nd because--but you know. But now you
have forgiven, I forgive her, willingly, her and her husband."

Paaker's brow clouded, and while he paused in front of his mother he
said with all the peculiar harshness of his voice:

"He shall pine away in the desert, and the hyaenas of the North shall
tear his unburied corpse."

At these words Setchem covered her face with her veil, and clasped her
hands tightly over the amulets hanging round her neck. Then she said
softly:

"How terrible you can be! I know well that you hate the charioteer,
for I have seen the seven arrows over your couch over which is written
'Death to Mena.'

"That is a Syrian charm which a man turns against any one whom he
desires to destroy. How black you look! Yes, it is a charm that is
hateful to the Gods, and that gives the evil one power over him that
uses it. Leave it to them to punish the criminal, for Osiris withdraws
his favor from those who choose the fiend for their ally."

"My sacrifices," replied Paaker, "secure me the favor of the Gods; but
Mena behaved to me like a vile robber, and I only return to him the evil
that belongs to him. Enough of this! and if you love me, never again
utter the name of my enemy before me. I have forgiven Nefert and her
mother--that may satisfy you."

Setchem shook her head, and said: "What will it lead to! The war cannot
last for ever, and if Mena returns the reconciliation of to-day will
turn to all the more bitter enmity. I see only one remedy. Follow my
advice, and let me find you a wife worthy of you."

"Not now!" exclaimed Paaker impatiently. "In a few days I must go again
into the enemy's country, and do not wish to leave my wife, like
Mena, to lead the life of a widow during my existence. Why urge it? my
brother's wife and children are with you--that might satisfy you."

"The Gods know how I love them," answered Setchem; "but your brother
Horns is the younger, and you the elder, to whom the inheritance
belongs. Your little niece is a delightful plaything, but in your son I
should see at once the future stay of our race, the future head of the
family; brought up to my mind and your father's; for all is sacred to
me that my dead husband wished. He rejoiced in your early betrothal to
Nefert, and hoped that a son of his eldest son should continue the race
of Assa."

"It shall be by no fault of mine that any wish of his remains
unfulfilled. The stars are high, mother; sleep well, and if to-morrow
you v