Moreover, he forbade me to speak to your Majesty about it, lest, being but young and a woman, you might be frightened and your pleasure spoilt." "Who was his counsellor ?" asked Tua.
"A strange one, I think, Queen.

You know his waiting-woman, Merytra, she of whom he is so fond, and who stood behind him with a fan this night." "Aye, I know her," replied Tua, with emphasis.

"She was ever whispering with that tall astrologer at the feast.

But does Pharaoh take counsel with waiting-ladies of his private household ?" "With this waiting-lady, it seems, Queen.

Perhaps you have not heard all her story, in the year before your birth Merytra came up the Nile with Abi.