eave of Miriam to greet Caleb,
their grandfather and great-grandfather, she heartily congratulated the
man who was one of her brother's most loyal friends, upon such scions of
his noble race.

Hur seized her hand and, with a warmth of emotion gushing from a grateful
heart that was by no means usual to the stern, imperious nature of this
chief of an unruly shepherd tribe, exclaimed:

"Ay, they have remained good, true, and obedient. God has guarded them
and prepared this day of happiness for me. Now it depends on you to make
it the fairest of all festivals. You must have long perceived that my
eyes have followed you and that you have been dear to my heart. To work
for our people and their welfare is my highest aim as a man, yours as a
woman, and that is a strong bond. But I desired to have a still firmer
one unite us, and since your parents are dead, and I cannot go with the
bridal dower to Amram, to buy you from him, I now bring my suit to you in
person, high-souled maiden. But ere you say yes or no, you should learn
that my son and grandson are ready to pay you the same honor as head of
our household that they render me, and your brothers willingly permitted
me to approach you as a suitor."

Miriam had listened to this offer in silent surprise. She had a high
esteem and warm regard for the man who so fervently desired her love.
Spite of his age, he stood before her in the full flush of manhood and
stately dignity, and the beseeching expression of eyes whose glance was
wont to be so imperious and steadfast stirred the inmost depths of her
soul.

She, however, was waiting with ardent longing for another, so her sole
answer was a troubled shake of the head.

But this man of mature years, a prince of his tribe, who was accustomed
to carry his plans persistently into execution, undeterred by her mute
refusal, continued even more warmly than before.

"Do not destroy in one short moment the yearning repressed with so much
difficulty for years! Do you object to my age?"

Miriam shook her head a second time, but Hur went on:

"That was the source of my anxiety, though I can still vie with many a
younger man in vigor. But, if you can overlook your lover's grey hairs,
perhaps you may be induced to weigh the words he now utters. Of the faith
and devotion of my soul I will say nothing. No man of my years woos a
woman, unless his heart's strong impulse urges him on. But there is
something else which, meseems, is of equal im