Another moment and smiling happily, she had glided away, leaving me alone in the garden.
Then it was for the first time that I bethought me of the warnings of Bes and remembered that it was I, not he, who had told the Great King the name of the most beautiful woman in Egypt, although in all innocence.

Yes, I remembered, and felt as if all the shadows on the earth had wrapped me round.

I thought of finding her, but she had gone whither I knew not in that great palace.

So I determined that the next time we were alone I would tell her of the matter, explaining all, and with this thought I comforted myself who did not know that until many days were past we should be alone no more.
After this I went home and told my mother all my joy, for in truth there was no happier man in Egypt.

She listened, then answered, smiling a little.
"When your father wished to take me to wife, Shabaka, it was not my hand that I gave him to kiss, and as you know, I too have the blood of kings in me.