"Pardon, O Pharaoh," interrupted the Prince, "my sister spoke to me
of no decree last night, save that I should attend at the court here
to-day."

"Because I could not, Seti, seeing that another was present with you
whom you refused to dismiss," and she let her eyes rest on me.

"It matters not," said Pharaoh, "since now I will utter it with my own
lips which perhaps is better. It is my will, Prince, that you forthwith
wed the royal Princess Userti, that children of the true blood of the
Ramessides may be born. Hear and obey."

Now Userti shifted her eyes from me to Seti, watching him very closely.
Seated at his side upon the ground with my writing roll spread across my
knee, I, too, watched him closely, and noted that his lips turned white
and his face grew fixed and strange.

"I hear the command of Pharaoh," he said in a low voice making
obeisance, and hesitated.

"Have you aught to add?" asked Meneptah sharply.

"Only, O Pharaoh, that though this would be a marriage decreed for
reasons of the State, still there is a lady who must be given in
marriage, and she my half-sister who heretofore has only loved me as
a relative. Therefore, I would know from her lips if it is her will to
take me as a husband."

Now all looked at Userti who replied in a cold voice: