“Judging from what we have seen, Aleph the Chaldean is remarkably well qualified to protect himself, to say nothing of others,” said Seti with great composure.
“Yes, against a fair enemy,” protested the maiden; “but against others one needs all the help he can get from both earth and heaven. What I want of you, grandfather, is to see that earth does its part. If you do not, I promise you that you shall see how a woman can bestir herself.”
“Just as if Seti needed all this eloquence, child!” he said reproachfully.
“Mother-father, I am ashamed of myself. I know that you mean nobly. But then you men are so manly that you are not so quick as a woman at divining the presence of danger, though far better at meeting it when discovered. At least, so I am told; and I shall not deny it till necessary. So forgive me, and—do as I say.”
“I am not sure,” said the Egyptian thoughtfully, “but that both of you are right. If Rachel must return by way of Miriam an escort may be a protection to her, as Antis is capable of the worst; and to be seen in the streets with the daughter of Alexander may in the end be a protection to Aleph the Chaldean, for it will show whom it may concern that he is not without friends. So go, you two—but I will ask our friend Cimon to remain a while longer.”
VIII.
THE ESCORT.
Ουδ’ αλλο δυσφύλακτον ούδὲν ώς γυνή.
—Anon.