"
"Ladies," answered Rames, "I am a soldier who would rather buy swords
than pearls. Also, as it chances, I am a man who dwells alone, one
in whose household no women can be found. Yet because you are of my
country, or by Amen I know not why! I grant you your request. I go out
to exercise this company in the arts of war, but after sundown you shall
come to my palace, and I will see your wares and hear your songs. Till
then, farewell. Officer," he added to a captain who had followed him,
"take these Egyptians and their camels and give them a lodging in the
guest-house, where they will not be molested, and at sundown bring them
to me."
Then, still staring at them as though they held his eyes in their
hearts, Rames departed, and the captain led them to their lodging.
It was the hour of sundown, and Tua, adorned in beautiful white raiment,
broidered with royal purple, that she carried in her baggage on the
camel, with her long hair combed out and scented, a necklace of great
pearls upon her bosom, a veil flung over her head, and her harp of gold
and ivory in her hand, waited to be led before Rames.
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