with him.

"Nay, it is not my place, my master," she said. "I did forget."

He put his hand on hers with considerable determination in his manner.

"Let us make an end to this eternal emphasis of different rank. I
would forget it, Rachel. Wilt thou not permit me? I am thy friend and
nothing harsher--above all things, not thy master."

Never before had he spoken so to her. She ventured to look at him at
last. His face was grave and a little passionate and his eyes demanded
an answer.

"Aye, I shall gladly be thy friend," she answered; "but never hast thou
been so much of a master as in the denial that thou art." The first
gleam of girlish mischief danced in her blue eyes. The young sculptor
noted it with gladness. He took the free hand and pressed it, and when
she turned toward the roadway through the wheat he turned with her and
hand in hand they went. As they neared it he spoke again.

"Again would I ask, when wilt thou advise me concerning the statue?
Here is my boat. Let us turn it into a high seat of council and I will
sit at thy feet and learn."

"Nay, if I sit I shall linger too long, and there is a
taskmaster--albeit a gentle one--waiting with other things for me to
do."

Kenkenes kicked the turf and frowned.

"It sounds barbarous--this talk of master upon thy lips, Rachel. Thou
art out of thy place," he answered.

"I am no more worthy of freedom than my people," she replied with
dignity.

"Thy people! They should be lawgivers and advisers among Egypt's high
places, rather than brick-makers and quarry-slaves, if thou art a
typical Israelite."

"Aye!" she exclaimed, "and thou hast given tongue to the same estimate
of Israel, which hath wrought consternation among the powers of
Mizraim. And for that reason are we enslaved. Think of it, thou who
art unafraid to think. Think of a people in bondage because of its
numbers, its sturdiness and its wisdom. Thou who art in rebellion
against ancient law dost feel somewhat of Israel's hurt. Behold, am I
not also oppressed because I may think to the upsetting of idolatry and
the overthrow of mine oppressors? Thou and I are fellows in bondage;
but mark me! I am nearer freedom than thou. The Pharaohs began too
late. Ye may not dam the Nile at flood-tide."

Her face was full of triumph and her voice of prophecy. She seemed to
declare with authority the freedom of her people. Kenkenes did not
speak immediately. His thoughts were undergoin