"
"What!" exclaimed Pharaoh, laughing. "That long-legged old astrologer
with the painted cap who ran so fast when his master was taken? Why! he
is nothing but a spy who has been in my pay for years; a charlatan who
pretends to knowledge that he may win the secrets of his Prince. And
Merytra, too, Merytra, who in bygone times warned me of this Abi's
foolish plot. Asti, you are high-born and wise, one whom I love, and
honour much, as does the Queen, my daughter, but you can still be
jealous, as I have noted long. Asti, be not deceived, it was jealousy of
Merytra that whispered in your ears, not the spirit of the divine
Ahura. Now go and take your terrors with you, for this dark conspirator,
Merytra, waits in my chamber to unrobe me, and talk me to sleep with her
pleasant jests and gossip."
"Pharaoh has spoken, I go," said Asti in her quiet voice. "May Pharaoh's
rest be sweet, and his awaking happy."
That night Tua could not sleep. Whenever she shut her eyes visions rose
before her mind, terrifying, fantastic visions in all of which the
fat and hideous Abi played a part.
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