Poor Si put her aching lips to the cup and tilted it a little, then passed it to her mistress.

And Heru drank it all, and Si cried a few hot tears behind her hands, FOR SHE HAD TAKEN NONE, and she knew it was her life! Again picking a way through the courtyard, scarce noticing how the beasts lifted their heads as I passed, I went instinctively, cup in hand, to the well, and then hesitated.

Was I a coward to leave Heru so?
Ought I not to stay and see it out to the bitter end?
Well, I would compound with Fate.

I would give the malicious gods one more chance.

I would put the cup down again, and until seven drops had fallen into it I would wait.