The Israelite's blue eyes were veiled quickly, but the Egyptian guessed
aright that she had hidden a smile in them.
"Am I forgiven?" he persisted.
"So thou wilt offend no further," she said without raising her eyes.
"I promise. And now, since the goddess hath refused mine offering, I
may not take it back. What shall I do with this?" he asked, holding up
the collar of gold.
"Put it about thy statue's neck," she said softly.
Kenkenes gasped and retreated a step. Instantly she was imploring his
pardon.
"It was a forward spirit in me that made me say it. I pray thee,
forgive me."
"Thou hast given no offense, but how dost thou know of this--tell me
that."
"I came upon it by accident three days ago. Several of the children
had gone fowling for the taskmaster's meal, and were so long absent
that I was sent to look for them. The path down the valley is old, and
I have followed it with the idea of labor ever in my mind. And this
was a moment of freedom, so I thought to spend it where I had not been
a slave, I went across the hills, and, being unfamiliar with them, lost
my way. When I climbed upon one of the great rocks to overlook the
labyrinth, lo! at my feet was the statue.
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