windows and doors were only closed when the position of the sun
absolutely required it; while in Nefert's rooms, from morning till
evening, a dim twilight was maintained.

The princess went affectionately towards the charioteer's wife, who bowed
low before her at the threshold; she took her chin with her right hand,
kissed her delicate narrow forehead, and said:

"Sweet creature! At last you have come uninvited to see lonely me!
It is the first time since our men went away to the war. If Rameses'
daughter commands there is no escape; and you come; but of your own free
will--"

Nefert raised her large eyes, moist with tears, with an imploring look,
and her glance was so pathetic that Bent-Anat interrupted herself, and
taking both her hands, exclaimed:

"Do you know who must have eyes exactly like yours? I mean the Goddess
from whose tears, when they fall on the earth, flowers spring."

Nefert's eyes fell and she blushed deeply.

"I wish," she murmured, "that my eyes might close for ever, for I am very
unhappy." And two large tears rolled down her cheeks.

"What has happened to you, my darling?" asked the princess
sympathetically, and she drew her towards her, putting her arm round
her like a sick child.

Nefert glanced anxiously at the chamberlain, and the ladies in waiting