And now you say you are an Essene--you, by
Bacchus! you!" and he looked at her with an admiration which,
although there was nothing brutal or even rude about it, was amusingly
undisguised.
"I am their guest," she said.
"Their guest? Why, this is stranger still. If these spiritual
outlaws--the word is that old high priest's, not mine--share their bread
and water with such guests, my sojourn among them will be happier than I
thought."
"They brought me up, I am their ward," Miriam explained again.
"In truth, my opinion of the Essenes rises, and I am convinced that
those priests slandered them. If they can shape so sweet a lady, surely
they must themselves be good and gentle"; and he bowed gravely, perhaps
to mark the compliment.
"Sir, they are both good and gentle," answered Miriam; "but of this you
will be able to judge for yourself very shortly, seeing that they live
near at hand. If you will follow us over yonder rise we will show you
their village, whither we go."
"By your leave, I will accompany you," he said, dismounting before she
could answer; then added, "Pardon me for one moment--I must give some
orders," and he called to a soldier, who, with his companions, had
halted at a little distance.
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