He has erred greatly, yet I think we need not judge him till after the holy day, and, in consideration of his former innocence, need not deprive him of the honorable office.

Do you share my wishes?
Is there no dissentient voice?
Then come forward, you, the youngest of us all, who are so highly trusted by this holy assembly." Pentaur rose and placed himself opposite to Ameni, in order to give, as he was required to do, a broad outline of the speech he proposed to deliver next day to the nobles and the people.
The whole assembly, even his opponents, listened to him with approbation.

Ameni, too, praised him, but added: "I miss only one thing on which you must dwell at greater length, and treat with warmer feeling--I mean the miracle which has stirred our souls to-day.

We must show that the Gods brought the sacred heart--" "Allow me," said Pentaur, interrupting the high-priest, and looking earnestly into those eyes which long since he had sung of--"Allow me to entreat you not to select me to declare this new marvel to the people." Astonishment was stamped on the face of every member of the assembly.
Each looked at his neighbor, then at Pentaur, and at last enquiringly at Ameni.

The superior knew Pentaur, and saw that no mere whimsical fancy, but some serious motive had given rise to this refusal.