After all she was but a woman, they argued, and was it likely that she would throw aside the pomp of rule and the prospect of long years in order to steal away into the shadows of a forgotten tomb?
Henceforth, it was true, she must take second place, for Abi would be a stern master to her.

Still, any place was better than a funeral barge.

She had felt the pinch of hunger yonder in that old temple; her fierce spirit had been tamed; she had kissed the rod, and after long years of waiting, Abi would be Pharaoh in Egypt.
The dispute grew hot, for even those men who rebelled against her, in their hearts had set her high, and grieved to think of her, the divine Lady, bowing her neck to the common yoke of circumstance, and selling herself for safety, and a seat on the steps of her own throne.

But the women mocked on, and showed them that as they had always said, she was no better than others of her sex.
Presently the matter was settled, for heralds appeared crying throughout the city that the marriage would take place in the great hall of the White House one hour before sundown.

Then the women laughed in triumph, and the men were silent.
It was the appointed hour, and that hall was filled to overflowing by all who could gain entrance there.