N the right bank of the Nile, on the edge of the northern suburb of
Memphis, was that laud which the heir to 'the throne had given as place
of residence to Sarah the daughter of Gideon.

That was a possession thirty-five acres in area, forming a quadrangle
which was seen from the house-top as something on the palm of the hand.
The land was on a hill and was divided into four elevations. The two
lowest and widest, which the Nile always flooded, were intended for
grain and for vegetables. The third, which at times was untouched by
the overflow, produced palms, figs, and other fruit-trees. On the
fourth, the highest, was a garden planted with olives, grapes, nuts,
and sweet chestnuts; in the middle garden stood the dwelling.

This dwelling was of wood, one story, as usual, with a flat roof on
which was a tent made of canvas. On the ground dwelt the prince's black
slave; above Sarah with her relative and serving-woman Tafet. The place
was surrounded by a wall of partially burnt brick, beyond which at a
certain distance were houses for cattle, workmen, and overseers.

Sarah's chambers were not large, but they were elegant. On the floor
were divans, at the doors and windows were curtains with stripes of
various colors. There were armchairs and a carved bed, inlaid boxes for
clothing, three-legged and one-legged tables on which were pots with
flowers, a slender pitcher for wine, boxes and bottles of perfume,
golden and silver cups and goblets, porcelain vases and dishes, bronze
candlesticks. Even the smallest furniture or vessel was ornamented with
carving or with a colored drawing; every piece of clothing with lace or
bordering.

Sarah had dwelt ten days in this retreat, hiding herself before people
from fear and shame, so that almost no one of the servants had seen
her. In the curtained chamber she sewed, wove linen on a small loom, or
twined garlands of living flowers for Ramses. Sometimes she went out on
the terrace, pushed apart the sides of the tent with care, and looked
at the Nile covered with boats in which oarsmen were singing songs
joyfully. On raising her eyes she looked with fear at the gray pylons
of the pharaoh's palace, which towered silent and gloomy above the
other bank of the river. Then she ran again to her work and called
Tafet.

"Sit here, mother," said she; "what art Thou doing down there?"

"The gardener has brought fruit, and they have sent bread, wine, and
game from the city; I must take them."