The new Syrian chariot and the purple cloth--" "Sell some corn," ordered Katuti.
"Impossible, for the tribute to the temples is not yet paid, and already so much has been delivered to the dealers that scarcely enough remains over for the maintenance of the household and for sowing." "Then pay with beasts." "But, madam," said the steward sorrowfully, "only yesterday, we again sold a herd to the Mohar; and the water-wheels must be turned, and the corn must be thrashed, and we need beasts for sacrifice, and milk, butter, and cheese, for the use of the house, and dung for firing." [In Egypt, where there is so little wood, to this day the dried dung of beasts is the commonest kind of fuel.] Katuti looked thoughtfully at the ground.
"It must be," she said presently.

"Ride to Hermonthis, and say to the keeper of the stud that he must have ten of Mena's golden bays driven over here." "I have already spoken to him," said the steward, "but he maintains that Mena strictly forbade him to part with even one of the horses, for he is proud of the stock.

Only for the chariot of the lady Nefert." "I require obedience," said Katuti decidedly and cutting short the steward's words, "and I expect the horses to-morrow." "But the stud-master is a daring man, whom Mena looks upon as indispensable, and he--" "I command here, and not the absent," cried Katuti enraged, "and I require the horses in spite of the former orders of my son-in-law." Nefert, during this conversation, pulled herself up from her indolent attitude.

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.