"It seems so, Count Saptah, unless you stop your ears," replied Pharaoh.

"She says she will not marry me," went on Saptah, "me who from childhood
have been a slave to her and to no other woman."

"Not by my wish, Saptah. Indeed, I pray you to go and be a slave to any
woman whom you will," exclaimed Userti.

"But I say," continued Saptah, "that one day she shall marry me, for the
Prince Seti will not live for ever."

"How do you know that, Cousin?" asked Seti. "The High-priest here will
tell you a different story."

Now certain of those present turned their heads away to hide the smile
upon their faces. Yet on this day some god spoke with Saptah's voice
making him a prophet, since in a year to come she did marry him, in
order that she might stay upon the throne at a time of trouble when
Egypt would not suffer that a woman should have sole rule over the land.

But Pharaoh did not smile like the courtiers; indeed he grew angry.

"Peace, Saptah!" he said. "Who are you that wrangle before me, talking
of the death of kings and saying that you will wed the Royal princess?
One more such word and you shall be driven into banishment. Hearken
now. Almost am I minded to declare my daughter, the Royal Princess, sole
heiress to the throne, seeing that in her there is more strength and
wisdom than in any other of our House."

"If such be Pharaoh's will, let Pharaoh's will be done," said Seti most