The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-03-23
CHAPTER Ill.
Userti.
NETI rose, stretching out his arms.


would say, all begins"
As he spoke the curtains at the en-
the room were drawn and between
appeared the chamberlain, Pambass,
ing his gold-tipped wand ceremoniousl,
fore him.
What is 1t now. man?" asked Seti.
not even sup in peace? Stay, before
answer tell me, do things end or beRi
sleep? The learned Ana and / dine
the matter and would hear your wis
Bear In mind, Pambasa, that before we
born we must have slept, since of that
we remember nothing, and after we
dead we certainly seem to sleep, as
who have looked on mummies know,
answer"
The chamberlain stared at the wine
on the table as though he suspected
master Of having drunk too much. Z
in q hard official voice he said:
she comes. She comes. She
comes, offering greetings and adora-
ton to the Royal Son Of Ra."
docs she, indeed?" asked Seti.
eff so, why say it three times9 And
who comesH"
'The high Princess, the heiress Of
Egypt, the daughter Of Pharaoh, your
Highness's royal half-sister, the great
Lady Userti."
LET her enter then. Ana, stand
you behind me. If you grow weary
and / give leave you can depart; the
slaves win show you your sleeping
place"
Pambasa went, and presently
through the curtain appeared royal
looking lady splendidIy apparelled
She was accompanied by four wait
ing women who fell back In the TIRES
hold and we're no more seen. The
Prince stepped forward, took both
her hands In his and kissed her on
the brow, then drew back again, af-
ter which they stood moment look.
ing at each other. While they re-
NAMED thus l studied her who was
known throughout the land as the
beautiful Royal Daughter" but
whom till now had never seen.
In truth did not think her beauti.
full. although even had she been clad
In q peasants robe / should have
been sure that she was royal Her
face was too hard for beauty and her
black eyes, with tinge of gray was
too sharp and her lips we're too thin.
Indeed, had II not been for the deli
cately and anely-shsped womanls
form beneath, might have thought
that q prince and not a princess
stood before me. For the rest IN
most ways she resembIed her half
brother Seti, though her counteni
lacked the kindness Of his.
Greeting, sister" ne said, cycling
u-itb = smile in which caught gleaI
mockery. "Purple-bordered robes. eme
NECKLACE and enamemed crown OF 6
rings and pectoral, everything exceT
scaptre-why are you so royalty ARA
to visit one so humble as your To-
brotber? You come like sunlight into
darkness of hermit's cell and dazzle
NOR hermit, or rather hermits," and
pointed to me.
"Cease your jests. Seti," she replied
a full, strong voice. 81 wear these o
ments because they please me. Ais
have supped with our father, and II
who sit at Phsraoh's table must be &
ably srrayed, though / have noted
sometimes you think otherwise"
Indeed. / trust that the good god,
divine parent, is well tonight as you le
him 20 early"
II leave him because he sent me wit
measage to you" She paused looking
me sharply, then asked: who is
mani l do not know him"
ut Is your misfortune, Useri' but
which can be mended. He is named
the Scribe, who writes strange stories
great interest which you would do vel
read who dwell too much upon the, outi
of life. He is from Memphis and
fathers name was-I forget what. 4
what was your fathers manner"
zone too humble for royal ears, Prin,
I answered, "but my grandfather
Pentaur the poet, who wrote Of the de
of the mighty Rameses."
why did you not tell me that befc
The descent should earn you a penI
from the Court II you can extract It q
Nehesi. Well, Userti, his grandfath
name was Pentaur, whose immortal vel
you have doubtless read upon temple wa
where our grandfather was careful TO :
lish them"
II haVe-to my sOrroW-and thou
them poor, boastful stuff" she answe
cOldly.