At this hour the nation is
in need of unity that she may safely do battle with her alien foes. If
thou slightest Ta-user thou wilt add to the disaffection of Amon-meses
and his party. Furthermore, thine august sire would not be pleased
with thee nor with Masanath, nor with me. It is not my place to show
thee thy duty, Rameses, but of a surety it is my place to refuse to
join thee in thy neglecting of it."
Rameses contemplated the fan-bearer narrowly for a moment. "Come, thou
hast a game," he said finally. "Out with it! Name thy stake."
"O, thou art most discourteous, my Prince," the fan-bearer
remonstrated, turning away. But Rameses planted himself in his path.
"Stay!" he said grimly. "Dost thou believe me so blind as to think
thee sincere? Thou canst use thy smooth pretenses upon the Pharaoh,
but I understand thee, Har-hat. Declare thyself and vex me no further
with thy subtleties." Har-hat measured the prince's patience before he
answered.
"When thou canst use me courteously, Rameses," he said with dignity, "I
shall talk with thee again. Meanwhile do not build on wedding with
Masanath. I shall mate her with him who hath respect for her father."
For a moment Rameses stood in doubt.
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