Nay, that was not in the nature of either of them;
theydid but say what they believed.
Better indeed than Iwould most men who might hold
that they had a blood quarrel with me.
See, Ramose, how well I trust you, he
said.
It is true, but because a woman turns from one man
it does not followthat she turns from all.
Yes, Belus, and I pray that it may not be more than
we wish to know. I would hear no more ofyour evil-opened talk.
I believe itis one which I have awaited many years,
he added slowly and in a coldvoice. Because I would have it so, she answered,
tossing her head.
I do not know, Ramose, he answered, looking
down.
Ramose, know that I do not wish to kill you if only
I can be surethat you will not plot against me. Already by his threats he has earned
much evil at the hand of fate.
Do you think thatI wish to force you into
marriage?
She heard and brokeinto rejoicings which vexed
me.
Thenhe appeared surrounded by a mounted
guard.
When my mother heard the news she was much
rejoiced.
At length we took up our abode in this fine new
home, although as yetit was far from finished. If I spare you, how can I be certain
that youwill spare me?
Believe me, neither did I wish tokill your
father.
Yet whyshould he cause me to be killed whom in the
past he saved from death? Yes, Pharaoh, I answered, though long years have passed
sincethen.
But as such heresies must be hidden, Iasked him
what the calf was like.
Yet yours is a strange mood forone who is young and
beautiful.
That is because we are old comrades in war and
therefore there is abond of fellowship between us. Surely, Count Ramose, and you,
Belus the Physician, we have metbefore, he said.
At length we took up our abode in this fine new
home, although as yetit was far from finished. CHAPTER X THE HAPPY HOUSEWith pomp
and ceremony Pharaoh Amasis departed up Nile to Thebes.
One comes who seized the throne ofher lord and her
sons father and brought him to his end.