She ceased to be the melting,
passionate woman, and became once more the strong, far-seeing queen.
"Rames," she said, "you understand why, although it tears my heart, I am
sending you so far away and into so many dangers, do you not? It is to
save your life, for after what has chanced to-night in this fashion or
in that here you would certainly die, as, had it not been for that plan
of mine you must have died two hours ago. There are many who hate
you, Rames, and Pharaoh may recover, as I pray the gods he will, and
over-ride my will, for you have slain his guest who was brought here to
marry me."
"I understand all of these things, Queen."
"Then awake, Rames, look to the future and understand that also, if, as
I think, you have the wit. I am sending you with a strong escort, am
I not? Well, that King of Kesh is old and feeble, and you have a claim
upon his crown. Take it, man, and set it on your head, and as King of
Kesh ask the hand of Egypt's Queen in marriage. Then who would say you
nay--not Egypt's Queen, I think, or the people of Egypt who hunger for
the rich Southern Land which they have lost.
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