Soon these matters were forgotten for the moment, since now it was known
that the royal pair were entering the great White Hall, there to show
themselves to the people, and receive the homage of the nobles, chiefs,
and captains. First, advancing by the covered way which led from the
temple of Hathor, appeared the priests in their robes, chanting as they
walked, followed by the masters of ceremonies, butlers, and heralds.
Next, surrounded by his officers and guard, came the Prince Abi himself,
accompanied by his vizier, Kaku, he whose magic was said to have brought
Pharaoh to his end.
Not all his pomp nor the splendour of his apparel, whereof the
whiteness, as many noted, was spotted with ill-omened blood, nor even
the royal crown which now, for the first time, was set upon his huge,
round head, could hide from those who watched that this bridegroom was
ill at ease. Even as he stood there, bowing in answer to the obsequious
shouts of the multitude, the sceptre in his fat hand shook, and his red
lips blanched and trembled.
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