Ta-meri sat up in alarm.
"O, do not go. You have but this moment come," she said.
"Already have I stayed too long," he replied. "But thy hospitality makes one forget the debt one owes to a prior guest."
She looked at him from under silken lashes.
"Nechutes has misconducted himself," she objected, "and I would not be left alone with him."
"Wouldst thou have me stay and see him restored to favor under my very eyes? Ah, Ta-meri, where is thy womanly compassion?"
She smiled and extended her hand. Kenkenes took it and felt it relax and lie willingly in his palm.
"Nay, do not go," she pleaded softly.
"Give me leave to come again instead."
"To-morrow," she said, half questioning, half commanding. He did not promise, but as he bent over to kiss her hand, he said in a low tone: