precedent, precedes that of my cousin, the Count Amenmeses."

Amenmeses was about to answer, but Pharaoh lifted his hand and he was
silent.

"It is matter for those learned in such lore to discuss," Meneptah
replied in a somewhat hesitating voice. "I pray the gods that it may
never be needful that this high question should be considered in the
Council. Nevertheless, let the words of the royal Princess be written
down. Now, Prince Seti," he went on when this had been done, "you are
still unmarried, and if you have children they are not royal."

"I have none, O Pharaoh," said Seti.

"Is it so?" answered Meneptah indifferently. "The Count Amenmeses has
children I know, for I have seen them, but by his wife Unuri, who also
is of the royal line, he has none."

Here I heard Amenmeses mutter, "Being my aunt that is not strange," a
saying at which Seti smiled.

"My daughter, the Princess, is also unmarried. So it seems that the
fountain of the royal blood is running dry----"

"Now it is coming," whispered Seti below his breath so that only I could
hear.

"Therefore," continued Pharaoh, "as you know, Prince Seti, for the royal
Princess of Egypt by my command went to speak to you of this matter last
night, I make a decree----"