midnight
inquired the lady again , though in her eyes a spark of hope was now evident . Tutmosis was troubled . His conclusion that it was Lykon was wise and might be true , but indications were not lacking that the queen had seen Ramses . It was certain that he had returned to his chamber after midnight ; he wore a tunic with white and blue stripes , he had lost his mantle . It was true that his brother was demented , and , moreover , could a mother 's heart deceive her ? And doubts rose in the soul of Tutmosis , intricate and involved as a nest of poisonous reptiles . Luckily in proportion as his doubts increased hope entered the heart of Niort 's .