"Nay, now, slight me not! It was the fault of the taskmaster and not
mine. I confess the charm of distant Memphis, but it is more glorious
within its walls. I am come to take thee thither. Thank me with but a
look, I pray thee."
Seeing she did not move nor answer, he tilted his head to one side and
surveyed her with interest.
"Hath much soft persuasion surfeited thee into deafness?" The color
surged up into Rachel's face.
"Ha!" he exclaimed, "not so! Perhaps thou art but reluctant, then."
He whirled upon the other children, cowering behind him.
"Is she wedded?" he demanded.
Frightened and trembling, they did not answer till he repeated the
question and stamped his foot. Then one of them shook his head.
"It is well. I need not delay till a slave-husband were disposed of in
the mines. Hither, Unas!"
The fat servitor came forward.
"I know this taskmaster not, nor can I coax or press him into giving
her up without the cursed formality of a document of gift from the
Pharaoh. Get thee back to Memphis with this," he drew off a signet
ring and gave it to the servitor, "and to the palace. There have my
scribe draw up a prayer to the Pharaoh, craving for me the mastership
over the Israelite, Rachel,--for household service.
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