“I thought she told us that her mother was a Syrian.”

“That is so, Scribe Ana.  She was a beautiful captive of war whom Nathan came to love and made his wife, and the daughter takes after her.  Still she is Hebrew and of the Hebrew faith and congregation.  Had it not been so, she might have shone like a star, nay, like the very moon after which she is named, perhaps in the court of Pharaoh himself.”

“As the great queen Taia did, she who changed the religion of Egypt to the worship of one god in a bygone generation,” I suggested.

“I have heard of her, Scribe Ana.  She was a wondrous woman, beautiful too by her statues.  Would that you Egyptians could find such another to turn your hearts to a purer faith and to soften them towards us poor aliens.  When does his Highness leave the land of Goshen?”

“At sunrise on the third day from this.”

“Provision will be needed for the journey, much provision for so large a train.  I deal in sheep and other foodstuffs, Scribe Ana.”

“I will mention the matter to his Highness and to the Vizier, Jabez.”

“I thank you, Scribe, and will in waiting at the camp to-morrow morning.  See, Laban returns with Merapi.  One word, let his Highness beware of Laban.  He is very revengeful and has not forgotten that sword-blow on the head.”

“Let Laban be careful,” I answered.  “Had it not been for his Highness the soldiers would have killed him the other night because he dared to offer affront to the royal blood.  A second time he will not escape.  Moreover, Pharaoh would avenge aught he did upon the people of Israel.”

“I understand.  It would be sad if Laban were killed, very sad.  But the people of Israel have One who can protect them even against Pharaoh and all his hosts.  Farewell, learned Scribe.  If ever I come to Tanis, with your leave we will talk more together.”

That night I told the Prince all that had passed.  He listened, and said: 

“I grieve for the lady Merapi, for hers is like to be a hard fate.  Yet,” he added laughing, “perhaps it is as well for you, friend, that you should see no more of her who is sure to bring trouble wherever she goes.  That woman has a face which haunts the mind, as the Ka haunts the tomb, and for my part I do not wish to look upon it again.”

“I am glad to hear it, Prince, and for my part, I have done with women, however sweet.  I will tell this Jabez that the provisions for the journey will be bought elsewhere.”

“Nay, buy them from him, and if Nehesi grumbles at the price, pay it on my account.  The way to a Hebrew’s heart is through his treasure bags.  If Jabez is well treated, it may make him kinder to his niece, of whom I shall always have a pleasant memory, for which I am grateful among this sour folk who hate us, and with reason.”