Moreover, a rumour had reached Julia
that her husband was not only wounded, but dead, wherefore her joy and
thankfulness at his coming were even greater than they would otherwise
have been. One thing, however, Miriam noted, that whereas her friend and
benefactor, Gallus, held up his hands and thanked the gods that he found
his wife living and well, Julia on her part said:
"Aye, I thank God," touching her breast with her fingers as she spoke
the words.
Presently the matron seemed to notice her, and, looking at her with a
doubtful eye, asked:
"How comes it, husband, that you are in charge of this captive Jewess,
if Jewess she be who is so fair?"
"By the orders of Titus Caesar, wife," he answered, "to whom she must
be delivered on his arrival. She was condemned to perish on the gate
Nicanor as a traitress to the Jews and a Nazarene."
Julia started and looked at the girl over her shoulder.
"Are you of that faith, daughter?" she asked in a changed voice,
crossing her hands upon her breast as though by chance.
"I am, mother," answered Miriam, repeating the sign.
"Well, well, husband," said Julia, "the maid's tale can wait. Whether
she was a traitress to the Jews, or a follower of Christus, is not our
affair.
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