How or why this came about so suddenly, you being a man, I do not understand, but I am sure that as it is so, it must be because there is much in you to love, since never did I know the Prince to show deep regard for one who was not most honourable and worthy.

Now things being so, it is plain that you will become the favourite of his Highness, a man who does not change his mind in such matters, and that he will tell you all his secret thoughts, perhaps some that he hides from the Councillors of State, or even from me.

In short you will grow into a power in the land and perhaps one day be the greatest in it--after Pharaoh--although you may still seem to be but a private scribe.
"I do not pretend to you that I should have wished this to be so, who would rather that my husband had but one real councillor--myself.

Yet seeing that it is so, I bow my head, hoping that it may be decreed for the best.

If ever any jealousy should overcome me in this matter and I should speak sharply to you, as I did to-day, I ask your pardon in advance for that which has not happened, as I have asked it for that which has happened.