Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/92

Rh And do not grieve because the black calf must go away. Some day you shall have another one for your own."

"Must this one go away?"

"He must go to the home of the sacred bulls so soon as he is old enough to leave his mother. He will be very happy there."

Tophra thoughtfully drew her little hand down her father's face as it bent to hers.

"I would have made him happy,—I also," she said with a sigh.

Techo kissed the small fingers as they played with his beard. He was sorry for her disappointment.

"He liked me, too; Samis said so. He licked my hand when I tried to pat him."

Techo was filled with delight, seeing in this incident the special sign of the favor of Osiris.

"Much are you honored—much shall the holy ones bless you," he said, laying the child back gently on her