Perchance during your journeyings in the East----" "Nothing, nothing," I exclaimed joyfully, who during all that time had scarcely spoken to a youthful woman.
"I am glad that nothing happened in the East that could separate us, Shabaka, though in truth my thought was not your own, for there are more things than women in the world.

Only it seems strange to me that you should return to Egypt laden with such priceless gifts from him who is Egypt's greatest enemy." "Have I not told you that I put my country before myself?
Those gifts were won fairly in a wager, Amada, whereof you heard the story but last night.

Moreover you know the purpose to which they are to be put," I replied indignantly.
"Yes, I know and now I am sure.

Be not angry, Shabaka, with her who loves you truly and hopes ere long to call you husband.

But till that day take it not amiss if I keep somewhat aloof from you, who must break with the past and learn to face a future of which I did not dream." For the rest she stretched out her hand and I kissed it, for while she was still a priestess her lips she would not suffer me to touch.