"Nay, there is danger in this," he said gently, "and I would not
imperil thee. Already thou hast overstepped safety for Egypt's sake
and mine. More than this I will not let thee do."
An expression of panic swept over her face. He interpreted it as hurt.
"Thou hast been my guide for so long, Ta-user. Let me choose this once
for thee."
She pouted, and putting him away from her, arose and left him. He
followed her and took her hands.
"A confederate thou must have," she complained; "and whom dost thou
trust more than Ta-user?"
"It is not a matter of trust," he explained, "but of thine immunity
should the Hathors frown upon my plan."
"It matters not," she protested. "Whom wilt thou trust and imperil
instead of Ta-user?"
"Thou dost hurry me in my plan-making," he remonstrated mildly.
"Mayhap I shall choose Hotep."
She flung up her head, her face the picture of dismay.
"Nay, nay! not Hotep! Of all thy world, not Hotep!" she exclaimed.
He lifted his brows in amazement.
"Surely thou dost not question his fidelity--his power?"
"Nay! but dost thou not guess what he will do? Thou child! Abet thee!
Nay! he would set his foot upon thy plan and foil thee at once with his
politic hand.
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