On hearing the last words she rose from her couch, and said, with a decision which surprised even her mother-- "The orders of my husband must be obeyed.

The horses that Mena loves shall stay in their stalls.

Take this armlet that the king gave me; it is worth more than twenty horses." The steward examined the trinket, richly set with precious stones, and looked enquiringly at Katuti.

She shrugged her shoulders, nodded consent, and said-- "Abscha shall hold it as a pledge till Mena's booty arrives.

For a year your husband has sent nothing of importance." When the steward was gone, Nefert stretched herself again on her couch and said wearily: "I thought we were rich." "We might be," said Katuti bitterly; but as she perceived that Nefert's cheeks again were glowing, she said amiably, "Our high rank imposes great duties on us.