er, as a youthful maid of the royal
line of Judah. In thus drawing a line of distinction between yourselves
and your sister, far be it from me to think that your present relation to
our government renders you, in any real sense, inferior to others--'tis
but a name, and will soon be forgotten; for it is in the power of the
king to elevate you, not only to proper citizenship, but to high rank and
prominent stations in the government.

"Your sister will now accompany us home. Any article she wishes conveyed
thither, shall be sent for without delay. Now, my daughter, are we
ready?"

"All ready, father, unless Perreeza has aught unfinished."

"I have naught to hinder," answered Perreeza, with a trembling voice.

CHAPTER X.

IN A ROYAL apartment, decorated in superlative grandeur, sat the powerful
monarch of Chaldea. He was alone. His countenance bespoke a degree of
self-complacency and satisfaction. Around him, on a rich carpet, were
several large scrolls of manuscript, while, in his hand, he held
carelessly what appeared to be a well-arranged map of battle fields and
grand points of attack. Chaldea, at this time, was the seat of science
and learning. Thither the great of other nations resorted to acquire
literary distinction. Nebuchadnezzar, from his childhood, had been
initiated into all the arts and sciences; and, as he was a youth
possessing a superior mind, he made great proficiency in all his numerous
studies. Before he ascended the throne, he was pronounced to be one of
the brightest scholars within the whole realm; and now, although a
monarch, surrounded by a thousand cares and perplexities, he bestowed
much thought on his own favorite studies; and one of his most prominent
desires was the perpetuity and advancement of learning among his
subjects. A dull individual, however high in his rank, could never share
the company of the young King of Babylon. All who moved within the royal
enclosures, whether as courtiers, under-officers, or domestics, had to be
those of discerning minds and intelligence. What exact train of thought
occupied the monarch's mind at this time we may better judge, perhaps,
from the sequel. He rose from his reclining posture and lightly touched a
shining key, which instantly answered in a remote part of the royal
palace. The door opened, and an officer bowed himself into the apartment.

"And what is the pleasure of my lord the king?"

"Ashpenaz," said the king, in a familiar voice, "tho