She nursed both my mother and myself, and many a time has
saved my life. Have no fear, she is faithful."
"Your pardon," said the bishop with a grave smile and addressing
Nehushta, "but you who are old will know that the Christian who
entertains strangers sometimes entertains a devil." Then he lifted up
his hands and blessed them, greeting them in the name of their Master.
"So, maid Miriam," he said, still smiling, "it would seem that I was no
false prophet, and though you walked in the Triumph and were sold in the
slave-ring--for this much I have heard--still the Angel of the Lord went
with you."
"Father, he went with me," she answered, "and he leads me here."
Then they told him all the tale, and how Miriam sought a refuge from
Domitian. He looked at her, stroking his long beard.
"Is there anything you can do?" he asked. "Anything useful, I mean? But
perhaps that is a foolish question, seeing that women--especially those
who are well-favoured--do not learn a trade."
"I have learnt a trade," answered Miriam, flushing a little. "Once I
was held of some account as a sculptor; indeed I have heard that your
Emperor Nero decreed divine honours to a bust from my hand."
The bishop laughed outright.
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