She who can steal the loveliness of Egypt's self, can also steal the signet of the god." "Say, did you, O Rames, also steal that other signet on your hand, a Queen's gift, I think, that once a Pharaoh wore?
Say also how did you lose the little finger of that hand?
Was it perchance in the maw of a certain god that dwells in the secret pool of a temple at holy Thebes ?" So Tua spake, and waited a while, but Rames said nothing.

He opened his mouth to answer, indeed, but a dumbness sealed his lips.
"Nurse," she went on presently, "I cannot persuade this Lord that I am Egypt and no other.

Try you." So Asti loosed her black veil, and let it fall about her feet.

He stared at her noble features and grey hair, then, uttering a great cry of "Mother, my Mother, who they swore to me was dead in Memphis," he flung himself upon her breast, and there burst into weeping.
"Aye, Rames," said Asti presently, "your Mother, she who bore you, and no other woman, and with her one who because her royal heart loves you now as from the first, from moon to moon for two whole years has braved the dangers of the desert, and of wicked men, till at last Amen her father brings her safely to your side.

Now do you believe ?" "Aye," answered Rames, "I believe." "Then, O faithful Captain," said Tua, "take this gift from Egypt's Queen, which a while ago you thrust aside, and be its Lord and mine," and lifting the diadem of pearls crested with the royal _uraei_ she set it on his brow, as once before she had done in that hour of dawn when she vowed herself to him in Thebes.
It was night, and all their wonderful story had been told.
"Such is our tale, Rames my Son," said Asti, "and long may you search before you find another that will match it.