Now all had passed and she sighed with relief, for among them
there was no Caleb. Even as she did so a curtain swung aside and Caleb
entered.
It was he, of that there could be no doubt; but oh! how changed since
last she had seen him two years before. Then he had been but a raw,
passionate youth; now he was a tall and splendid young man, very
handsome in his dark fashion, very powerful of frame also and quick of
limb. His person was matched by his attire, which was that of an Eastern
warrior noble, and his mien was proud and conquering. As he advanced
the guests bowed to him in respect, as to a man of great and assured
position who may become greater still. Yes, even Benoni showed him
this respect, stepping forward to greet him. All these greetings Caleb
acknowledged lightly, even haughtily, till of a sudden he saw Miriam
standing somewhat in the shadow, and heedless of the other guests pushed
his way towards her.
"Thus we meet again, Miriam," he said, his proud face softening as
he spoke and his eyes gazing on her with a sort of rapture. "Are you
pleased to see me?"
"Surely, Caleb," she answered. "Who would not be well pleased to meet
the playfellow of her childhood?"
He frowned, for childhood and its play were not in his thoughts.
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