The stillness was intense; only after long spells a warm breath of wind would sough past, but without disturbing him, for yet in thought he entertained the Egyptian, recounting her charms, and sometimes debating how she came by his secrets, the uses she might make of them, and the course he should pursue with her.

And through all the debate Love stood off but a little way--a strong temptation, the stronger of a gleam of policy behind.

At the very moment he was most inclined to yield to the allurement, a hand very fair even in the moonless gloaming was laid softly upon his shoulder.

The touch thrilled him; he started, turned--and she was there.
"I thought you asleep," he said, presently.
"Sleep is for old people and little children, and I came out to look at my friends, the stars in the south--those now holding the curtains of midnight over the Nile.

But confess yourself surprised!" He took the hand which had fallen from his shoulder, and said, "Well, was it by an enemy ?" "Oh no! To be an enemy is to hate, and hating is a sickness which Isis will not suffer to come near me.