arned in such lore to discuss," Meneptah
replied in a somewhat hesitating voice. "I pray the gods that it may
never be needful that this high question should be considered in the
Council. Nevertheless, let the words of the royal Princess be written
down. Now, Prince Seti," he went on when this had been done, "you are
still unmarried, and if you have children they are not royal."

"I have none, O Pharaoh," said Seti.

"Is it so?" answered Meneptah indifferently. "The Count Amenmeses has
children I know, for I have seen them, but by his wife Unuri, who also
is of the royal line, he has none."

Here I heard Amenmeses mutter, "Being my aunt that is not strange," a
saying at which Seti smiled.

"My daughter, the Princess, is also unmarried. So it seems that the
fountain of the royal blood is running dry----"

"Now it is coming," whispered Seti below his breath so that only I could
hear.

"Therefore," continued Pharaoh, "as you know, Prince Seti, for the royal
Princess of Egypt by my command went to speak to you of this matter last
night, I make a decree----"

"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:

"In this matter, Prince, as in all others I have no will but that of
Pharaoh."

"You have