Of a sudden as he gazed Marcus lost control of
himself. Passion for this maiden and bitter jealousy of Caleb arose like
twin giants in his heart and possessed him.
"You say you are not in love with Caleb," he said. "Well, kiss me and I
will believe you."
"How could such a thing prove my words?" she asked indignantly.
"I do not know and I do not care. Kiss me once and I will believe
further that the peasants of these parts are all liars. I feel myself
beginning to believe it."
"And if I will not?"
"Then I am afraid I must refer the matter to a competent tribunal at
Jerusalem."
"Nehushta, Nehushta, you have heard. What shall I do?"
"What shall you do?" said Nehushta drily. "Well, if you like to give the
noble Marcus a kiss, I shall not blame you overmuch or tell on you. But
if you do not wish it, then I think you would be a fool to put yourself
to shame to save Caleb."
"Yet, I will do it--and to save Caleb only," said Miriam with a sob, and
she bent towards him.
To her surprise Marcus drew back, placing his hand before his face.
"Forgive me," he said. "I was a brute who wished to buy kisses in such
a fashion. I forgot myself; your beauty is to blame, and your sweetness
and everything that is yours.
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