ve not come. Verily I believe that
if you had stayed upon the road another day I should have been sent
to look for you, who have had sharp words said to me because I did not
arrange that you should be accompanied by a guard, as though the Vizier
Nehesi would have paid the costs of a guard without the direct order
of Pharaoh. O most excellent Ana, give me of the charm which you have
doubtless used to win the love of our royal master, and I will pay you
well for it who find it easier to earn his wrath."

"I will, Pambasa. Here it is--write better stories than I do instead of
telling them, and he will love you more than he does me. But say--how
went the marriage? I have heard upon the way that it was very splendid."

"Splendid! Oh! it was ten times more than splendid. It was as though the
god Osiris were once more wed to the goddess Isis in the very halls of
heaven. Indeed his Highness, the bridegroom, was dressed as a god, yes,
he wore the robes and the holy ornaments of Amon. And the procession!
And the feast that Pharaoh gave! I tell you that the Prince was so
overcome with joy and all this weight of glory that, before it was over,
looking at him I saw that his eyes were closed, being dazzled by the
gleam of gold and jewels and the loveliness of his royal bride. He told
me that it was so himself, fearing perhaps lest I should have thought
that he was asleep. Then there were the presents, something to everyone
of us according to his degree. I got--well it matters not. And, learned
Ana, I did not forget you. Knowing well that everything would be gone
before you returned I spoke your name in the ear of his Highness,
offering to keep your gift."

"Indeed, Pambasa, and what did he say?"

"He said that he was keeping it himself. When I stared wondering what it
might be, for I saw nothing on him, he added, 'It is here,' and touched
the private signet guard that he has always worn, an ancient ring of
gold, but of no great value I should say, with 'Beloved of Thoth and of
the King' cut upon it. It seems that he must take it off to make room
for another and much finer ring which her Highness has given him."

Now, by this time, the ass having been unloaded by the slaves and led
away, we had passed through the hall where many were idling as ever, and
were come to the private apartments of the palace.

"This way," said Pambasa. "The orders are that I am to take you to
the Prince wherever he may be, and just now he is seated in