It was not an easy task, for although she had enemies and rivals, the daughter of the dead Baaltis, Mesa by name, was considered to be certain of election at the poll of the priests and priestesses.

This ceremony was to take place within two days.

Nothing discouraged, however, by the scant time at his disposal or other difficulties, without her knowledge or that of her father, Metem began his canvass on behalf of Elissa.
First with a great sum of gold he bought over the ex-Shadid, the husband of the late lady Baaltis.

As it chanced, this worthy had quarrelled with his daughter.

Therefore it followed that he would prefer to see some stranger chosen in her place in the hope that, notwithstanding his years, by choosing him in marriage she might confirm him in his position of spouse to the goddess.
All Metem's further negotiations need not be followed: money played a part in most of them; jealousy and dislike in some.