No sound was to be heard except the one which had alarmed her, and this too died away at last on the morning breeze. After a few minutes she heard cries and noise in the distance, then the great city awaking to its daily work, which soon settled down into a deep, dull murmur like the roaring of the sea.
Nitetis was by this time so thoroughly awakened from the effect of the fresh morning air, that she did not care to lie down again. She went once more to the window and perceived two figures coming out of the house. One she recognized as the eunuch Boges; he was talking to a beautiful Persian woman carelessly dressed. They approached her window. Nitetis hid herself behind the half-opened shutter and listened, for she fancied she heard her own name.
"The Egyptian is still asleep." said Boges. "She must be much fatigued by the journey. I see too that one of her windows is still firmly closed."
"Then tell me quickly," said the Persian. "Do you really think that this stranger's coming can injure me in any way?"
"Certainly, I do, my pretty one."
"But what leads you to suppose this?"
"She is only to obey the king's commands, not mine."
"Is that all?"
"No, my treasure. I know the king. I can read his features as the Magi read the sacred books."
"Then we must ruin her."