Lands, return thanks to you, our people of this city, for your loyal
greetings. But as for the words that the Prince Abi has spoken, we
understand them not. My prayer is that the Pharaoh may still reign in
glory for many years, but if he departs and I remain, learn, O people,
that you have naught to fear from the weakness and inexperience of your
Queen. Learn also that she seeks no husband, nor when she seeks will she
ever find one within the walls of Memphis. Rest you well, O people and
you, my Uncle Abi, as now with your good leave we will do also."

Then, turning, she took her father by the hand and went without more
words, leaving Abi staring at his guests while his guests stared back at
him.

When Tua had reached the pylon tower, where she lodged, and her ladies
had unrobed her and gone, she called Asti to her from the adjoining
chamber and said:

"You are wise, my nurse, tell me, what did Abi mean?"

"If your Majesty cannot guess, then you are duller than I thought,"
answered Asti in her quick, dry fashion, adding; "however, I will try to
translate. The Prince Abi, your noble uncle, means that he has trapped
you here, and that you shall not leave these walls save as his wife."

Now fury took hold of Tua.

"How dare he speak such words?" she gasped, springing to her feet. "I,
the wife of that old river-hog, my father's brother who might be my
grandfather, that hideous, ancient lump of wickedness who boasts that he
has a hundred sons and daughters; I, the Queen of Egypt, whose birth was