as past midnight, the thought came vividly before
her mind of the many years he had spent among the Egyptians, and that he
might perhaps deem it unworthy of a man to obey the call of a woman, even
if she uplifted her voice in the name of the Most High. She had
experienced humiliations enough that day, why should not this be decreed
also?

CHAPTER XIV

Deeply disturbed and tortured by such thoughts, Miriam walked toward
Amminadab's house to seek repose; but just as she was in the act of
crossing the threshold, she paused and again listened for sounds coming
from the north.

Hosea must arrive from that direction.

But she heard nothing save the footsteps of a sentinel and the voice of
Hur, who was patrolling the camp with a body of armed men.

He, too, had been unable to stay in the house.

The night was mild and starry, the time seemed just suited for dreams
under the sycamore. Her bench beneath the venerable tree was empty, and
with drooping head she approached the beloved resting-place, which she
must leave forever on the morrow.

But ere she had reached the spot so close at hand, she paused with her
figure drawn up to its full height and her hand pressed upon her
throbbing bosom. This time she was not mistaken, the beat of hoofs echoed
on the air, and it came from the north.

Were Pharaoh's chariots approaching to attack the camp? Should she shout
to wake the warriors? Or could it be he whom she so longingly expected?
Yes, yes, yes! It was the tramp of a single steed, and must be a new
arrival; for there were loud voices in the tents, the dogs barked, and
shouts, questions, and answers came nearer and nearer with the rider.

It was Hosea, she felt sure. His riding alone through the night, released
from the bonds that united him to Pharaoh and his comrades in arms, was a
sign of his obedience! Love had steeled his will and quickened the pace
of his steed, and the gratitude of answering affection, the reward she
could bestow, should be withheld no longer. In her arms he should
blissfully perceive that he had resigned great possessions to obtain
something still fairer and sweeter! She felt as though the darkness
around had suddenly brightened into broad day, as her ear told her that
the approaching horseman was riding straight toward the house of her host
Amminadab. She now knew that he was obeying her summons, that he had come
to find her. Hosea was seeking her ere he went to his own father, who had
fou