"Then go to her. Men are never more helpful than after a reconciliation. The enmity they have driven out, seems to leave as it were a freshly- healed wound which must be touched with caution; and Setchem is of thy own blood, and kind-hearted."
"She is not rich," replied Katuti. "Every palm in her garden comes from her husband, and belongs to her children."
"Paaker, too, was with you?"
"Certainly only by the entreaty of his mother—he hates my son-in-law."
"I know it," muttered the dwarf, "but if Nefert would ask him?"
The widow drew herself up indignantly. She felt that she had allowed the dwarf too much freedom, and ordered him to leave her alone.
Nemu kissed her robe and asked timidly:
"Shall I forget that thou hast trusted me, or am I permitted to consider further as to thy son's safety?" Katuti stood for a moment undecided, then she said:
"You were clever enough to find what I carelessly dropped; perhaps some
God may show you what I ought to do. Now leave me."
"Wilt thou want me early to-morrow?"