Whilst they
spoke thus, a messenger entered the room and whispered something
into the ear of Benoni, who raised his hands to Heaven as though in
gratitude.
"What tidings?" asked one.
"This, my friends. Cestius Gallus the Roman has been hunted from the
walls of Jerusalem and his army is destroyed in the pass of Beth-horon."
"God be praised!" said the company as though with one voice.
"God be praised," repeated Caleb, "for so great and glorious a victory!
The accursed Romans are fallen indeed."
Only Miriam said nothing.
"What is in your mind?" he asked looking at her.
"That they will spring up again stronger than before," she replied, then
at a signal from Benoni, rose and left the feast.
From the supper chamber Miriam passed down a passage to the portico and
there seated herself, resting her arms upon the marble balustrade and
listening to the waves as they lapped against the walls below.
That day had been disturbed, different, indeed, from all the peaceful
days which she was wont to spend. First had come the messenger bearing
her lover's gifts and letter which already she longed to read again;
then hard upon his heels, like storm upon the sunshine, he who, unless
she was mistaken, still wished to be her lover--Caleb.
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