The Egyptian King had decided to reward Radames for his victories by giving him his daughter for a wife, but all the while Amneris was disturbed and devoured by jealousy for she believed that Radames and Aida loved, though she could not be certain. She had thought and thought of this, till she could not rest longer without some proof, and after her slaves had danced awhile for her amusement, to make the time waiting for the fetes pass more quickly, the Princess dismissed all but Aida. Then she said to her: "Ah, Aida, my heart goes out to thee in this affliction--because thy people have been beaten in this fearful war, and so many taken captive." Her voice was very soft and affectionate, and she sighed, seeming to be deeply moved. "But I mean to make thee as happy as I may, and----" "Princess, far from my home, my father's fate uncertain, what happiness is there in this world for me?" "Time will bring thee comfort, Aida; thou shalt be as my sister; and then this return of our brave men--alas! that the bravest of them all may not return to us." She seemed about to weep, and Aida looked at her anxiously. "The bravest?" she faltered; "that can mean but one"; and she became pale with fear and apprehension. "Aye--our brave Radames! He fell in battle; have you not heard?" While the Princess was speaking, Aida clasped her hands wildly and cried out. Thus, she betrayed instantly all her love for Radames, and Amneris was no longer in doubt. "So, you love him?" she cried. "That was what I wished to know. Now let me tell thee that he lives and is returning with honours--but not for thee. If you love him, so do I. What chance has one like you--a slave--beside a princess like me? I feel nothing but hate now for you, and from this moment you shall know all the humility of a slave. Since you have dared to love Radames, I shall be revenged." "Not upon him, madame. I care not what my fate is, if he be happy. Surely you can spare a sad and despairing heart? I am poor and far from friends and country. My father is ruined, since he too was a soldier, and may even now be a captive. Can you wish me greater ill than this, Princess?" "I wish thee every ill. Come, now, while I exhibit thee before Radames and all the court as my slave and servant. You shall see me triumph." "I have no hope," Aida answered, bowing her head, "but I have not harmed thee." The sound of a trumpet was heard, and outside the people shouted: "The troops! They come! They are here!" _Scene II_ Down an avenue lined with palms and with the Temple of Ammon to be seen near by, the people went. There was a stately throne with a purple and gold canopy, and a vast, triumphal arch under which the returning heroes were to come. The trumpets sounded louder and nearer and the music became martial and triumphant.