“Is she widowed?”
“Yes; but she has been found guilty the third time.”
“The application is denied for the present. Alcamayn will be guardian of streets in our absence. Upon returning, I shall lend mine ear to domestic affairs. Of late disturbances and complaints have been frequent from that quarter.”
Touchy, vain-glorious Setos nettled at this.
“Do my fellows think me unmindful of duty?”
“No; only over-zealous. It is not in the province of good government to meddle with private affairs. The best interests of posterity and the economic use of sustenance, with care of the person, are all that can be demanded.”
“Akaza is competent to advise thee,” interposed Orondo. “These matters properly come under his dominion.”
“Akaza will undoubtedly agree with me,” said Setos, catching at a straw for justification. “The first evidence of initiation is a sensitive condition of the organs of smell. The novitiate is required to discover the deadly effects of putrescent gases, and even children are taught that whatever offends the nostrils injures the body.”
They rose simultaneously, and Orondo opened the door leading into the public reception hall.
“The runners are here, waiting to carry our greetings to the Monbas and their high priestess.”