In fact, I think she would have found some way of stopping it. I'm quite sure she would."
Renisenb looked at her with cold dislike.
"There is always poison in your tongue, Henet.
It stings like a scorpion.
But you cannot make me unhappy."
"Well, that's splendid, isn't it?
You must be very much in love.
Oh, he's a handsome young man is Kameni - and he knows how to sing a very pretty love song.
He'll always get what he wants, never fear.
I admire him, I really do.
He always seems so simple and straightforward."
"What are you trying to say, Henet?"
"I'm just telling you that I admire Kameni.
And I'm quite sure that he is simple and straightforward. It's not put on.
The whole thing is quite like one of those tales the storytellers in the bazaars recite.
The poor young scribe marrying the master's daughter and sharing the inheritance with her and living happily ever afterwards.
Wonderful, what good luck a handsome young man always has."
"I am right," said Renisenb.
"You do hate us."
"Now how can you say that, Renisenb, when you know how I've slaved for you all ever since your mother died?"
But there was still the evil triumph in Henet's voice rather than the customary whine.
Renisenb looked down again at the jewel box and suddenly another certainty came into her mind.
"It was you who put the gold lion necklace in this box.
Don't deny it, Henet.
I know, I tell you."
Henet's sly triumph died.
She looked suddenly frightened.
"I couldn't help it, Renisenb.
I was afraid..."
"What do you mean - afraid?"
Henet came a step nearer and lowered her voice.
"She gave it me - Nofret, I mean.
Oh, some time before she died.
She gave me one or two presents.
Nofret was generous, you know.
Oh, yes, she was generous."
"I dare say she paid you well."
"That's not a nice way of putting it, Renisenb.
But I'm telling you all about it.
She gave me the gold lion necklace and an amethyst clasp and one or two other things.
And then, when that boy came out with his story of having seen a woman with that necklace on - well, I was afraid.
I thought maybe they'd think that it was I who poisoned Yahmose's wine.
So I put the necklace in the box."
"Is that the truth, Henet?
Do you ever speak the truth?"
"I swear it's the truth, Renisenb.
I was afraid..."
Renisenb looked at her curiously.
"You're shaking, Henet. You look as though you were afraid now."
"Yes, I am afraid... I've reason to be."