"Thou wilt come to realize some day, Ta-meri, that I am fitted to the yoke of labor, when I fail thee in all the nicer walks thou wouldst have me tread. Come, out with thy gossip, Nechutes."
"I had a letter from Hotep to-day—a budget of news, included with official matters with which the king would acquaint me. Ta-user, with Amon-meses and Siptah, hath joined the court at Tape—"
"And Siptah, she brought with her—" the sculptor interrupted softly.
Nechutes cast an expressive look at Kenkenes and went on.
"And the courting hath begun."
Silence fell, and the lady looked at the two young men with wonder in her eyes.
"Nay, but that is interesting," Kenkenes admitted, recovering himself.
"Tell me more."
"The offices of cup-bearer and murket are to be bestowed in Memphis,"
Nechutes continued.
"And the one falls to Nechutes," the lady declared triumphantly.
"Of a truth thou hast a downy lot before thee, Nechutes," the young sculptor said heartily. "And never one so deserving of it. I give thee joy."