The man advanced saluting, and, turning aside, his captain began to talk
with him, so that now, for the first time, Miriam could study his face.
He was young--not more than five or six and twenty years of age--of
middle height, and somewhat slender, but active in movement and athletic
in build. Upon his head, which was round and not large, in place of the
helmet that hung at his saddle-bow, he wore a little cap, steel lined
and padded as a protection against the sun, and beneath it she could see
that his short, dark brown hair curled closely. Under the tan caused by
exposure to the heat, his skin was fair, and his grey eyes, set rather
wide apart, were quick and observant. For the rest, his mouth was
well-shaped, though somewhat large, and the chin clean-shaved, prominent
and determined. His air was that of a soldier accustomed to command, but
very genial, and, when he smiled, showing his regular white teeth, even
merry--the air of one with a kind and generous heart.
Miriam looked at him, and in an instant was aware that she liked him
better than any man--that is any young man--she had ever seen. This,
however, was no great or exclusive compliment to the Roman, since of
such acquaintances she had but few, if, indeed, Caleb was not the only
one.
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