in this case; that terra cotta bottle of lenticular shape, from the 
Greek period, Lower Egypt, is very pretty. : 
“It is. But those in the second case are more attractive, I 
think. They are small and large, and of many forms. Ah, 
look at those spoons, bowls, dippers, covers, decanters, and 
pots of bronze from ancient Egypt,” said I, while we were 
walking slowly. “And those vases of stone, and vessels, 
which are very small and of medium size, with many pretty 
colors; really, they are artistic.” 
“Most assuredly.” ' 
“Now, statuettes of gods, temple bronzes and mirrors! I 
am very much interested in them. Look at Sekmet; his eyes 
are inlaid with gold. And, according to the inscription around 
the base, it was dedicated by a man named Nesi-pekhnot. 
Moreover, look at the largest bronze cat that has ever been 
found, which was sacred to Bast Bubastis.” 
“That is a nice bronze lion god beside the cat.” 
“And, behold, here we have the gods Hur-pekhrot, and Ptah; 
the statue of Ptah is very fine work, for it is richly overlaid 
with gold, the eyes being inlaid with the same material. Here 
is a double Osiris also. Oh, ye gods!” said I, enthusiastically. 
“Do not disturb the gods! “Let them have peace!” ejaculated 
Birtha, in a low tone. 
“To be a certainty; but where are the goddesses?” 
“Oh, we may see some yet. Do not be in a hurry.” She 
accompanied this expression with a loving smile, which causes 
me to say: 
je think that I have seen a goddess already.” 
here? I have not seen any yet.” 
hy, you do not understand.” 
“How?” 
pecause you are the goddess to whom I refer.” 
“Now, now, Mister Lucchesini!” 
“Never mind your ‘now, now, Mister Lucchesini!’ You are 
the loge all right.” 
“You are the first person of the masculine gender to ever 
bestow such a precious title upon me, I assure you.” 
“Do not flatter me.” 
aqqam not flattering you whatsoever; I am honest.” 
Well, then, I hope that I may always have the privilege to 
call © such an adorable appellation.” 
“You do not h 
oT ave to hope so, Mister Lucchesini, for I give 
the permission to you of doing so.” 
© you mean to say that I may call you my goddess?” 
“Exactly.” 
“Ah, my goddess, we are neglecting our philosophical prom- 
enade. Nevertheless, I do find you more interesting than the 
entire contents of this stupendous building.” 
42 
