There find out my mother's brother, Ithiel, who is of their society, and
present to him the tokens of my name and birth which still hang about
my neck, and tell him all the story, keeping nothing back. He is not a
Christian, but he is a good and gentle-hearted man who thinks well of
Christians, and is grieved at their persecution, since he wrote to my
father reproving him for his deeds towards us and, as you know, strove,
but in vain, to bring about our release from prison. Say to him that I,
his kinswoman, pray of him, as he will answer to God, and in the name of
the sister whom he loved, to protect my child and you; to do nothing
to turn her from her faith, and in all things to deal with her as his
wisdom shall direct--for so shall peace and blessing come upon him."
Thus spoke Rachel, but in short and broken words. Then she began to
pray, and, praying, fell asleep. When she woke again the dawn was
breaking. Signing to Nehushta to bring her the child, for now she could
no longer speak, she scanned it earnestly in the new-born light, then
placed her hand upon its head and blessed it. Nehushta she blessed also,
thanking her with her eyes and kissing her. Then again she seemed to
fall asleep, and presently, when Nehushta looked at her, Rachel was
dead.
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