He has been fighting up in the desert there, and bravely, for
I am told that he was one of those who seized the fortress of Masada and
put its Roman garrison to the sword."
"Then he is against the Romans?"
"Yes, because he hopes to rule the Jews, and risks much to gain more."
"I do not wish to meet him," said Miriam.
"Nay, but you must, and the sooner the better. Why do you fear the man?"
"I know not, but fear him I do, now and always."
When Miriam entered the supper chamber that night, the guests to the
number of twelve were already seated on their couches, waiting for the
feast to begin. By her grandfather's command she was arrayed in her
richest robes fashioned and broidered after the Grecian fashion, having
her hair gathered into coils upon her head and held with a golden net.
Round her waist was a girdle of gold set with gems, about her throat the
necklace of pearls which Marcus had sent her, and on her hand a single
ring--that with his likeness and her own. As she entered the great
chamber, looking most lovely, notwithstanding her lack of height, her
grandfather came forward to meet her and present her to the guests,
who rose in greeting. One by one they bowed to her and one by one she
searched their faces with her eyes--faces for the most part stern and
fierce.
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