The worthy lady received Ramses in her cabinet, which was paved with porcelain tiles. She sat on an inlaid armchair under a palm-tree. At her feet, on a small stool, lay a little dog; on the other side knelt a black slave woman with a fan. The pharaoh's wife wore a muslin robe embroidered with gold, and on her wig a circlet in the form of a lotus, ornamented with jewels.
When the prince had bowed low, the little dog sniffed him, then lay down again; while the lady, nodding her head, made inquiry, "For what reason, O Ramses, hast Thou desired an interview?"
"Two days ago, mother."
"I knew that Thou wert occupied. But today we both have time, and I can listen."
"Thy speech, mother, acts on me as a strong wind of the desert, and I have no longer courage to present my petition."
"Then surely it is a question of money."
Ramses dropped his head; he was confused.
"But dost Thou need much money?"
"Fifteen talents."
"O gods!" cried the lady, "but a couple of days ago ten talents were paid thee from the treasury. Go, girl, into the garden; Thou must be tired," said she to the black slave; and when alone with her son she asked,