Yes, she was different. They had thought to see a woman weak and pale,
her eyes still red with grief, her face still stained with tears, one
who had been tamed by misfortune, hunger, and the fear of death, whence
she had bought herself by marriage with her conqueror. But it was not
so, for never had the Star of Amen shone half so beautiful, never had
they seen such majesty in those deep blue eyes that looked them through
and through as though they read the secret heart of every one of them.
Her tall and lovely form had not wasted, her cheeks were red with the
glow of health; power and dignity flowed from her presence, fear seemed
beneath her feet.
Now no voice was lifted up; they stared at her, and, smiling a little,
she answered them with her calm eyes till their heads sank beneath her
gaze. Then at length in the midst of that dead, oppressive silence which
none dared to break, she turned, and they heard the sweep of her silken
robe upon the alabaster floor.
With an effort two chamberlains stepped forward, their wands of office
in their hands, to lead her to her seat, but she waved them back, and
said in her clear voice:
"Nay, here I am alone; of all the millions who serve her, not one is
left to lead Amen's daughter and Egypt's Queen to her rightful place.
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