Or, if they tarry to
talk, it is an awesome sight to see the determined encounter of two
mighty souls--tremendous charm against tremendous resistance--and Io, I
know that they have sounded to the deepest the depth of each other's
strength. I long to see Ta-user conquer--and yet, again I would not."
Thereafter followed matters which Kenkenes did not read. He rolled the
letter and gave it back to Io. The little girl sat expectantly
watching his face.
"Nay, I would not take Seti's boyish transports seriously," he said
gently. "His very frankness disclaims any heart interest in Ta-user.
Besides, she is as old as I--three whole Nile-floods older than the
prince. She thinks on him as Senci looks on me--he regards her as a
lad looks up to gracious womanhood. Nay, fret not, thou dear jealous
child."
Io's lips quivered as she looked away.
"It is over and over--ever the same in every letter--Ta-user, Ta-user,
till I hate the name," she said at last.
"Then when thou seest him at midday up the Nile, be thou gracious to
some other comely young nobleman and see him wince. Naught is so good
for a lover as uncertainty. It is a mistake to load him with the great
weight of thy love. Doubt not, thou shalt carry all the burden of
jealousy and pain if thou dost.
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