Thus things went on from day to day. Each afternoon the elders attended,
and each afternoon they sank to slumber in their comfortable chairs, an
example that Nehushta followed, or seemed to follow, leaving Miriam and
her model practically alone. As may be guessed, the model, who liked
conversation, did not neglect these opportunities. Few were the subjects
which the two of them failed to discuss. He told her of all his life,
which had been varied and exciting, omitting, it is true, certain
details; also of the wars in which he had served, and the countries that
he had visited. She in turn told him the simple story of her existence
among the Essenes, which he seemed to find of interest. When these
subjects were exhausted they discussed other things--the matter of
religion, for instance. Indeed, Miriam ventured to expound to him the
principles of her faith, to which he listened respectfully and with
attention.
"It sounds well," he said at length with a sigh, "but how do such maxims
fit in with this world of ours? See now, lady, I am not old, but already
I have studied so many religions. First, there are the gods of Greece
and Rome, my own gods, you understand--well, the less said of them the
better.
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