life and honour and--love, and one day _I_ shall be Pharaoh. Only, Asti,
if you betray me to him I swear that I will bring you to your death,
although you are so dear."

"I shall not betray you," answered the priestess, smiling again. "In
truth, most Beautiful, I do not think there is any need, even if I
would. Say now, why did a certain captain turn faint and leave the hall
to-day when your eyes chanced to fall on him?"

"The heat," suggested Tua, colouring.

"Yes, it was hot, but he is stronger than most men and had borne it
long--like others. Still there are fires----"

"Because he was afraid of my majesty," broke in Tua hurriedly. "You know
I looked very royal there, Mother."

"Yes, doubtless fear moved him--or some other passion. Yet, Beloved,
put that thought from your heart as I do. When you are Pharaoh you will
learn that a monarch is a slave to the people and to the law. Breathe
but his name in love, and never will you see him more till you meet
before Osiris."

Tua hid her eyes in her hands for a moment, then she glanced up and
there was another look upon her face, a strange, new look.

"When I am Pharaoh," she answered, "there are certain matters in which
I will be my own law, and if the people do not like it, they may find
another Pharaoh."