Now also, as though its work were done, the gale ceased, and, as is
common on the Syrian coast, the sea sank rapidly, so that by nightfall
it was calm again. Indeed, three hours before sunset, had both of them
been strong and well, they might have escaped to the land by wading. But
this was not to be, for now what Nehushta had feared befell, and when
she was least fitted to bear it, being worn out with anguish of mind and
weariness of body, pain took sudden hold of Rachel, of which the end was
that, before midnight, there, in that broken vessel upon a barren coast
where no man seemed to live, a daughter was born to her.
"Let me see the child," said Rachel. So Nehushta showed it to her by the
light of a lamp which burned in the cabin.
It was a small child, but very white, with blue eyes and dark hair that
curled. Rachel gazed at it long and tenderly. Then she said, "Bring me
water while there is yet time."
When the water was brought she dipped her trembling hand into it, and
made the sign of the Cross upon the babe's forehead, baptising her with
the name of Miriam, after that of her own mother, to the service and the
company of Jesus the Christ.
"Now," she said, "whether she live an hour or an hundred years, this
child is a Christian, and whatever befalls, should she come to the age
of understanding, see to it, Nou, who are henceforth the foster-mother
of her body and her soul, that she does not forget the rites and duties
of her faith.
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