"Has Mœris been defeated?" I asked, with earnest sympathy.
"Mœris defeated! No, oh no; but rather conqueror. But I speak an enigma!"
"Has aught happened to Remeses in his sacred duties?"
"No, oh no! It is Mœris! He will break my heart!"
"What has he done? What can I do?" I asked, perplexed.
"Nothing—that is, you can do nothing! As for Mœris, he has done every thing! But why do I talk to you? You understand me not! There is a fearful secret, O Sesostris! I did not send for you to reveal it to you—but—but for sympathy;—for your company! I know you love me, for you are the friend of Remeses, and you have a mother whom you love and honor."
"And I also love and honor you, O my mother!" I said, taking her hand and conducting her to a chair. But she refused to sit down. She regarded me with eager eyes, as if she were penetrating my soul to its depths. Suddenly she said:
"Has Remeses told you all the conversations I have had with him?"
"He has talked much with me of what has passed between you, O queen," I answered.
"Did he speak of a secret I held locked in my heart even from him?"