"
He paused, but the President, without taking the slightest notice of his
insults or sarcasms, repeated merely:
"We have spoken," and as with one voice, like some great echo, the whole
hundred of them cried, "We have spoken!"
"Do you hear them, master?" said Nehushta in the silence that followed.
"Well, I know them. They mean what they say, and you are right--what
which they threaten they can perform."
"Let my grandchild speak," said Benoni. "Daughter, is it your wish that
such dishonouring bonds should be laid upon me?"
"Grandsire," replied Miriam, in a pure, clear voice, "I may not quarrel
with that which is done for my own good. For the wealth I care little,
but I would not become a slave in everything save the name, nor do
I desire to set my feet in that path my parents trod. What my uncles
say--all of these"--and she waved her hand--"speaking in the name of the
thousands that are without, that I do, for they love me and I love them,
and their mind is my mind and their words are my words."
"Proud-spirited, and well spoken, like all her race," muttered Benoni.
Still he stroked his beard and hesitated.
"Be pleased to give your answer," said the President, "that we may
finish our discussion before the hour of evening prayer.
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