pt who remembers oaths to his
own loss? I thank you, Ana," and taking my hand he pressed it.

At that moment the door opened, and old Pambasa entered, saying:

"The Hebrew woman, Merapi, would see you; also two Hebrew men."

"Admit them," said Seti. "Note, Ana, how yonder old time-server turns
his face from the setting sun. This morning even it would have been 'to
see your Highness,' uttered with bows so low that his beard swept the
floor. Now it is 'to see you' and not so much as an inclination of the
head in common courtesy. This, moreover, from one who has robbed me year
by year and grown fat on bribes. It is the first of many bitter lessons,
or rather the second--that of her Highness was the first; I pray that I
may learn them with humility."

While he mused thus and, having no comfort to offer, I listened sad at
heart, Merapi entered, and a moment after her the wide-eyed messenger
whom we had seen in Pharaoh's Court, and her uncle Jabez the cunning
merchant. She bowed low to Seti, and smiled at me. Then the other two
appeared, and with small salutation the messenger began to speak.

"You know my demand, Prince," he said. "It is that this woman should be
returned to her people. Jabez, her uncle, will lead her away."

"And you know my answer, Israelite," answered Seti. "It is that I have
no power over the coming or the going of the lady Merapi, or at least
wish to claim none. Address yourself to her."

"What is it you wish with me, Priest?" asked Merapi quickly.

"That you should return to the town of Goshen, daughter of Nathan. Have
you no ears to hear?"

"I hear, but if I return, what will you of me?"

"That you who have proved yourself a prophetess by your deeds in yonder
temple should dedicate your powers to the service of your people,
receiving in return full forgiveness for the evils you have wrought
against them, which we swear to you in the name of God."

"I am no prophetess, and I have wrought no evils against my people,
Priest. I have only saved them from the evil of murdering one who has
shown himself their friend, even as I hear to the laying down of his
crown for their sake."

"That is for the Fathers of Israel and not for you to judge, woman. Your
answer?"

"It is neither for them nor for me, but for God only." She paused, then
added, "Is this all you ask of me?"

"It is all the Fathers ask, but Laban asks his affianced wife."

"And am I to be given in marriage to--this assassin?"

"W