an audacious preacher to be heard. But she never wanted to be better
than she was; her wants were for the further satisfaction of her
material enjoyments on this earth.

But the Bacchanalian festivals of Hathor had interested her and aroused
her curiosity, from the very first time that she had seen the figures
of the dancing-girls, so realistically carved on the walls of the
temple of Dendereh. She had read all that she could lay her hands on
relating to the subject, which consisted only of such portions of the
papyrus as the translators have seen fit to give to the general public.
Her American friend had gone further. He was not only interested in
the Bacchanalian dances, but in Egyptian festivals generally.

Both Margaret and Millicent became silent as the discussion proceeded
and for the time being their animosity was forgotten; they found
themselves for once sympathetic listeners and good companions. Michael
was pleased.

As the discussion gradually soared above their understanding, they
talked of things between themselves.

Time flew pleasantly, so much so that Margaret felt a little regret
when at last Millicent and her friend said good-bye. She had almost
forgotten her ugly suspicions about Millicent, who had been very
charming and simple. She wished that she had not spoken so hastily to
Freddy about her. Her conscience pricked her.

Later on, as the trio, Michael, Freddy, and Margaret, watched their two
guests depart, very different thoughts filled their minds. Michael was
hoping that a new phase in the acquaintance between the two women had
begun, that Meg would now hold out a helping hand of sympathy to
Millicent. Meg was wondering if Freddy thought that she had been
unjust and horrid, just because Millicent was beautiful and a cleverer
woman than herself. Freddy had obviously enjoyed her unexpected visit.

"Your fair friend paid us this honour, Mike, for some reason best known
to herself," he said. "Some reason she has not divulged, I wonder what
it was? There is always a hidden reason in what she does."

"Curiosity," said Michael, carelessly. "She wanted to see how
excavators live and to find out for herself what we were doing."

"I guess so!" Freddy said, significantly. "Find out for herself--that
was just it." He laughed. "I wonder how much she did find out?"
Freddy clapped his hand on Mike's shoulder as he spoke. "I didn't give
you away, old chap!"

Michael faced him squarely.