Henet turned towards Nofret, who was watching her under lowered lids.
"You are too beautiful, Nofret," she said.
"That is the trouble.
That is why the others are jealous - but I will look after you - I will warn you of all they say and do.
You can count on me!"
There was a pause whilst the eyes of the two women met.
"You can count on me," Henet repeated.
A slow smile came to Nofret's lips - a rather curious smile.
"Yes," she said. "I understand you, Henet.
I think I can count on you."
Imhotep cleared his throat noisily.
"Then I think all is arranged - yes - everything is satisfactory.
Organization - that has always been my strong point."
There was a dry cackle of laughter and Imhotep turned sharply to see his mother standing in the entrance of the room.
She was supporting her weight on a stick and looked more dried up and malevolent than ever.
"What a wonderful son I have!" she observed.
"I must not delay - there are some instructions to Hori -" Muttering importantly, Imhotep hurried from the room. He managed to avoid meeting his mother's eye.
Esa gave an imperious nod of the head to Henet - and Henet glided obediently out of the room.
Nofret had risen.
She and Esa stood looking at each other.
Esa said: "So my son is leaving you behind?
You had better go with him, Nofret."
"He wishes me to stay here."
Nofret's voice was soft and submissive.
Esa gave a shrill chuckle.
"Little good that would be if you wanted to go!
And why do you not want to go? I do not understand you.
What is there for you here?
You are a girl who has lived in cities - who has perhaps traveled.
Why do you choose the monotony of day after day here - amongst those who - I am frank - do not like you - who in fact dislike you?"
"So you dislike me?"
Esa shook her head. "No - I do not dislike you.
I am old and though I can see but dimly - I can still see beauty and enjoy it.
You are beautiful, Nofret, and the sight of you pleases my old eyes.
Because of your beauty I wish you well.
I am warning you. Go north with my son."
Again Nofret repeated: "He wishes me to stay here."
The submissive tone was now definitely impregnated with mockery.
Esa said sharply: "You have a purpose in remaining here.
What is it, I wonder?
Very well, on your own head be it.
But be careful. Act discreetly.
And trust no one."
She wheeled abruptly and went out.
Nofret stood quite still.
Very slowly her lips curved upwards in a wide, catlike smile.
Chapter 6 FIRST MONTH OF WINTER, 4TH DAY
Renisenb had got into the habit of going up to the Tomb almost every day.
Sometimes Yahmose and Hori would he there together, sometimes Hori alone, sometimes there would be no one - but always Renisenb was aware of a curious relief and peace - a feeling almost of escape.
She liked it best when Hori was there alone.