Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/94

Rh ointment, crowned them with flowers, and presented a lotus to be held in the hand.

As fast as the flowers drooped in the heat, fresh ones were brought.

Slaves, standing behind the chairs, cooled the air with feather fans.

In the midst of the festivity, a hush fell on all, as two slaves came through the room, bearing the painted mummy-case of one of the family, and set it upright at the table.

This curious custom was common with the Egyptians, and in no way spoiled their enjoyment as it might ours.

After the dinner was over. and the guests had left the board, a troop of swarthy jugglers poured in, and the twang of harps and lyres, the quick clash of tambourines and sweet fluting, began again.

Tophra wished that she were old enough to be with the company. It must be very amusing. She watched the grooms