It is the first of many bitter lessons, or rather the second--that of her Highness was the first; I pray that I may learn them with humility." While he mused thus and, having no comfort to offer, I listened sad at heart, Merapi entered, and a moment after her the wide-eyed messenger whom we had seen in Pharaoh's Court, and her uncle Jabez the cunning merchant.

She bowed low to Seti, and smiled at me.

Then the other two appeared, and with small salutation the messenger began to speak.
"You know my demand, Prince," he said.

"It is that this woman should be returned to her people.

Jabez, her uncle, will lead her away." "And you know my answer, Israelite," answered Seti.