Part 5 (1/2)

”Thy maid of Judah is in good health; and being so well provided for on her journey, she experienced but a very slight inconvenience.”

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”But she must be further provided for. She must have a permanent home in the vicinity of her brothers. An officer of the king, in the city, with whom I am well acquainted, having learned something of the history and deportment of this your sister, would desire her, if not contrary to her wishes, to be an inmate of his house, and a companion for his only child--a maiden of sixteen summers. Would this be acceptable to the young damsel?”

”Abundantly acceptable, most kind Barzello!” said Perreeza. ”Thy young handmaid is ready at any time to do the pleasure of her protector.”

”Then I will accompany thee thither without any delay.”

Perreeza withdrew to another apartment, and in a short time, returned, attired in her rich native costume, and giving Barzello a sign that she was ready, they both left the apartment. Soon Perreeza found herself by the side of her kind friend, in a richly-ornamented chariot, that hurried them through the wide and busy thoroughfares. Perreeza was somewhat astonished at the greatness and grandeur of this Gentile metropolis.

”Your Babylon is truly a great city,” said she.

”The greatest on record. How in thine eye compares its beauty with the capital of Judah?”

”In the ornamental--in splendid gardens and bubbling fountains--Babylon surely stands far superior.”

The chariot halted, and Perreeza found herself in front of one of the most beautiful mansions she had ever beheld.

”And is this the officer's mansion?” asked Perreeza, gazing with a degree of astonishment at the great structure.

”Yea, this is it, fair damsel. But thou appearest somewhat embarra.s.sed.

Let the maid of Judah have no fears, for I have every confidence that she will do well.”

”Is the n.o.ble officer at home?” asked the maid, endeavoring to appear composed.

”He is about the premises, and will soon be in,” replied Barzello, with a smile.

”What delicious flowers!” cried Perreeza, breathing a little easier.

”Babylon abounds with the like, fair damsel. But come, let us enter, for the officer's daughter is in haste to behold the youthful maid from the land of Judah.”

Barzello ascended those steps of spotless marble, and, with a degree of freedom that seemed to surprise his young companion, he entered a s.p.a.cious apartment, richly furnished and beautifully ornamented, where Jupheena was ready to receive them, with loving smiles of welcome.

”Jupheena, this is the young maid from the land of Judah, of whom thy father spoke,” and, directing his language to Perreeza, at the same time giving Jupheena a glance that was readily understood, he said, ”and, young damsel, this is the officer's daughter of whom I spoke.”

The two maidens, as if by a magic spell, were drawn to each other's arms.

”I shall leave you for a short period, Jupheena,” said the officer; ”thy father will soon return; when he comes, thou wilt be most happy to present to him thy young companion,” and Barzello left the apartment, and thus the two fair ones were left together.

”I am happy to see my young friend from Judah,” said Jupheena. ”I have been deeply affected by thy history, and that of thy n.o.ble brothers. I trust, that in the absence of thy friends, we shall be able to make thee happy.”

”Since we left our beloved Jerusalem, and even before, we have experienced naught but kindness from the n.o.ble officers of the king, especially the most excellent Barzello. His sympathies have well-nigh overwhelmed us, and we shall love him as long as we live, and implore the blessing of the G.o.d of Israel to rest upon his household. Was it not he that kindly spoke of thy young handmaiden to thy father?”

”I am not aware who it was that first spoke to my father of the maid of Judah,” replied Jupheena, smiling, ”but Barzello, surely, is deeply interested in thy welfare.”

Barzello again entered, and Perreeza looked for the other officer, but no other officer was present. Jupheena arose, and, taking her young companion by the hand, led her to her father.

”Maid of Judah, I have now the pleasure of presenting thee to my own dear father, the king's officer, under whose roof I trust thou wilt find a welcome home.”