As she started back to scream the image seemed to loose its hands from the cloths that bound them, and strike outwards, whereon the crystal suddenly shattered, so that the pieces of it flew about the room, one of which struck her on the mouth, knocking out two of her front teeth, and gashing her lips.
Merytra uttered a cry, and fell backwards to the floor, while Kaku sprang from his chair as though to run away, then thought better of it, and stood still, shivering with fear.
"What was that ?" said Merytra, rising from the ground, and wiping the blood from her cut mouth.
"I do not know," answered Kaku, in a quavering voice.

"It would seem that the gods deny to us that knowledge of the future which you sought.
Be content with the present, Merytra." "Content with the present," she screamed, infuriated.

"Look at what the present has given me--a mouthful of blood and teeth.

I, who was beautiful, am spoiled for ever; I am become an old hag.

Pharaoh burst the ball with his hand, and threw the pieces at me.