f he offers you half the world in dower."

"I give it," she answered. "If you should learn that I am wed to any man
upon the earth then spit upon my name as a woman, and as Queen cast me
off and overthrow me if you can. Deal with me, Rames, as in such a case
I will deal with you. Only be sure of your tidings ere you believe them.
Now there is nothing more to say. Farewell to you, Rames, till we meet
again beneath or beyond the sun. Our royal pact is made. Come, seal it
and begone."

She rose and stretched out her sceptre to him, which he kissed as her
faithful subject. Next, with a swift movement, she lifted the golden
_uraeus_ circlet from her brow and for a moment set it on his head,
crowning him her king, and while it rested there she, the Queen of
Egypt, bent the knee before him and did him homage. Then she cast down
crown and sceptre, and as woman fell upon her lover's breast while
the bright rays of morning, flowing suddenly through the eastern
window-place of that splendid hall, struck upon them both, clothing them
in a robe of glory and of flame.

Soon, very soon, it was done and Tua, seated there in light, watched
Rames depart into the outer shadow, wondering when and how she would
see him come again. For her heart was heavy within her, and even in this
hour of triumphant love she greatly feared the future and its gifts.

CHAPTER VII

TUA COMES TO MEMPHIS

So that day Rames departed for Takensit with what ships and men could be
got together in such haste. There, at the frontier post, he waited till
the rest of the soldiers should join him, bringing with them the hastily
embalmed body of Prince Amathel whom he had slain, and the royal
gifts to the King of Kesh. Then, without a moment's delay, he sailed
southwards with his little army on the long journey, fearing lest if he
tarried, orders might come to him to return to Thebes. Also he desired
to reach Napata before the heavy news of the death of the King's son,
and without warning of the approach of Egypt's embassy.

With Tua he had no more speech, although as his galley was rowed under
the walls of the palace, at a window of the royal apartments he saw
a white draped figure that watched them go by. It was standing in the
shadow so that he could not recognise the face, but his heart told him
that this was none other than the Queen herself, who appeared there to
bid him farewell.

So Rames rose from the chair in which he was seated on account of the