Once, too, as she left Peroa's table, I whispered into her ear that I wished to speak with her.

But she shook her head, saying, "After the new moon, Shabaka.

Then you shall speak with me as much as you wish." Thus it came about that never could I find opportunity to tell her of that matter of what had happened at the court of the Great King.

Still every morning she sent me some token, flowers or trifling gifts, and once a ring that must have belonged to her forefathers, since on its bezel was engraved the royal _uraeus_, together with the signs of long life and health, which ring I wore hung about my neck but not upon my finger, fearing lest that emblem of royalty might offend Peroa or some of his House, if they chanced to see it.

So in answer I also sent her flowers and other gifts, and for the rest was content to wait.
All of which things my mother noted with a smile, saying that the lady Amada showed a wonderful discretion, such as any man would value in a wife of so much beauty, which also must be most pleasing to her mistress, the goddess Isis.