Often he talked to me of you
in Rome, where we were friends after a fashion, though he was set far
above me, and by me sent to you that letter which I delivered here in
this garden, and the trinket that you wear about your neck, and if I
remember right, with it a ring--yes, it is upon your finger. Well, I
took note of you at the time and went my way to the war, and when I
chanced to find you lately upon the top of the Gate Nicanor, although
you were more like a half-burnt cinder than a fair maiden, I knew you
again and carried you off to Caesar, who named you his slave and bade me
take charge of you and deliver you to him in Rome. Now I want to know
how you came to be upon that gateway."
So Miriam began and told him all her tale, while he listened patiently.
When she had done he rose and, limping round the little table, bent over
and kissed her solemnly upon the brow.
"By all the gods of the Romans, Greeks, Christians, Jews, and barbarian
nations, you are a noble-hearted woman," he said, "and that kiss is
my tribute to you. Little wonder that puppy, Marcus, is called The
Fortunate, since, even when he deserved to die who suffered himself to
be taken alive, you appeared to save him--to save him, by Venus, at the
cost of your own sweet self.
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