"A part of my income will suffice to cover such debts."
"We shall see. I wish sincerely to help thee, but I have not the means," said the lady, sadly. "Do, then, as Thou art able, but remember that the Phoenicians in our state are like rats in a granary; when one pushes in through a crevice, others follow."
Ramses loitered in leave-taking.
"Hast Thou something more to tell me?" inquired the queen.
"I should like to ask My heart divines that thou, mother, hast some plans regarding me. What are they?"
She stroked his face.
"Not now not yet. Thou art free today, like every young noble in the country; then make use of thy freedom. But, Ramses, the time is coming when Thou wilt have to take a wife whose children will be princes of the blood royal and whose son will be thy heir. I am thinking of that time."
"And what?"
"Nothing defined yet. In every case political wisdom suggests to me that thy wife should be a priest's daughter."
"Perhaps Herhor's?" said the prince, with a laugh.