Thou, in thy young credulity, seest in this only
justice to an enemy. I, in the wisdom of riper years and the
discernment bred of experience with knaves, see in it the redemption of
Egypt. If the heaviest penalty overtook us is it not a result worth
achieving at any cost? Seti, believe me; grant me my belief! It is
the one hope of thy father's kingdom. Shall it fail because thou wast
envious for my safety above Egypt's? I can aid thee to success. That
thou hast said. If thou failest, though thou dost attempt it alone,
dost thou dream that I could see thee punished without crying out, 'It
was I who urged him!' If thou art undone, likewise am I. If thou art
to succeed, wilt thou selfishly keep thy success to thyself?"
She slipped her arm about his neck and pressed close to him.
"Nay, Seti, thou dost overestimate the peril. The Hebrew will not
betray us, and who else will know of it? I shall make a journey into
Goshen, find Mesu and bid him meet thee at a certain place. There thou
shalt come at a certain time with the treasure, and the feat is done.
But if we fail--" she flung her head back and bewitched him with a
heavy eye--"will it be hard for me to persuade the king?"
Seti contemplated her with bewilderment in his face.
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