beautiful to behold. Therefore, to abase him in her eyes he had been
commanded to appear walking in the train of Amathel and given charge
over his sacred person at the feast.

In a moment Tua understood it all, and made a vow before her father
Amen that soon or late those who had planned this outrage should pay its
price, nor did she forget that promise in the after days.

Now the Prince had mounted the dais and was bowing low to Pharaoh and to
her, and they must rise and bow in answer. Then Pharaoh welcomed him to
Egypt in few, well-chosen words, giving him all his titles and speaking
meaningly of the ancient ties which had linked their kingdoms, ties
which, he prayed, might yet draw them close again.

He ceased and looked at Tua who, as Queen, had also a speech to deliver
that had been given to her in writing. Although she remembered this well
enough, for the roll lay beside her, never a word would she read, but
turned round and bade one of her waiting-ladies bring her a fan.

So after a pause that seemed somewhat long Amathel delivered his answer
that was learned by rote, for it replied to "gentle words from the lips
of the divine Queen that made his heart to flower like the desert after
rain," not one of which had she spoken. Thereon Tua, looking over
the top of her fan, saw Rames smile grimly, while unable to restrain
themselves, some of the great personages at the feast broke out
laughing, and bowed down their heads to hide their merriment.

With an angry scowl the Prince turned and commanded that the gifts
should be brought. Now slaves advanced bearing cups of worked gold,
elephants and other beasts fashioned in gold, and golden vases full of