There is no love between us. We have no quarrel, but I despise him for
that very spirit in him which makes him do such things as thou hast
even told me. If his offense had been against Egypt or the king or
myself, I could balk him. But this is a matter of personal interest to
him, which would be open and flagrant interference--"
Hotep broke in earnestly.
"Surely so small a matter of courtesy--if such it may be called--should
not stand between thee and this most pressing need."
"Aye, thou hast said--if it were only a small matter of courtesy. But
the breach of that same small courtesy entails great disaster for me.
Thou knowest, O my Hotep, that I am betrothed to the daughter of
Har-hat."
With great effort Hotep kept a placid face.
"The Lady Masanath would abet him who would aid Kenkenes," he said.
"Even so. But hear me, I pray thee, Hotep. This most rapacious
miscreant would hold his favor with the king. He knew I loved
Masanath, and he held her out of my reach till I should consent to
countenance his advisership to my father. I consented--and should I
lapse, I lose Masanath."
Hotep was on his feet by this time, his face turned away. Rameses
could not guess what a tempest raged in his heart.
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