"Then she is really a woman of culture and intelligence?" queried
Lady Lyle.

The Doctor smiled.

"I should say she would be a great deal too much for the
University of Oxford, as far as Oriental learning goes," he said.
"She can read the Egyptian papyri, she tells me, and she can
decipher anything on any of the monuments. I only wish I could
persuade her to accompany me to Thebes and Karnak."

Lady Fulkeward unfurled her fan and swayed it to and fro with an
elegant languor.

"How delightful that would be!" she sighed. "So romantic and
solemn--all those dear old cities with those marvellous figures of
the Egyptians carved and painted on the stones! And Rameses--dear
Rameses! He really has good legs everywhere! Haven't you noticed
that? So many of these ancient sculptures represent the Egyptians
with such angular bodies and such frightfully thin legs, but
Rameses always has good legs wherever you find him. It's so
refreshing! DO make up a party, Dr. Dean!--we'll all go with you;
and I'm sure the Princess Ziska will be the most charming
companion possible. Let us have a dahabeah! I'm good for half the
expenses, if you will only arrange everything."

The Doctor stroked his chin and looked dubious, but he was
evidently attracted by the idea.

"I'll see about it," he said at last. "Meanwhile I'll go and have