nty of existence. But as all
present were accustomed to this ceremony it had but little effect, and
the sound of conversation and laughter, although checked for a moment,
broke out again as soon as the figure was removed. Wine of many kinds
was served during the dinner, the women as well as the men partaking
of it.

When all was concluded servants brought round golden basins with
perfumed water and napkins, and the guests removed from their fingers
the gravy that even with the daintiest care in feeding could not be
altogether escaped. Then the small tables and stools were removed, and
the guests took their places on the chairs along the sides of the
room. Then parties of male and female dancers by turn came in and
performed. Female acrobats and tumblers then entered, and went through
a variety of performances, and jugglers showed feats of dexterity with
balls, and other tricks, while the musicians of various nationalities
played in turns upon the instruments in use in their own countries.
All this time the attendants moved about among the guests, serving
them with wine and keeping them supplied with fresh flowers. A bard
recited an ode in honor of the glories of King Thotmes, and it was not
until late in the evening that the entertainment came to an end.

"It has gone off splendidly," Amense said to Ameres when all was
over, and the last guest had been helped away by his servants; for
there were many who were unable to walk steadily unaided. "Nothing
could have been better--it will be the talk of the whole town; and I
could see Nicotis was devoured by envy and vexation. I do think great
credit is due to me, Ameres, for you have really done nothing toward
the preparations."

"I am perfectly willing that you should have all the credit, Amense,"
Ameres said wearily, "and I am glad that you are satisfied. To me the
whole thing is tedious and tiresome to a degree. All this
superabundance of food, this too lavish use of wine, and the postures
and antics of the actors and dancers is simply disgusting. However, if
everyone else was pleased, of course I am content."

"You are the most unsatisfactory husband a woman ever had," Amense
said angrily. "I do believe you would be perfectly happy shut up in
your study with your rolls of manuscript all your life, without seeing
another human being save a black slave to bring you in bread and fruit
and water twice a day."

"I think I should, my dear," Ameres replied calmly. "At any