Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-10-29
CHAPTER XXI.
The Son of the Royal Architect.

LUG SOI1 u luc xNuydl hTCnltcCI.
March and April had passed and now it
was the first of May. Five days before. the
ceremony of installation had been held for
the murket and the cupbearer and for four
days thereafter the new officers passed
through initiatory formalities. But on the
fifth day the rites of investiture had been
brought to an end, and Mentu and Nechutes
entered on the routine of service.
To Mentu fell the dignifed congratula-
tons of his own world of sedate old mobiles
and stately women. But Nechutes was
younger and well beloved by youthful Mem
phis, so on the night of the fifth day the
house Of Sersi was aglow and in her ban
quet room there was much young revel in
his honor. -.
Aromatic torches f1aring in sconces lighted
Inc 1rlezes OF lotus, the painted paneling
on the walls, and the clustered pillars that
upheld the ceiling of the chamber. The ta-
bles had been removed; the musicians and
tumplers common to such occasions were
not present, for the rout was small and
sufhclent unto itself for entertainment
Gathered about a central figure. which
must needs be one of highest rank-and in
this instance it was Rameses, the crown
prince-were the young guests. They were
noblemen and gentlewomen of Memphis
freed for an evening from the restraint of
pretentious affairs and spared the awesome
repression of potentateS and monitors.
First, there was Rameses, languid, cyni-
cal, sumptuous, and enthroned in a capa-
ciCus fauteuil significantly upholstered in
purple and gold
Close beside him and similarly enthrOned
was Ta-user. She wore double robe of
transparent linen, very fine and clinging
in it's texture. The over-dress was simply
white gauze, striped with narrow lines of
green and gold From the fillet of royalty
about her forehead, an emerald depended
between her eyes. Her zone was broad
braid of golden cords, girdlkag her beneath
the breast encompassing her again about
the hips, and fastened at last in front by
diamond-Shaped buckle OF clustered
| emeralds. Her sandals were mere JeWeled
straps of white gazelle-hide, passing under
the heel and ball of the foot. She was as
daringfy dressed as Iissome dancing girl.
On a taboret at her right was Seti, the
little prince Although he was nearly SIX
teen he looked to be of even tenderer years.
In him the charms of the Egyptian coun-
tenance had been so emphasized, and its
defects so reduced, that his boyiSh beauty
was unequaled among his countrymen.
At his feet was 10, playing at dice with
Ta-meri and Nechutes. Ta-meri was more
than usually brilliant. and Nechutes, flush
ed with her favor, was playing splendldiy
and rejoicing beyond reason over ms gains
Opposite this group was announcer, the cen
ter of which was Masanath. She sat in the
richest seat in the house of Senci. 1t was
ivory tricked with gold; but small and
young as the fanbearer's daughter was,
there wars none in that assembly VINO might
queen it as royalty as she from its i'm
perial depths. By her side was the boon
companion of Rameses. He was Menes,
surnamed 1.-The Bland captain of the royal
guard, a most amiable soldier and chiefly
remarkable because, of all the prince s
world he was the only one that could tell
the truth to Rameses and tell it without
offense.
On the floor between Masanath and Me-
mes was the son of Anon meses the Prince
Siptah. He was typical oriental, bronze
in hue. lean of frame. brilliant of eye,
white of teeth, intense in temperament and
fierce in his loves and hates Religion com
forted him through his appetites; in his
sight craft was virtue, intrigue was poll
tics and love was a fury. His eyes never
left Ta-user for long. and his every word
seemed to be inspired by some overweefling
emotion.
Aside from these there were others in
the group. Some were sons and daughters
of ROYALTY cousins of the PharaohS sons of
Ta-user and Siptah; many We're children
of the kings ministers, and all were noble.
Senci and Hotep's Oldest sister, the Lady
Belts, dark-eyed matron of thirty. pre-
sided in duenna-lke guardianship over the
rout. They sat in dlphroS apart from the
young jewellers.
Kenkenes was momentarily expected For
the past two months he had been seen
every evening wherever there was nigh
class revel in Memphis. But he had laughed
perfunctoriIy and lapsed into preoccupation
when none spoke to him, and his song had
sorry note in it, however happy the
theme. But these were things apparent
only to those that saw deeper than the
surface.
''Where is Kenkenes?" MeEes demanded.
Hath he forsworn us?"
81 saw him today Nechutes ventured
without raising his eyes from the game.
when we were fowling on the Nile be-
low the CITY, He was alone, pulling down
stream, just this side of Masaarah.'
Hotep frowned and gave over any hope
hot ha ma in o.
that night. But at that moment, Ta-mer,
who sat facing the entrance to the cham
be-, poised the dice box in air and drew
in a long breath. The guests followed her
eyes.
Kenkenes stood in the doorway, the cur
tain thrust aside and above him. His vol
luminous festal robes were deeply edged
with gold, but his arms, bare to the Shout
der, and his strong brown neck were with
out their usual trappings of jewels. The
omission seemed Intentional as if the
young man had meant to contrast the orna-
ment of young strength and grace with the
glitter and magnificence of the other
guests. He had succeeded well.
Perhaps to most of those present, the
young mans presence was not unusual,
but Hotep was not blind to manifest al
teration in his manner. There was
cynicism in the corners of his mouth, and
a hint of hurt or temper was evident in
the tension of his nostril and the brilliance
of his eyes. Hotep had no needs of seers
and astrologers, for his perception served
him in all tangible things. He knew some
thing untoward had set KenkeneS to think
ing about himself. and guessing where the
young artist had gone that evening, he
surmised further how he had been re-
ceived.
And though he was sorry in his heart
for his friends unhappiness, he. confessed
his admiration for Rachel.
Late" cried Hotep. rising.
"Thy pardon, Hotep," Kenkenes replied,
advancing into the chamber. Il had an err
rand of much Importance to Masaarah and
it was fruitless. 1t shall trouble me no
more"
Hotep lifted his brows, as though he
exclaimed to himself and made no answer
Kenkenes greeted the guests with a wave
of his hand and did obeisance before
Rameses.
Thou speakest of Masaarah, my Ken
kenes." the crown prince commented after
the salutation. land it suggests an inquiry
1 would make of thee. Dost thou go on as
sculptor or wilt thou follow thy father
into the art of building?"
"Since the Pharaoh chose for my father,
he shall choose for me Also"
Nay the Pharaoh did not choose" RAM
eses objected dryly. 1T was l."
"Of a truth? Then thou shalt choose for
me- my generous prince"
Follow thy father. / would have thee
for my murket. Nay. it is ever so. / mold
the Pharaoh and he gets the credit
"And thou the blame. when blame ac-
crues from the moldng," Menes put In
,,~xJx Io,, lit. l.