princess. He stood, for once in his
life, at a loss what to do. He could not depart without the greatest
awkwardness, and yet, if he lingered, he sacrificed his comfort.
Presently he exclaimed helplessly:

"Rachel, do thou tell me what to say or do. It seems that I but sink
myself the deeper in the quicksand of thy disapproval at every struggle
to escape. Do thou lead me out."

He had met a slave, justed with an equal and flung up his hands in
surrender to his better. He did not confess this to himself, but his
words were admission enough. Never would his high-born spirit have
permitted him to make such a declaration to one slavish in soul.

The straightforward acknowledgment of defeat and the genuine concern in
his voice were irresistible. She answered him at once, distantly and
calmly.

"Thou, as an Egyptian, hast honored me, a Hebrew, with thy notice. I
have deserved neither gift nor fee."

"Nay, but let us put it differently," he replied. "I, as a man, have
given thee, a maiden, offense, and having repented, would appease thee
with a peace-offering. Believe me, I do not jest. By the gentle
goddesses, I fear to speak," he added breathlessly.

The Israelite's blue eyes were veiled quickly, but the Egyptian guessed
aright that she had hidden a smile in them.

"Am I forgiven?" he persisted.

"So thou wilt offend no further," she said without raising her eyes.

"I promise. And now, since the goddess hath refused mine offering, I
may not take it back. What shall I do with this?" he asked, holding up
the collar of gold.

"Put it about thy statue's neck," she said softly.

Kenkenes gasped and retreated a step. Instantly she was imploring his
pardon.

"It was a forward spirit in me that made me say it. I pray thee,
forgive me."

"Thou hast given no offense, but how dost thou know of this--tell me
that."

"I came upon it by accident three days ago. Several of the children
had gone fowling for the taskmaster's meal, and were so long absent
that I was sent to look for them. The path down the valley is old, and
I have followed it with the idea of labor ever in my mind. And this
was a moment of freedom, so I thought to spend it where I had not been
a slave, I went across the hills, and, being unfamiliar with them, lost
my way. When I climbed upon one of the great rocks to overlook the
labyrinth, lo! at my feet was the statue. I knew myself the moment I
looked, and it was not hard to guess wh