Is it true that most of the Egyptian women can read and write ?" "Yes, nearly all." "By Mithras, you must be a clever people! Scarcely any of the Persians, except the Magi and the scribes, learn these difficult arts.

The sons of the nobles are taught to speak the truth, to be courageous, obedient, and to reverence the gods; to hunt, ride, plant trees and discern between herbs; but whoever, like the noble Darius, wishes to learn the art of writing, must apply to the Magi.

Women are forbidden to turn their minds to such studies .-- Now your dress is complete.

This string of pearls, which the king sent this morning, looks magnificent in your raven-black hair, but it is easy to see that you are not accustomed to the full silk trousers and high-heeled boots.

If, however, you walk two or three times up and down the room you will surpass all the Persian ladies even in your walk!" At this moment a knock was heard and Boges entered.