"Laugh not, for Thou wilt grow pale soon. The lord Sesofris is secretary to the lord Chaires, who carries his fan for the most worthy nomarch of Memphis. My father has seen him and fallen on his face before him."
"Ho! ho! ho!" repeated Ramses, laughing continually.
"Thy words are very insolent," said the maiden, frowning. "Were kindness not looking from thy face, I should think thee a mercenary from Greece or a bandit."
"He is not a bandit yet, but some day he may become the greatest bandit this laud has ever suffered," said Tutmosis the exquisite, arranging his wig,
"And Thou must be a dancer," answered the girl, grown courageous. "Oh! I am even certain that I saw thee at the fair in Pi-Bailos, enchanting serpents."
The two young men fell into perfect humor.
"But who art thou?" asked Ramses of the girl, taking her hand, which she drew back.
"Be not so bold. I am Sarah, the daughter of Gideon, the manager of this estate."
"A Jewess," said Ramses; and a shadow passed over his face.
"What harm in that? what harm in that?" cried Tutmosis.