"I suppose you think I was trying to make her bribe me to silence.
I swear by the Nine Gods of the Ennead -"
"Do not trouble the Gods. You're honest enough, Henet - as honesty goes.
And it may be that you knew nothing about how Nofret came to her death.
But you know most things that go on in this house.
And if I were going to do any swearing myself, I'd swear that you put this box in Nofret's room yourself - though why I can't imagine.
But there's some reason behind it... You can deceive Imhotep with your tricks, but you can't deceive me.
And don't whine!
I'm an old woman and I cannot stand people whining.
Go and whine to Imhotep.
He seems to like it, though Re alone knows why!"
"I will take the box to Imhotep and tell him -"
"I'll hand the box to him myself.
Be off with you, Henet, and stop spreading these silly superstitious tales.
The house is a more peaceful place without Satipy.
Nofret dead has done more for us than Nofret living.
But now that the debt is paid, let everyone return to their everyday tasks."
II
"What is all this?" Imhotep demanded as he came fussily into Esa's room a few minutes later.
"Henet is deeply distressed.
She came to me with the tears running down her face.
Why nobody in the house can show that devoted woman the most ordinary kindness -"
Esa, unmoved, gave a cackle of laughter.
Imhotep went on: "You have accused her, I understand, of stealing a box - a jewel box."
"Is that what she told you?
I did nothing of the sort.
Here is the box.
It seems it was found in Nofret's room."
Imhotep took it from her.
"Ah, yes, it is one I gave her."
He opened it.
"H'm, nothing much inside.
Very careless of the embalmers not to have included it with the rest of her personal belongings.
Considering the prices Ipi and Montu charge, one could at least expect no carelessness.
Well, this all seems to me a great fuss about nothing -"
"Quite so."
"I will give the box to Kait - no, to Renisenb.
She always behaved with courtesy towards Nofret."
He sighed.
"How impossible it seems for a man to get any peace. These women - endless tears or else quarrels and bickerings."
"Ah, well, Imhotep, there is at least one woman less now!"
"Yes, indeed.
My poor Yahmose!
All the same, Esa - I feel that - er - it may be all for the best.
Satipy bore healthy children, it is true, but she was in many ways a most unsatisfactory wife.
Yahmose, of course, gave in to her far too much.
Well, well, all that is over now.
I must say that I have been much pleased with Yahmose's behavior of late.
He seems much more self-reliant - less timid - and his judgment on several points has been excellent - quite excellent..."
"He was always a good, obedient boy."