to? What right had she to give it? Did he not look like a man
quite capable of planning and living his own life in his own strength?
Her heart thirsted for him, every fibre of her being yearned to see him
again, to hear his voice, and it was this longing, this craving to which
she gave the name of duty, connecting it with the gratitude she owed to
the dead.

She was so much absorbed in these reflections and doubts that she
scarcely heard all the garrulous old nurse was saying as she walked by
her side.

Perpetua could not be easy over such a funeral ceremony as this; so
different to anything that Memphis had been wont to see. No priests, a
procession on horseback, mourners riding, and among them the son even
of the dead--while of old the survivors had always followed the body on
foot, as was everywhere the custom! And then a mere chirping of crickets
at the tomb of such illustrious dead, followed by the disorderly
squalling of an immense mob--it had nearly cracked her ears! However,
the citizens might be forgiven for that, since it was all in honor of
their departed governor!--this thought touched even her resolute heart
and brought the tears to her eyes; but it roused her wrath, too, for had
she not seen quite humble folk buried in a more solemn manner and with
worthier ceremonial than the great and good Mukaukas George, who had
made such a magnificent gift to the Church. Oh those Jacobites! They
only were capable of such ingratitude, only their heretical prelate
could commit such a crime. Every one in the Convent of St. Cecilia, from
the abbess down to the youngest novice, knew that the Patriarch had sent
word by a carrier pigeon forbidding the Bishop to allow the priests to
take part in the ceremony. Plotinus was a worthy man, and he had been
highly indignant at these instructions; it was not in his power to
contravene them; but at any rate he had led the procession in person,
and had not forbidden John's accompanying him. Orion, however, had not
looked as though he meant to brook such an insult to his father or
let it pass unpunished. And whose arm was long enough to reach the
Patriarch's throne if not.... But no, it was impossible! the mere
thought of such a thing made her blood run cold. Still, still.... And
how graciously the Moslem leader had talked with him!--Merciful Heaven!
If he were to turn apostate from the holy Christian faith, like so
many reprobate Egyptians, and subscribe to the wicked doctrines of
t