Nor did they altogether regret it, inasmuch as in many ways
Caleb had proved himself but an unsatisfactory disciple, and already
they were discussing the expediency of rejecting him from the fellowship
of their peaceful order. Had they known that when he vanished he left
behind him a drawn sword and one of his forefingers, their opinion on
this point might have been strengthened. But this they did not know,
although Miriam knew it through Nehushta.
A week went by, during which time Miriam and Marcus did not meet, as no
further sittings were arranged for the completion of the bust. In fact,
they were not needful, since she could work from the clay model, which
she did, till, labouring at it continually, the marble was done and even
polished. One morning as the artist was putting the last touches to her
labours, the door of the workshop was darkened and she looked up to
see Marcus, who, except for his helmet, was clad in full mail as though
about to start upon a journey. As it chanced, Miriam was alone in the
place, Nehushta having gone to attend to household affairs. Thus for the
first time they met with no other eyes to watch them.
At the sight of him she coloured, letting the cloth fall from her hand
which remained about the neck of the marble.
Pages:
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152