"The prince, my lord, desires to see you in his private chamber. He bade me ask you not to delay."
I found Remeses walking to and fro in the apartment, with a pale face and troubled brow. As soon as I entered, he approached me, and taking my hand between his, pressed it to his heart affectionately, and said:
"I am glad you have returned, Sesostris, my friend and brother! Come and sit by me on this seat by the window. I have much to say—much! I need your counsel."
"My noble friend," I answered, moved by his unusual emotion, "I am not able to counsel one so wise and great as you are."
"Nay, you are too modest, prince. I must tell you all. Strange events have occurred. Hear me, and you will then be able to strengthen my soul! You know that of late my dear mother has been given to melancholy; that she has appeared absent in thought, abrupt in speech, and ill at ease. Thou hast observed this; for we have spoken of it together, and marvelled at her mood, which neither the memory of our victories in Ethiopia, the prosperity of her kingdom, the peace in her borders, the love of her subjects, nor my own devotion could remove; nor the music of the harp, nor the happy songs of the chanters dissipate."
"Do you not think," I said, "that this state of mind is connected with her illness before you left, when the viceroy Mœris dined with us?"
Remeses started, and fixed upon me his full gaze.
"Sesostris, what led you to connect the present with that event?"
"Because the queen has never been wholly well and cheerful since that day."
"What think you of Prince Mœris? Speak freely."