He knew
the suspense that is immemorial among lovers, and further to trouble
him he had the harsh obstacle of different society. Rachel was a
quarry-slave, a member of the lowest rank in the Egyptian scale of
classes. She was an Israelite, an infidel and a reviler of the gods.
He was a descendant of kings, a devout Osirian and welcomed in Egypt's
high places.
Never could extremes have been greater. But Kenkenes would not have
given any of these obstacles a moment's consideration had not the
weight of their neglect fallen on the shoulders of Rachel. If he had
been a sovereign he could have taken her freely, and purple-wearing
Egypt would have kissed her sandal; but he occupied a place that could
provide with honor only him who was born to it.
To lift Rachel to that position would be to expose her to the affronts
of an undemocratic society. On the other hand he might sacrifice name
and station and go down to her; but he was not to be judged harshly
because he hesitated at this step.
Rachel had given him no sign of preference beyond a pretty fellowship.
In the beginning this realization had hurt him, but as he tossed night
after night, troubled beyond expression, he remembered this thing with
some melancholy comfort.
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