Mena's pretty wife was however absent, and Katuti did not send for her even after he had enquired after her health.
The widow made no advances, and some time passed in indifferent conversation, till Paaker abruptly informed her that he had heard of her son's reckless conduct, and had decided, as being his mother's nearest relation, to preserve her from the degradation that threatened her.

For the sake of his bluntness, which she took for honesty, Katuti forgave the magnificence of his dress, which under the circumstances certainly seemed ill-chosen; she thanked him with dignity, but warmly, more for the sake of her children than for her own; for life she said was opening before them, while for her it was drawing to its close.
"You are still at a good time of life," said Paaker.
"Perhaps at the best," replied the widow, "at any rate from my point of view; regarding life as I do as a charge, a heavy responsibility." "The administration of this involved estate must give you many, anxious hours--that I understand." Katuti nodded, and then said sadly: "I could bear it all, if I were not condemned to see my poor child being brought to misery without being able to help her or advise her.

You once would willingly have married her, and I ask you, was there a maiden in Thebes--nay in all Egypt--to compare with her for beauty?
Was she not worthy to be loved, and is she not so still?
Does she deserve that her husband should leave her to starve, neglect her, and take a strange woman into his tent as if he had repudiated her?
I see what you feel about it! You throw all the blame on me.

Your heart says: 'Why did she break off our betrothal,' and your right feeling tells you that you would have given her a happier lot." With these words Katuti took her nephew's hand, and went on with increasing warmth.
"We know you to-day for the most magnanimous man in Thebes, for you have requited injustice with an immense benefaction; but even as a boy you were kind and noble.

Your father's wish has always been dear and sacred to me, for during his lifetime he always behaved to us as an affectionate brother, and I would sooner have sown the seeds of sorrow for myself than for your mother, my beloved sister.