II
Henet was crouching down on her haunches in one of the storerooms counting out piles of sheets.
They were old sheets, and she held the mark on the corner of one close up to her eyes.
"Ashayet," she murmured.
"Ashayet's sheets.
Marked with the year she came here - she and I together...
That's a long time ago.
Do you know, I wonder, what your sheets are being used for now, Ashayet?"
She broke off in the midst of a chuckle and gave a start as a sound made her glance over her shoulder.
It was Yahmose.
"What are you doing, Henet?"
"The embalmers need more sheets.
Piles and piles of sheets they've used.
Four hundred cubits they used yesterday alone.
It's terrible the way these funerals use up the sheeting!
We'll have to use these old ones.
They're good quality and not much worn.
Your mother's sheets, Yahmose. Yes, your mother's sheets..."
"Who said you might take those?"
Henet laughed.
"Imhotep's given everything into my charge. I don't have to ask leave.
He trusts poor old Henet.
He knows she'll see to everything in the right way.
I've seen to most things in this house for a long time.
I think - now - I'm going to have my reward!"
"It looks like it, Henet." Yahmose's tone was mild.
"My father said -" he paused - "everything depends on you."
"Did he now?
Well, that's nice hearing - but perhaps you don't think so, Yahmose."
"Well - I'm not quite sure."
Yahmose's tone was still mild, but he watched her closely.
"I think you'd better agree with your father, Yahmose.
We don't want any more - trouble, do we?"
"I don't quite understand.
You mean - we don't want any more deaths?"
"There are going to be more deaths, Yahmose.
Oh, yes -" "Who is going to die next, Henet?"
"Why do you think I should know that?"
"Because I think you know a great deal.
You knew the other day, for instance, that Ipy was going to die... You are very clever, aren't you, Henet?"
Henet bridled. "So you're beginning to realize that now!
I'm not poor, stupid Henet any longer.
I'm the one who knows."
"What do you know, Henet?"
Henet's voice changed.
It was low and sharp.
"I know that at last I can do as I choose in this house.
There will be no one to stop me.
Imhotep leans upon me already.
And you will do the same, eh, Yahmose?"