"If I could not go out alone when it pleases me, I should be the most wretched slave in Egypt," said Ramses, bitterly.
He gave his sword and burnous to Tutmosis, and went to his bedroom without calling any one. Yesterday the birth of a son would have filled him with gladness; but at that moment he received the news with indifference. His whole soul was occupied with the thought of that evening, the most wonderful in all his life experience. He still saw the light of the moon; in his ears the song of the Greek was still sounding. But that temple of Astaroth!
He could not sleep till morning.
CHAPTER XXXII
Next day the prince rose late, bathed himself and dressed, then summoned Tutmosis.
The exquisite appeared at once, dressed carefully and perfumed. He looked sharply at the prince to learn in what humor he was, and to fix his own features correspondingly. But on the face of Ramses was only weariness.
"Well," asked the prince, yawning, "art Thou sure that a Bon is born to me?"
"I have that news from the holy Mefres."
"Oho! How long is it since the prophets are occupied with my household?"
"Since the time that Thou hast shown them thy favor, worthiness."