would have taken thee out of bondage into luxury but for an industrious
taskmaster and the unfortunate interference of a royal message. But
the Seven Sisters repent, and I find thee again."

Rachel had fixed her eyes upon the white walls of Memphis shining in
the morning sun, and did not seem to hear him.

"Nay, now, slight me not! It was the fault of the taskmaster and not
mine. I confess the charm of distant Memphis, but it is more glorious
within its walls. I am come to take thee thither. Thank me with but a
look, I pray thee."

Seeing she did not move nor answer, he tilted his head to one side and
surveyed her with interest.

"Hath much soft persuasion surfeited thee into deafness?" The color
surged up into Rachel's face.

"Ha!" he exclaimed, "not so! Perhaps thou art but reluctant, then."
He whirled upon the other children, cowering behind him.

"Is she wedded?" he demanded.

Frightened and trembling, they did not answer till he repeated the
question and stamped his foot. Then one of them shook his head.

"It is well. I need not delay till a slave-husband were disposed of in
the mines. Hither, Unas!"

The fat servitor came forward.

"I know this taskmaster not, nor can I coax or press him into giving
her up without the cursed formality of a document of gift from the
Pharaoh. Get thee back to Memphis with this," he drew off a signet
ring and gave it to the servitor, "and to the palace. There have my
scribe draw up a prayer to the Pharaoh, craving for me the mastership
over the Israelite, Rachel,--for household service." The fan-bearer
laughed. "Forget not, this latter phrase, else the Pharaoh might fancy
I would take her to wife. Haste thee! and bring back Nak and Hebset
with thee to row the boat back, and help thee fetch her. She may have
a lover who might make trouble for thee alone. Get thee gone."

He took the reins from his servitor's hands and turned again toward
Rachel.

"I go forth to hunt, and there is danger in that pastime. I may not
return. It would be most fitting to bid me a tender farewell, but thou
art cruel. Nevertheless, I shall care for myself most diligently this
day, and return to thee in Memphis by nightfall. Farewell!" He sprang
into his chariot and, urging his horses, pursued the far-away
procession at a gallop.

Unas was already at the Nile-side, preparing to return to Memphis. To
Rachel it seemed as if she had been set free for a moment, that her
effo