her feet.
But most of all she thought of the face of the young Count Rames, the
playmate of her childhood, the man she loved, and wondered, ah! how she
wondered, if with all her power she could ever draw him to her side.
If not, of what use was this rule over millions, this dominion of her
world? They called her a goddess, and in truth, at times, she believed
that she was half-divine, but if so, why did her heart ache like that of
any common maid?

Moreover, was she really set above the misfortunes of her race? Could
a throne, however bright with gold, lift her above the sorrows of human
kind? She desired to learn the truth, the very truth. Her mind was
urgent, it drove her on to search out things to come, to stand face to
face with them, even if they were evil. Well, she believed she had the
strength, although, as yet, she had never called it to her aid.

Also this thing could not be done alone. Tua thought a while, then going
to the door of her chamber she bade a woman who waited without summon to
her the Lady Asti, priestess of Amen, Interpreter of Heaven. Presently
Asti came, for now, as always, she was in attendance upon the
new-crowned queen, a tall and noble-looking woman with fine-cut features
and black hair, that although she was fifty years of age, still showed
no trace of grey.

"I was in the Sanctuary when your Majesty summoned me," she said,
pointing to the sacred robe she wore. "Let your Majesty pardon me,
therefore, if I have been long in coming," and she bowed low before her.

But the Queen lifted her up and kissed her, saying,

"I am weary of those high titles whereof I have heard more than enough
to-day. Call me Tua, O my mother, for so you have ever been to me, from
whose breast I drew the milk of life."

"What ails you, my child?" asked Asti. "Was the crown too heavy for this
young head of yours?" she added, stretching out her delicate hand and
stroking the black and curling hair.

"Aye, Mother, the weight of it seemed to crush me with its gems and
gold. I am weary and yet I cannot sleep. Tell me, why did Pharaoh summon
that Council after the feast? Mermes was one of them, so you must know.
And why was not I, who henceforth rule with Pharaoh, present with him?"

"Would you learn?" said Asti with a little smile. "Well, as Queen
you have the right. It was because they discussed the matter of your
marriage."

For a moment a light shone upon Tua's face. Then she asked anxiously:

"My marriag