death there is something."

"Only this, Tua, I seek the woman not a throne, and alas! through me you
may be torn from your high place."

"The throne goes with the woman, Rames, they cannot be separated. But,
say, something comes over me; if that happened, if I were an outcast, a
wanderer, with nothing save this shape and soul of mine, and it were you
that sat upon a throne, would you still love me, Rames?"

"Why ask such questions?" he replied indignantly. "Moreover, your talk
is childish. What throne can I ever sit on?"

A change fell upon her at his words. She ceased to be the melting,
passionate woman, and became once more the strong, far-seeing queen.

"Rames," she said, "you understand why, although it tears my heart, I am
sending you so far away and into so many dangers, do you not? It is to
save your life, for after what has chanced to-night in this fashion or
in that here you would certainly die, as, had it not been for that plan
of mine you must have died two hours ago. There are many who hate
you, Rames, and Pharaoh may recover, as I pray the gods he will, and
over-ride my will, for you have slain his guest who was brought here to
marry me."

"I understand all of these things, Queen."

"Then awake, Rames, look to the future and understand that also, if, as
I think, you have the wit. I am sending you with a strong escort, am
I not? Well, that King of Kesh is old and feeble, and you have a claim