All men are alike, and Mena will be like the rest." "But Paaker surely is governed by the demon you describe ?" asked the dwarf.
"May be," replied his mother; "but he is self-willed to madness.

He would simply give his life for the thing because it is denied him.

If your mistress Nefert were his, perhaps he might be easier; but what is the use of chattering?
I must go over to the gold tent, where everyone goes now who has any money in their purse, to speak to the mistress--" "What do you want with her ?" interrupted Nemu.

"Little Uarda over there," said the old woman, "will soon be quite well again.

You have seen her lately; is she not grown beautiful, wonderfully beautiful?
Now I shall see what the good woman will offer me if I take Uarda to her?
the girl is as light-footed as a gazelle, and with good training would learn to dance in a very few weeks." Nemu turned perfectly white.
"That you shall not do," said he positively.
"And why not ?" asked the old woman, "if it pays well." "Because I forbid it," said the dwarf in a choked voice.
"Bless me," laughed the woman; "you want to play my lady Nefert, and expect me to take the part of her mother Katuti.