"The gracious gods have had thee under their sheltering wings during these troublous times," he said, bowing. "It is worth the trip from Tanis to look upon thee."
"Thy words are fair, Unas. How is it with my father?" Masanath asked with stiff lips.
"The gods are good to the Pharaoh. They permit the wise Har-hat to continue in health to render service to his sovereign."
Masanath, dreading the news, asked after it at once. Men have killed themselves for fear of death.
"Thou hast come to conduct me to court?"
"That is the gracious will of my master."
Masanath half rose from her seat. "When?" she asked almost inaudibly.
"In twenty days; no more. I have a mission to perform and shall go hence immediately. But I shall return in twenty days, never fear, my Lady."
Masanath saw that he mocked her. Her wrath was an effective counter-irritant for her trouble. She was calm again.
"Then, if thy message is delivered, go!"