayswasofyou，andindeedamstill，“headded，gazingatheradmiringly。
“IfeltthatIwasnotworthyofsolearnedanddistinguishedaman，“
shereplied，lookingathimwithherdarkeyes。“Ishouldonlyhavehamperedyourlife，dearKaku，soIwentintothehouseholdofthatpoorcreature，Pharaoh，instead——Pharaoh\'sNunnerywecallit。ButyouwillnotexplainthefactstoAbi，willyou？“
“No，Ithinknot，Merytra，ifwecontinuetogetonaswellaswedoatpresent。Butnowyouarerested，soletuscometobusiness，forotherwiseyouwillhavetostophereallnightandPharaohwouldbeangry。“