nd over
the well-tuned strings, and, after a moment's pause sang in seraphic
tones a plaintive melody peculiar to her life in Jerusalem.

Profound silence fell on the assembly after her song was finished. The
performance and its effect were such that applause or compliments would
have sounded ill-timed. All gazed with solemn delight on Perreeza as she
laid aside her harp and took her seat beside Jupheena.

Suddenly, the disappearance of Joram was noticed, and Barzello sprang up
in an agitated manner. The merchant was not in the room, and none had
seen him depart.

"In the name of the gods, what has befallen my good friend!" cried the
officer, as he went to the adjoining apartment.

"Be calm," faintly replied the voice of Joram, as the host came to where
he was reclining.

"Barzello," said the guest, "thou hast given me reason these many years
to believe in thy friendship."

"Thou art not in the least mistaken," responded Barzello.

"Then I shall proceed without delay to explain my singular conduct, and,
in making these developments, I am confident I shall share the sympathies
of my kind friend. To-night my heart has been almost rent with contending
emotions. I have been well-nigh overwhelmed with both sadness and joy.
During my long residence in this part of the world a degree of mystery
has hung over myself and family, and even to-day my country and origin
are not known. For many years past I have had strong doubts in regard to
the wisdom of this course of secrecy. The time has at last arrived when
my life history must be divulged.

"In the first place, then, let me inform you that I am a Hebrew. I was
born of noble and wealthy parents who lived within the metropolis of
Judah. I was the pride of my father, and by my mother I was almost
idolized. Being of a lively temperament I was fond of company and
overfond of amusements. I was sent to one of the city's leading halls of
learning and found but little trouble in mastering my studies. I was
early thrown into the companionship of those who had not the fear of God
before their eyes. I drank in their spirit, and, consequently, the yoke
of parental authority became painful to my youthful neck. My affection
for parents and near relatives was strong, and it was not without a hard
struggle that I yielded to the enticements of older transgressors.
Gradually I became the willing companion of youths whose chief object
was amusement.

[image 4]

"One night we tarried