At the time that the Romans came she was
finishing a work more ambitious than any which she had undertaken as
yet; namely, a life-sized bust cut from the fragment of an ancient
column to the likeness of her great-uncle, Ithiel. On the afternoon
following the day that she met Marcus, clad in her white working-robe,
she was occupied in polishing this bust, with the assistance of
Nehushta, who handed her the cloths and grinding-powder. Suddenly
shadows fell upon her, and turning, she beheld Ithiel and the Roman.
"Daughter," said Ithiel, smiling at her confusion, "I have brought the
captain Marcus to see your work."
"Oh, my uncle!" she replied indignantly, "am I in a state to receive
any captain?" and she held out her wet hands and pointed to her garments
begrimed with clay and powder. "Look at me."
"I look," said Ithiel innocently, "and see naught amiss."
"And I look, lady," added Marcus in his merry voice, "and see much to
admire. Would that more of your sex could be found thus delightfully
employed."
"Alas, sir," she replied, adroitly misunderstanding him, for Miriam did
not lack readiness, "in this poor work there is little to admire. I am
ashamed that you should look on the rude fashionings of a half-trained
girl, you who must have seen all those splendid statues of which I have
been told.
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