Meneptah’s face blazed.  “Go on,” he said sharply.

“The fan-bearer had some little right on his side, for the young man had committed sacrilege in carving a statue, and had stolen the maiden away and hidden her when Har-hat would have taken her.  The maiden is an Israelite, and her hiding-place is known to this day only by herself and her unhappy lover.  Now comes thy villainy, O thou short of temper,” she continued, looking at the fan-bearer.

“Thy father, O Shedder of Light, the Incomparable Pharaoh who reigns in Osiris, gave Mentu a signet—­”

The king interrupted.  “I know of that.  Go on.”

“When Kenkenes was overtaken and thrust into prison he sent this signet to thee, O my Sovereign, with a petition for his release and for the maiden’s freedom.  The writing and the signet came into Har-hat’s hands and he ignored them, though the signet commanded him in the name of the holy One.”  Her voice lowered with awe and dismay at his unregeneracy.  “Kenkenes is still in prison.”

“Now, by the gods, Har-hat!” Meneptah exclaimed angrily.  “I would not have dreamed such baseness in thee!”

The fan-bearer was stupefied with wrath and astonishment.  Words absolutely refused to come to him.  Ta-user accused him with the wide eyes of fearless righteousness.  Presently she went on: 

“Already hath he languished eight months in prison.  His offense against the gods and against the laws of the land hath been expiated.  I would have thee set him free now, O Meneptah, that he may return to his love and comfort her.”

Meneptah reached for the reed pen.

“Hold!” cried Har-hat.

“Thou dost forget thyself, good Har-hat,” the princess said with dignity.  “Thou speakest with thy sovereign.”

“But I will be heard!” he exclaimed violently.  “Hear me!  I pray thee, Son of Ptah!”

Meneptah removed the wetted pen and waited.

“Thou didst give the maiden to me thyself!” he began precipitately.  “Thy document of gift I have yet.  He stole her, hid her away, committed sacrilege and abused two of my servants nigh unto death when they sought for her.  Hath he any more right to her than I?  Art thou assured that he hath an honorable purpose in mind for her?  She is comely and well instructed in service, and I would have put her in my daughter’s train, even as the Hebrew Miriam was lady-in-waiting to Neferari Thermuthis.  If thou dost examine the records of the petitions to thee thou wilt find that I asked her expressly for household service.  It is false that I had any other purpose in mind.

“As to the signet,” he continued breathlessly, “there is no word upon it concerning the palliation of a triple crime!  Shall we invoke the king in the blameless name of the holy One, and demand forgiveness in the name of Him who forgiveth no sin?  Furthermore, thou didst give the writing into my hands, and in obedience to thy command, I acted as I thought best.  My purposes have been wilfully distorted!”