"
The lady shrugged her shoulders. "The Hebrews talk in similitudes.
The prospect of freedom so uplifts them that they chant their purposes
to you, and bewilder you with quaint words and hidden meanings. But
these three facts, my Lord, are apparent and most potent in results
when combined; they are oppressed beyond endurance; they are many; they
are captained by a mystic. They have but to choose to rebel, and it
would tax the martial strength of Egypt to quiet them."
The magisterial dignity of the little lady was most delightful. The
young sculptor's sensations were divided between interest in the grave
subject she discussed and pleasure in her manner. Happening to glance
in the direction of the scribe, he found the gray eye of his friend
fixed upon him from the group of beauties. Presently Hotep rambled
back with an ebony stool and sat a little aloof in thoughtful silence
until the visit was over.
When Kenkenes alighted at the door of his father's house some time
later, Hotep leaned over the wheel of the chariot and put his hand on
the sculptor's shoulder.
"Thou hast met Har-hat and, by his own words, thou hast had some
unpleasant commerce with him. What he did to thee I know not, but I
shall let thee into mine own quarrel with him.
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