They sat down near each other, by Nefert's breakfast table, and Ani asked Katuti whether the dwarf had told her his mother's secret.

Katuti feigned ignorance, listened to the story of the love-philter, and played the part of the alarmed mother very cleverly.

The Regent was of opinion, while he tried to soothe her, that there was no real love-potion in the case; but the widow exclaimed: "Now I understand, now for the first time I comprehend my daughter.
Paaker must have poured the drink into her wine, for she had no sooner drunk it this morning than she was quite altered her words to Paaker had quite a tender ring in them; and if he placed himself so cheerfully at your disposal it is because he believes himself certainly to be beloved by my daughter.

The old witch's potion was effectual." "There certainly are such drinks--" said Ani thoughtfully.

"But will they only win hearts to young men! If that is the case, the old woman's trade is a bad one, for youth is in itself a charm to attract love.