"He is a proud, ambitious, and unprincipled man."
"Do you think he loves me?"
"I fear not."
"You are right. But you shall hear what I have to relate. Three hours since my mother sent for me. I found her in the chapel where the shrine of Osiris receives her most private prayers. She was kneeling when I entered, her face towards the god; but her eyes, wet with tears, penetrated the heavens, and seemed to seek a living Power that could hear and answer prayer, Sesostris. She did not see me, and her voice was audible:
"'Protect him! Guard him from his foe! Spare me the discovery of the secret, and place him upon the throne of Egypt, O immortal and pitying Osiris! O Isis, hear! O goddess of the sacred bow, and mother of Horus, hear! Give me strength to act, and wisdom in this my great perplexity!'
"I drew near, and kneeling by my mother's side, laid her head against my heart, and said—
"'The God of all gods, the Father Infinite hear thee, O mother! What is it thou prayest for with such strong woe and fear?'
"'Hast thou heard me?' she exclaimed, rising and speaking wildly. 'What didst thou hear? Nay, I have betrayed no secret?'
"'None, mother, none! Thou didst only speak of one which distressed thee,' I said soothingly; for, my dear Sesostris, I was inexpressibly moved by her agitated manner, unlike any thing I have ever before witnessed in her usually calm, serene, and majestic demeanor.
"She leaned heavily upon me, and I led her to an alcove in which was the shrine of Athor.